Instrumentation and Electrical Technician

The Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and monitoring instrumentation, control systems, analytical systems, and distributed control systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant and compressor facility operations.  This position performs calibration, preventive maintenace, inspections, and repairs of instrumentation and electrical equipment, including temperature, pressure, flow, and level measurement systems, valves, control elements, and related equipment.  This candidate must reside within an hour radius of Laredo or George West, TX.

This role requires the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues, and a commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational integrity.  The technician will work closely with operators, supervision, vendors, and other personnel, maintain accurate maintenance records, manage critical spare parts, participate in safety programs and process safety activities, and respond to schedule on-call and emergency requirements. It requires the ability to work independently in the field, operate various tools and testing equipment, travel to work sites, and safely perform physically demanding tasks.

• Must reside within a 1hr radius of Laredo or George West, TX.
• Maintain amine plant and compressor station instrumentation and electrical assets safely and in compliance with regulations and corporate policies. This includes, but is not limited to PLC systems, burner management systems, 480v generators, motors and related equipment.
• Assist with the operation of area amine plants and compressor stations as directed by local supervision.
• Evaluation/development/implementation/maintenance of facility grounding systems.
• Mentor fellow employees when the opportunity presents itself.
• Participating in project planning including P&ID development, Cause & Effect development, & Control System design.
• Maintaining and optimizing communications systems and programmable logic controllers.
• Able to troubleshoot using P&IDs and loop diagrams.
• Calibrates, tests, inspects, operates, troubleshoots and maintains electronic devices (PLCs, Gas Measurement Meters, transmitters, etc.)
• Provide oversight of on-site contractors and provide assurance of competency, safety, and productivity.
• Continued implementation and enhancement of preventative maintenance programs.
• Required to carry a company provided cell phone, and be available to respond during working and non-working hours in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure instrumentation control systems and automation systems are calibrated and functioning properly.
• Accountable for maintaining and safely operating all amine plant and compressor facility instrumentation, measurement devices and final control elements, such as process control, safety shutdown, emergency shutdown, etc.
• This position will require the ability to assess, maintain, repair and monitor control, analytical systems, and distributed control systems.
• The instrument technician should be skilled in maintaining the performance of temperature, pressure, flow and level measurement control equipment, as well as valves, and single loop controllers.
• You will be subject to the on-call schedule and must respond to emergency call outs as scheduled. Perform housekeeping and general maintenance as required. Perform any other functions as requested and instructed by supervision. This position requires a strong electrical and mechanical aptitude; the candidates must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill through experience and/or training.
• Operates a variety of equipment such as hand tools, power tools, and electric meters.
• Manage spare/critical parts inventory keeping necessary amounts of inventory in stock to reduce any delays or failures.
• Properly record and complete I&E maintenance reports and service records.
• Maintain a clean work space by removing trash and debris from all areas of responsibility including structures, offices, restrooms, break rooms, vehicles, etc.
• Maintain good and open communication with operators, supervision, vendors, and customers as necessary.
• Completion of maintenance inspections, checklists, and PMs.
• Participation in Process Safety Management with a heavy emphasis on Instrument and Electrical integrity.
• Participation in safety and environmental training and attendance to daily briefings.
• Observation of company safety and operational procedures and policies. Promptly reporting of any observed unsafe conditions to management.
• Requires the use of computer / motor controlled equipment and/or the manual turning of valves on pipelines and manifolds.
• Uses and prepares various documents, including DOT documents where applicable.
• Drive company vehicle to work sites away from base location while maintaining a valid driver's license.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: 

• High School diploma or equivalent

Experience/Specific Knowledge: 

• Two years experience with instrumentation and electrical components related to amine plant operations, compressor station operations, gas measurement and Burner Management Systems.
• Must be able to pass Operation Qualification test after training if necessary.
• Must have general knowledge of 4-20ma control and associated transmitters.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms.
• Ability to connect to and troubleshoot PLC systems using Rockwell software tools.
• Working knowledge of SLC 500, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix control systems.
• Familiarity with PanelView HMIs and FactoryTalk View Studio.
• Knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including 480 VAC three-phase power.
• Ability to safely work with and troubleshoot motors and industrial power distribution equipment.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Competencies, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Electrical and/or Mechanical aptitude.
• Basic computer skills. (Microsoft Word, Excel and Email). Send and receive email, perform inventory accounting, and enter repair work orders, etc.
• Ability to accept supervision/direction and work cooperatively with other people.
• Good oral and written communications in English. Ability to read and understand English.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations in the performance of some duties. Calculators and computers are available.
• Ability & dependability to perform job duties with little or no supervision.
• Ability to recognize, define and effectively resolve problems individually or collectively within a group and in ambiguous situations.
• Must satisfactorily complete all training including passing evaluations & tests.
• Successful completion of background check and drug screen, post offer.
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s) and lead personnel, focus attention on details, follow work rules, and adhere to established work schedules.

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to manually open and close valves, unload arriving material, lift, carry / move weights regularly weighing 40 -50 lbs. and occasionally up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to walk on paved, gravel or other uneven surfaces.
• Ability to manipulate and use hand tools in performance of various maintenance functions.
• Ability to see to perform various administrative and field operator and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to stand; walk, sit, ascend / descend stairs/ladders; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear.
• Must be capable of climbing heights to maintain equipment.

Working Conditions: 

• Work schedule as necessary (days, afternoon / evening, night shifts) including overtime and call-outs as may be necessary, including weekends and holidays. Work rotating shift schedules that operate 24 hours/ day, 7 days/ week on static work sites
• Work outside in all weather conditions in daylight and darkness.
• Out of town travel, sometimes extending to multiple days, is required and anticipated.

Preferred education, experience, certifications, competencies, skills and abilities: 

Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantegeous in this position:

• Relevant 2 year Associate Degree or 4 year degree.
• Associates Degree in a technical field, or equivalent skills and experience.
• Prior experience in petroleum industry, chemical process, power plant, electrical and or mechanical experience
• Work experience in natural gas industry instrumentation, electronics, and control systems.
• Understanding of process controls and gas processing fundamentals.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids and high pressure systems.
• Knowledge and experience within a Process Safety Management facility.
• Proficient (perform with limited assistance) with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & Outlook
• Familiar with Burner Mangement Systems and Heater/Boilers such as but not limited to Sigma Thermal, Profire and Bryan Boilers.

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.