IEC&A Specialist
9 days ago
Houston
Job Description Position Overview The IEC&A Specialist is responsible for ensuring the technical integrity, reliability, and functionality of all industrial automation systems, instrumentation, control systems, electrical systems (low to high voltage), and analyzers at the facility. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) providing advanced troubleshooting, control system programming, cybersecurity oversight, and technical support for Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering. The IEC&A Specialist also ensures asset lifecycle documentation, configuration management, and change control compliance. Technical Scope – Systems & Equipment Supported Control Systems • DCS: Emerson DeltaV (CHARMs), • PLCs: Allen Bradley, Triconex, • SCADA systems, RTUs, and pipeline metering integration Instrumentation • Pressure: Yokogawa EJA/EJX, Rosemount 3051, • Level: Yokogawa dP, Vega Radar, Magnetrol Magnetostrictive, • Temperature: Yokogawa, Endress+Hauser transmitters, thermocouples, RTDs, • Flow: Micromotion Coriolis, Emerson mag meters, Yokogawa dP & vortex, Endress clamp-on ultrasonic, Krohne ultrasonic Electrical Systems • Low-voltage (<600V), Medium-voltage (up to 15kV), and High-voltage (138kV) systems, • Components: UPS, MCCs, breakers, relays, power monitoring systems Analyzers • ABB PGC5000 GCs, • O2/pH/conductivity/turbidity, TOC/Sodium/Silica, refractometers, moisture analyzers, • Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) Networks & Cybersecurity • Protocols: HART, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC, • OT cybersecurity: Firewalls, patching, password policy enforcement, vulnerability scanning Auxiliary Systems • Bosch CCTV and Access Control Systems, • Alertus PAGA, • Control cabinet design, wiring schematics, loop diagrams, interlocks Key Responsibilities A. Safety, Regulatory, and Cybersecurity Compliance • Ensure all IEC&A work complies with NFPA 70/70E, NEC, OSHA, API, IEEE, ISA, NETA, NERC, and site-specific standards., • Lead OT cybersecurity programs, including audits, firewall management, and patching., • Support HAZOPs, PHAs, PSSRs, and MOC activities with IEC&A expertise., • Conduct ICS/OT vulnerability assessments and track corrective actions., • Investigate incidents involving instrumentation, controls, electrical, or analyzer systems. B. CMMS Oversight (Fluke eMaint) • Maintain accurate IEC&A asset records in CMMS, including BOMs, PMs, and hierarchy., • Conduct work order quality reviews with root cause and labor documentation., • Partner with planners to develop preventive maintenance strategies., • Monitor failure trends and lead root cause analyses (RCA) for recurring issues., • Update asset documentation post-installation, commissioning, or modification. C. Maintenance Execution & Technical Leadership • Provide SME-level troubleshooting for PLC/DCS, analyzers, instrumentation, and electrical systems., • Validate instrument loop calibration and interlock logic., • Oversee safe bypassing procedures during maintenance., • Mentor technicians and contractors to ensure installation quality and compliance., • Provide 24/7 on-call or remote automation support as required. D. Turnarounds & Capital Projects • Own IEC&A scope for turnarounds and unit shutdowns., • Support FAT/SAT, backups, redlines, and commissioning documentation., • Coordinate loop checks, SIS proof tests, and analyzer verifications pre-startup., • Collaborate on project specifications, design reviews, and contractor oversight., • Update post-project documentation: drawings, firmware, backups, and versions. E. Troubleshooting & Reliability Engineering • Diagnose and resolve control loop, PLC/DCS alarm, and analyzer faults., • Use historian and trending tools to identify root causes., • Recommend design upgrades and control logic improvements., • Lead reliability initiatives such as sensor standardization and analyzer management., • Participate in continuous improvement and bad actor elimination programs. F. Training & Competency Development • Deliver on-the-job and vendor training for IEC&A systems., • Develop and maintain training materials and site standards., • Ensure compliance with internal documentation and configuration protocols., • Promote awareness of industry best practices in automation and OT security. G. Cross-functional Collaboration • Participate in daily operations/maintenance meetings., • Provide IEC&A support for Engineering, Capital Projects, and Process Safety teams., • Assist with work planning, estimating, and contractor management., • Review IEC&A drawing packages, MOCs, and audit findings for compliance., • Ensure alignment with facility technical standards and documentation practices. Qualifications Required • 10+ years of experience in instrumentation, electrical, controls, and analyzers within refining or chemical plants., • Proficiency with DCS/PLC programming (Emerson DeltaV, Allen-Bradley)., • Experience with Modbus, SIS systems, and OT network configuration., • Strong understanding of 480VAC and below electrical systems., • Experience with VFDs, MOC processes, and technical documentation. Preferred • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Automation Engineering., • Certifications: ISA CAP/CCST, GICSP/CISSP-ICS, or SIS Functional Safety., • Experience integrating Fluke eMaint CMMS with automation assets., • Familiarity with ISA 84, IEC 61511, API RP 1165, NFPA 70E, IEEE standards., • Experience with medium/high-voltage systems (4.16kV, 13.8kV, 138kV)., • Expertise with Allen Bradley Studio 5000 programming., • Knowledge of pipeline custody transfer (OMNI Flow Controllers)., • Proven ability to lead capital projects from concept to commissioning.