Specialist-Automation & Controls, Sr.

Primary purpose:

Provide technical leadership and support to gas processing plant and compression operations facilities to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Automation & Control equipment and systems, with a primary focus on the maintenance, administration, and optimization of the Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System, or DCS. Responsibilities also include supporting employee training and development, capital and O&M budgeting, project execution, and technical support functions.

Tallgrass was named one of the Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado''s Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.

At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees'' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

• Industry competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Infertility Coverage
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.

Compensation: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Notice to External Search Firms: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass''s request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.

EEO Statement: Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution in a technical field.
• A minimum of eight years of direct and active work experience in gas processing plant operations, automation, controls, instrumentation, or technical analysis may be considered as a substitute for a degree.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Extensive hands-on experience and advanced knowledge in programming, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Emerson DeltaV DCS systems within a process plant environment.
• Strong understanding of DeltaV system architecture, including ProfessionalPlus stations, Application Stations, control networks, electronic marshalling, and CHARMs.
• Demonstrated experience with DeltaV virtualization infrastructure, including Hyper-V or DeltaV Virtual Studio management.
• In-depth knowledge of Emerson DeltaV PCSD standards and structured configuration methodologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency developing graphics in DeltaV Live, including native standard features, scripting, and display topology.
• Strong technical understanding of High-Performance HMI design philosophies, including the use of grayscale graphics for process visualization.
• Demonstrated experience with alarm management, lifecycle configuration, and alarm rationalization workflows.
• Knowledge of PLC ladder logic, Wonderware InTouch, and one or more additional programming languages used in automation.
• Ability to learn new programming skills as needed.
• Experience with standard industrial communication techniques and protocols, including Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus, and other proprietary communication protocols.
• Experience with specification and procurement of physical communication media, including copper, fiber-optic, and radio communications.
• Knowledge and/or application experience with national and international instrumentation, electrical, and controls standards.
• Construction knowledge related to electrically hazardous area applications.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to consistently apply company policies, practices, and regulatory requirements.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, control, and instrumentation drawings, including flow charts, cause/effect diagrams, and Piping and Instrument Drawings, or P&IDs.
• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency with Microsoft applications, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and information retrieval.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including logical thought processes and the ability to resolve simple to complex issues.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and prioritize workload to meet multiple schedules and objectives on short notice.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with varying deadlines and levels of responsibility.
• Ability to resolve conflict in a win-win manner.
• Ability to work effectively with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to meet performance expectations as defined by the department and customer.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Job level will be commensurate with experience and skill sets. Position will be filled depending on the qualifications, experience, and skill sets of the successful candidate.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, administer, and optimize Emerson DeltaV DCS hardware, controller logic, function blocks, HMI graphics, databases, user security, backups, licenses, and software updates.

• Develop and maintain DeltaV configurations using DeltaV PCSD, or Process Control System Design, libraries and standard configuration frameworks.

• Design, configure, and maintain modern HMI displays within the DeltaV Live operations environment, adhering to High-Performance HMI guidelines and grayscale graphics standards to maximize operator situational awareness.

• Manage and troubleshoot the DeltaV virtualization environment, including DeltaV Virtual Studio, virtual machines, host servers, thin clients, and hypervisor networks.

• Participate in and execute Alarm Rationalization initiatives in accordance with Tallgrass standards, ISA-18.2 standards, and applicable industry best practices to minimize alarm flooding and optimize system alerts.

• Integrate third-party PLC systems, subsystems, and field devices into the DeltaV DCS platform using industrial communication protocols, including Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and serial protocols.

• Develop and maintain Rockwell PLC programs.

• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PC-based HMI automation systems, including Wonderware HMI systems.

• Provide technical support to operations, technicians, and field personnel for control logic, wiring, I/O issues, process control problems, and automation system troubleshooting.

• Serve as the primary technical interface for troubleshooting and coordination with third-party automation vendors.

