Automation Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Audubon is currently seeking an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager to join our team in our Houston, TX office. The Automation & Controls Engineering Manager will lead a team responsible for the development, design, specification, implementation, and execution of industrial automation and control system projects, with a primary emphasis on Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). This role will provide technical leadership for process control, safety systems, system architecture, control narratives, cause-and-effect documentation, logic development, integration, testing, commissioning support, and related control system equipment. Experience with HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems is considered a strong plus.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the overall development, productivity, and guidance of all team members.
• Interact and communicate effectively with direct reports, team members, clients, subcontractors, vendors and other consultants.
• Set realistic expectations and ensure assigned projects are completed according to schedule and within budget. Ensure that projects assigned to direct reports and team members are completed according to schedule and within budget.
• Adhere to and ensure that all team members are in adherence to company quality standards and follow engineering checking and approval procedures.
• Perform checking, or assign the appropriate checker, of engineering drawings and mathematical calculations produced by direct reports. Promote and enforce standards, methods, and procedures to be used in the development and implementation of control system design, PLC/DCS programs, HMI configuration, server system design, and industrial I.T.
• Oversee adherence to safe design practices, while focusing on identifying cost saving opportunities. Perform as a high-level technical lead or project manager to maintain contact with staff and customers.
• Assist in and coordinate the development of internal design guidelines, specifications, and design control procedures.
• Create/assist in the development of client proposals, including scope development and man-hour estimates.
• Assess feasibility of projects by assessing materials, costs and time requirements, applying knowledge and techniques of engineering and advanced mathematics. Utilize complex and repetitive calculations.
• Prepare or direct the preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, and/or construction schedules for projects.
• Analyze and examine different strategies, equations and applications to ensure appropriate procedures are applied and/or utilized.
• Resolve design and development issues.
• Manage client relationships and develop repeat business opportunities.
• Compile discipline-specific man-hour estimates and Total Installed Cost estimates based on client provided project scope.
• Manage and forecast man-hour requirements and schedules associated with discipline-specific project scope.
• Assess challenges and potential risks of planned projects, including construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards and other factors.
• Undertake initiatives for risk management and appropriate steps to address it.
• Responsible for hiring staff, performance evaluations, salary decisions, resolving grievances and complaints and initiating disciplinary actions.
• Approve time entry and expense reports pursuant to company/client policies and procedures.
• Provide advice and assistance on work techniques, best practices, and subject matter expertise to co-workers and subordinates as required to resolve the most difficult issues facing the group or project.
• Set objectives and make significant decisions regarding the purpose, function and roles within a group or project; may set priorities and allocate resources within a group or project; oversee distribution of workload and establishment of work deadlines; set work quality expectations.
• Comply with all company and client health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) standards as well as federal and local HSSE regulations.
• Actively participate in company and client hazard identification and observation programs, and immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or incidents to supervisor.
• Monitor and ensure safe working conditions for staff and ensure all team members receive required safety training to perform their tasks in a safe manner.
• Ensure all reportable occupational incidents are reported in a timely manner and help in the completion of any investigations, including implementing corrective actions.
• May Independently prepare advanced level specifications for project assignments detailing client performance requirements, specific component needs, design requirements, applicable design codes, and vendor drawing requirements.
• May prepare engineering sketches, perform engineering calculations and develop analysis models for complex project assignments.
• May review and/or approve vendor drawings for compliance with project specifications.
• May undertake technical and feasibility studies including site investigations.
• May interact with drafting/design group to develop and review engineering drawings.
• May visit jobsites to evaluate site, project requirements, and conditions.
• May visit vendor facilities to inspect equipment for compliance with requirements/specifications.
• May develop, review and/or approve conceptual and detailed engineering design packages.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required
• Bachelor's Degree from ABET Accredited Institution preferred.
• PE License preferred.
• Field experience required.
• Industry experience required.
• 12+ years' experience in Industrial Automation and/or Control Systems.
• Strong hands-on and leadership experience with DCS and SIS platforms in heavy industrial or process industry environments.
• Demonstrated experience with control system design, SIS design, logic development, cause-and-effect diagrams, control narratives, system architecture, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup support.
• Familiarity with applicable industry standards and practices, including ISA, IEC 61511/ISA 84, NEC, API, and related process safety requirements.
• Experience with HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems.
• Functional safety experience, including SIL verification, SIF design, safety lifecycle documentation, or similar SIS-related responsibilities.
• Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work related problems.
• Ability to comprehend instructions and request clarification as necessary.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and direct a project to completion.
• Large multi-discipline project lead experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory/managerial experience within an engineering environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of the design of instrumented control and safety systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of control systems and electrical design codes (ISA, NEC, API, etc.) preferred.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled