SIS PLC Specialist

Company:

Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees are empowered to make a difference?

Job Title:

SIS PLC Specialist

Offer Range:

$123,004 - $153,755 commensurate with experience

Location:   

Chocolate Bayou Works

Alvin, Texas

Organizational Context and Job Purpose

The Olefins & Polymers USA division of INEOS is one of the largest producers of olefins and polyolefins in North America. From its manufacturing locations at Chocolate Bayou and the Battleground Manufacturing Complex, it is a merchant marketer of butadiene, ethylene, polypropylene and high-density polyethylene with annual revenue of over $4b. Located 40 miles south of Houston, the Chocolate Bayou Site in Southeastern Texas houses two Olefins units producing about 4 billion pounds annually of ethylene, two Polypropylene units producing around 1 billion pounds annually of polypropylene, and Light Ends storage & transfer facilities at Stratton Ridge.

How the Role Fits In:

The Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Specialist will provide technical support during the conceptual phase and front-end loading design of SIS controls and PLC configuration including, design, programming, documentation, testing, commissioning and sustainability of SIS-PLC systems in alignment with IEC61511 Standards and INEOS Process Safety Management (PSM) principles at O&P facilities.

Additionally, the SIS-PLC Specialist is responsible for the management of the PLC networks, site-wide PLC monitoring system, and supporting hardware and software.  The site Cybersecurity related support for PLC network system, monitors and computers, and securities are the responsibility of the SIS-PLC Specialist.  Ownership of all PLC backup management and assurance of latest revisions of running PLC programs, validation of system narratives for PLCs and SIS directives/maintenance procedures are responsibilities of this position.  The SIS-PLC Specialist interfaces with numerous organizations responsible for Operations, SIS and SIF systems, Capital Engineering, Maintenance Capital Projects, PSIM, Reliability and Mechanical Integrity to ensure appropriate alignment in the delivery and sustainability of PLC improvements. This position reports to the E&I Engineering Team Leader.

Responsibilities AND Accountabilities

SIS-PLC Specialist is to support assessment, design, documentation, configuration, testing and commissioning, of new installations as well as maintaining, troubleshooting, optimizing existing systems (hardware & software) at CBW, Stratton Ridge and Hobbs. The responsibilities include participating in the Front-End Loading (FEL) design, detailed design, development and Start-Up & Commissioning. Project execution and sustainability support includes the development of documentation to deliver stage reviews and preventive maintenance requirements to deliver a robust SIS life cycle and optimized PLC system.   The role entails understanding and implementing the INEOS 20 Principles and ensuring effective communication of these principles within the work group.
Support and actively participate in the troubleshooting, maintaining and optimization of PLC’s and resolving issues associated with SIS implementation.
Work closely with the site SIS Engineer in improving and maintaining the site’s SIS/SIF systems.
Support documentation of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
Ensure site SIS systems (furnaces, reactors, boilers, compressors, etc.) meet code requirements.
Assess CBW SIS and PLC changes by supporting MOC’s, validating programming changes prior to implementation, supporting training, and verifying all pertinent documentation changes (e.g. procedures, narratives, PM’s) are accurately defined/documented.
Lead, drive and assure that CBW site PLC Systems have up to date narratives, documentation of requested changes, testing and commissioning plans of changes in accordance with Site procedures, PSM and ISA requirements.
Act as Gatekeeper of site PLC systems’ administration and programming while ensuring that the systems are secured.
Support PLC network development.
Support and mentor unit technicians to troubleshoot and development of PLC programming changes, HMI displays and I/O configuration.
Stay abreast of current technology and strive to improve the plant’s General PLC and Safety PLC systems.
Provide support for process related information to the Environmental and Quality Control Department as needed to assure continuity of data used for environmental reporting and quality control purposes.
Review and provide comments on engineering design packages (issued for approval and construction packages) requiring PLC Changes and/or associated to SIS implementation issued by engineering and capital projects teams.
Assist in root cause analysis of process upsets and operation sequence of events.
Develop and configure interfaces to facilitate process improvements and incorporate process, mechanical and safety interlocks.
Support SIS Site Engineer troubleshooting SIS trips, failures to activate, developing/challenging resolutions to activation to prevent re-occurrences.
Support SIS Site Engineer in the Development of Functional Requirements, Specifications, and site procedures/guidelines.
Support SIS Site Steward and SIS Engineering Authority in the effective technology transfer and sharing of SIS and PLC best practices between site teams and INEOS O&P facilities.
Support and actively participate in the troubleshooting, maintaining and optimization of PLC’s and resolving issues associated with SIS implementation.
Provide SIS and PLC guidance in Capital Project development.  Support design of SIS and PLC systems in FEL through Detail Design and IFC packages.

Skills & Knowledge Required

Required Education Requirements:

Associate degree in Instrument and/or Electrical technology, or professional electrical training degree and SIS/PLC experience acceptable.
A minimum of 5 years of industrial experience working with Programmable Logic Controller including and not limited to testing, programming of interlocks, automation, simulation and maintenance.
Working experience in support of Allen Bradley, Triconex, GE and Honeywell LM PLC’s.  
Working knowledge of Safety Instrumented Systems with understanding of IEC61511, IEC61508, API RP 553 and 556, API-670, and NFPA 85, 86 and 87 requirements a plus.

Required Work Experience: 

Plant level experience and understanding of P&ID drawings, instrumentation loop drawings, and logic controller terminology, and Industry Standards (ANSI, NFPA, ISA, IEC, API, etc.) that influence SIS functionality and PLC configurations.
Strong instrument and control system background required.
Plant level experience and understanding of on-site PLCs.
Ability to work with EPC and internal engineering in development of SIS and PLC logic.
Communicate with EPC and suppliers to ensure quotes meet INEOS requirements and cost expectations.
Experience with execution of capital projects and project expense projects observing site procedures and protocols.
Experience working with multiple engineering disciplines, as well as contractors supporting delivery of SIS project, PLC programming/hardware and/or PSM Initiatives.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and deliver quality results on time.
Ability to coach and mentor maintenance technicians and junior level technical staff a plus.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills required strong leadership skills, including ability to lead and motivate individuals and teams, proven ability to influence and manage change.
Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with plant personnel supporting SIS initiatives and PLC optimization: Operations, Maintenance, Technology and Capital Projects.  
Demonstrated problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
Must be a self-starter and capable of working on an individual basis and in a team environment.
Self-Motivated individual who takes initiative to get results and seeks opportunities for additional responsibility.

Our culture is one of honesty and integrity with an emphasis on safety, health and environmental performance.On our team, people are acknowledged for embracing new practices that help create real value for customers.