• Participate in Process Safety Management, or PSM, requirements and procedures.

• Develop and manage capital projects, including scope development, planning, budgeting, execution support, and coordination with stakeholders.

• Assist in planning and managing operating and capital budgets.

• Specify and procure instrumentation, communication media, and automation-related equipment.

• Manage contractor bid processes, contractor selection, and contractor performance during automation projects.

• Provide technical expertise related to instrumentation, electrical systems, automation specifications, and company standards.

• Read and interpret electrical, control, instrumentation, mechanical, process, and P&ID drawings.

• Maintain awareness and application of company Engineering Standards, Construction Standards, Operations and Maintenance Procedures, Site-Specific Procedures, and applicable governmental safety regulations.

• Evaluate and support implementation of recommended technological advancements for field operations.

• Collaborate with field management and cross-functional teams to resolve administrative, organizational, operational, and technical issues.

• Assist with the ongoing training, testing, and development of area technical employees.

• Identify, report, and help correct safety and environmental concerns.

• Organize work for timely completion while managing multiple assignments with varying deadlines and levels of responsibility.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers.

• Communicate professionally and effectively with a wide variety of people, using tact, courtesy, clear verbal communication, and active listening.

• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.

• Work non-traditional hours as needed and be available after regular work hours when required.

• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the safety of the general public.

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, administer, and optimize Emerson DeltaV DCS hardware, controller logic, function blocks, HMI graphics, databases, user security, backups, licenses, and software updates.

• Develop and maintain DeltaV configurations using DeltaV PCSD, or Process Control System Design, libraries and standard configuration frameworks.

• Design, configure, and maintain modern HMI displays within the DeltaV Live operations environment, adhering to High-Performance HMI guidelines and grayscale graphics standards to maximize operator situational awareness.

• Manage and troubleshoot the DeltaV virtualization environment, including DeltaV Virtual Studio, virtual machines, host servers, thin clients, and hypervisor networks.

• Participate in and execute Alarm Rationalization initiatives in accordance with Tallgrass standards, ISA-18.2 standards, and applicable industry best practices to minimize alarm flooding and optimize system alerts.

• Integrate third-party PLC systems, subsystems, and field devices into the DeltaV DCS platform using industrial communication protocols, including Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and serial protocols.

• Develop and maintain Rockwell PLC programs.

• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PC-based HMI automation systems, including Wonderware HMI systems.

• Provide technical support to operations, technicians, and field personnel for control logic, wiring, I/O issues, process control problems, and automation system troubleshooting.

• Serve as the primary technical interface for troubleshooting and coordination with third-party automation vendors.

• Participate in Process Safety Management, or PSM, requirements and procedures.

• Develop and manage capital projects, including scope development, planning, budgeting, execution support, and coordination with stakeholders.

• Assist in planning and managing operating and capital budgets.

• Specify and procure instrumentation, communication media, and automation-related equipment.

• Manage contractor bid processes, contractor selection, and contractor performance during automation projects.

• Provide technical expertise related to instrumentation, electrical systems, automation specifications, and company standards.

• Read and interpret electrical, control, instrumentation, mechanical, process, and P&ID drawings.

• Maintain awareness and application of company Engineering Standards, Construction Standards, Operations and Maintenance Procedures, Site-Specific Procedures, and applicable governmental safety regulations.

• Evaluate and support implementation of recommended technological advancements for field operations.

• Collaborate with field management and cross-functional teams to resolve administrative, organizational, operational, and technical issues.

• Assist with the ongoing training, testing, and development of area technical employees.

• Identify, report, and help correct safety and environmental concerns.

• Organize work for timely completion while managing multiple assignments with varying deadlines and levels of responsibility.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers.

• Communicate professionally and effectively with a wide variety of people, using tact, courtesy, clear verbal communication, and active listening.

• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.

• Work non-traditional hours as needed and be available after regular work hours when required.

• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the safety of the general public.

• Other duties as assigned.