Instrumentation and Controls Senior Specialist

Company: Buckeye Partners L.P.
Location: Houston
Posted on: January 26, 2025

Job Description:

DescriptionBuckeye is the premier infrastructure and logistics provider for the world's energy needs, both today and tomorrow. Since 1886, we have successfully navigated transitions in the way energy has been distributed to continually meet the needs of an evolving market and industry environment. Our people are a critical element to the success and longevity of our operational history and our future as we seek to thrive through the energy transition.
We own and operate a diversified global network of integrated assets providing midstream logistic solutions, primarily consisting of the transportation, storage, processing, and marketing of liquid petroleum products. We are committed to safely and responsibly providing world-class service to meet the continually evolving energy needs of our customers and the communities we serve. As part of this commitment to our customers, we are continually diversifying our platform a

Buckeye Partners is currently seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Senior Specialist, Vapor Program to join our team!

Role Summary:
Support continuous improvement of Buckeye's Vapor Program. Support operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems (Allen Bradley and GE), HMIs, and related industrial instrumentation. Implement controls updates initiatives across the company by partnering with various internal departments and external contractors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include:

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• Preventative Maintenance. Support day-to-day activities associated with the vapor control equipment preventative maintenance (PM) program throughout the Company. Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with Vapor Control Equipment PLCs, HMI, instrumentation, network communications, etc. Work with internal departments to perform firmware and software updates as needed. Coordinate with Vapor Program Engineer and Field Operations to implement required updates as needed to ensure compliance and operating efficiency.
  
• Technical Lead. Serve as a technical resource for day-to-day operations and troubleshooting of the vapor control units across the company. Collaborate with the Operational Technology department for the enhancement of control standards, management of equipment and specifications, and implementation of network security best practices.
  
• Project Support. Assist with the development of scope and planning for industrial controls projects (PLC upgrades, HMI replacements, etc). Support Project Managers during execution of I&C projects.
  
• Process Improvements. Analyze and interpret existing PLC code. Modify programs to accommodate new equipment, processes, or design improvements. Ensure modifications, changes, and troubleshooting efforts are documented.
  
• Reliability Improvements. Identify recurring equipment issues, develop targeted solutions, and guide future troubleshooting efforts.
  
• Budget Support. Support development of annual vapor controls maintenance capital (MCAP) budgets. Identify and recommend opportunities for operating efficiencies/cost savings and make recommendations to the Program Lead for implementation.
  
• Metrics. Support tracking of vapor program key performance indicators (KPIs) and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of KPI results. Coordinate and evaluate data to ensure consistency with Air Compliance program reports being submitted to regulatory agencies.
  
• Tracking. Maintain and enhance a central SharePoint site to store and manage vapor program information including equipment and spare parts databases, PM inspection and maintenance records, carbon and oil sample analytical, and policies/procedures/checklists.
  
• Program Support. Support the Air Compliance team for vapor control related compliance issues related to data acquisition. Support greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction initiatives.
  
• And other duties as assigned.
  
  
  Position Requirements:
  
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  • Associate's degree in Electronics, Automation, Instrumentation, or a related field, or equivalent technical certification.
    
  • PLC and HMI training or certification (e.g., Rockwell Automation Certified, etc.) is highly desirable.
    
  • Strong understanding of industrial control networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.) and communication protocols between PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
    
  • Experience: 3-5+ years related experience required.
    
  • Must possess knowledge of process flow and mechanical systems.
    
  • Experience with vapor control systems, emission control equipment, emissions monitoring equipment, and compliance stack testing requirements strongly preferred.
    
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite is required.
    
  • Experience in Buckeye project management systems and execution is a plus.
    
  • Travel: Up to 50%
    
    
    Certificates & Licenses:
    
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    • Engineering certifications helpful, but not required.
      
      
      Other Skills, Attributes and Abilities:
      
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      • This position requires someone with strong written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, presentation and interpersonal skills.
        
      • Good analytical, process management, research and problem-solving skills are also essential.
        
      • As a service-oriented job, the position requires a great deal of scheduling flexibility and responsiveness.
        
        
        Essential Functions:
        
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        • This position requires the ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and or/quantitative productivity standards.
          
        • This role requires the ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
          
        • This position requires compliance with all personnel policies.
          
          
          Physical & Safety Requirements:
          
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          • This position consists of office work and field travel. Work outside normal office business hours is required from time to time.
            
          • The employee may be exposed to a hazardous working environment at field locations and must be able to enter and climb above-grade storage tanks, traverse pipeline right-of-way and terminal piping structures, and access stack test locations 40 to 50 feet above grade. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
            
            
            About You
            To be successful in the Buckeye culture, our employees must possess a demonstrated commitment to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. Excellent communication, both written and verbal, as well as strong organizational skills are paramount. You must work independently and be able to exercise tact, discretion, and professionalism when dealing with internal and external customers, and when handling sensitive and confidential information. Buckeye wants to create and reward an organizational focus that stimulates the creative and entrepreneurial actions of its employees that result in innovative ways of reducing costs, generating revenues, improving productivity, or improving processes.
            
            Our People First Culture
            From managing over 5,000 miles of pipeline to commercializing clean energy projects, our people collaborate to provide world-class service and meet the changing energy needs of our customers. Our employee-first culture means that we invest in our employees and equip them to be fully contributing members of high performing teams. We are focused on collaboration, inclusion, empowerment, accountability, and professional development. We want the best in you to bring out the best in us.Join us as we work together to build a business that is responsive to the needs of the future while continuing to serve the energy needs of communities today.
            
            
            
            Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Keywords: Buckeye Partners L.P., Sugar Land , Instrumentation and Controls Senior Specialist, Other , Houston, Texas