Our client is seeking an Instrumentation & Automation Construction Technician to work within their facilities located in George West, TX on a long-term assignment (with possibility of extension / becoming permanent).
The Instrumentation & Automation (I&A) Construction Technician is responsible for leading and executing field-based instrumentation and automation construction activities across production facilities. This role focuses on instrumentation, pneumatic and safety systems, panel and field wiring, and AC/DC electrical installations supporting Performance Compressors, Blowcase systems, Instrument Air, Plunger Lift, Gas Lift, and facility Safety Systems.
The technician manages construction crews and delivers high-quality installations, terminations, and commissioning support. While this role does not perform RTU or PLC programming, the technician is expected to have a strong working knowledge of ABB RTU controller hardware, I/O architecture, and termination layouts to effectively support automation projects in collaboration with engineering and automation teams. The role supports FAT/SAT activities and system cutovers to ensure safe, reliable, and optimized production operations.
Objectives
- Manage and coordinate Automation & Instrumentation construction crews to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality project execution.
- Collaborate with engineering and automation teams to support RTU-based projects through proper hardware installation and field execution.
- Install, terminate, and verify ABB RTU panels, I/O cards, marshalling panels, and field wiring in accordance with design standards.
- Support integration of field instrumentation and RTU hardware with HMI and SCADA systems (no programming required).
- Deliver fully installed, tested, and documented instrumentation and automation infrastructure.
- Support FAT/SAT activities and Cygnet cutovers by validating field devices, wiring, and panel configurations.
Deliverables
- Installation, termination, and verification of ABB RTU hardware, power supplies, and I/O panels.
- Proper termination, labeling, and documentation of analog, discrete, and communication I/O.
- Installation, tubing, and calibration of transmitters, switches, control valves, and safety devices.
- Installation and testing of pneumatic systems, including regulators, pilots, solenoids, and shutdown valves.
- AC and DC electrical wiring for instrumentation, RTUs, and facility equipment.
- FAT/SAT support documentation, including loop checks, point-to-point checks, and signed test results.
- As-built documentation reflecting field wiring, terminations, and installed equipment.
- Post-cutover verification, troubleshooting reports, and project closeout documentation.
- Knowledge transfer and turnover support for operations and maintenance teams.
Responsibilities
- Ensure HSSE standards and safe work practices are upheld during all construction and commissioning activities.
- Oversee daily field activities related to wells, compressors, and production facilities.
- Manage contractor and construction crew activities to ensure compliance with instrumentation, electrical, and facility standards.
- Troubleshoot instrumentation, pneumatic systems, safety devices, and field wiring issues.
- Interpret and execute work from P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and termination drawings.
- Perform SCADA- and measurement-related administrative support as required for automation projects.
- Apply and enforce best practices within the instrumentation, electrical, and automation construction disciplines.
- Complete all required training, certifications, and qualifications.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve safety, reliability, and constructability through better instrumentation and field execution.
Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Vocational training or technical degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, or Automation preferred.
- Proven experience managing field crews and coordinating I&A construction activities.
- Strong hands-on background in instrumentation installation, calibration, and troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of ABB RTU controller equipment, including hardware components, I/O layouts, and termination practices.
- Experience with panel installation, wiring, and marshaling.
- Experience installing and troubleshooting AC and DC electrical systems.
- Familiarity with pneumatic control systems and facility safety shutdown equipment.
- Understanding of compressor facilities, gas lift systems, and safety interlocks.
- Experience supporting automation projects without performing control logic programming.
- Proficient in calibration of transmitters, switches, and control valves.
- Strong understanding of analog and discrete I/O signal types and wiring practices.
- Skilled in FAT/SAT support activities from a hardware and field execution perspective.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, loop sheets, and termination drawings.
- Knowledge of grounding, shielding, and panel best practices