Automation Engineer

VersaTech is an Automation company with over 500 people and $100M+ in annual sales. VersaTech offers Automation services to the oil and gas market including construction, maintenance, commissioning and loop checking. VersaTech has offices in Houston, Midland, New Orleans, and Africa. Our scope of work includes both onshore and offshore projects in the US and overseas.

VersaTech has openings for Automation Engineers to support our Houston Operations and customers in the region. Some of the positions will be based in our Houston Office, some will be based at our Customers Facility in The Woodlands and some will require travel offshore for Commissioning and Facility reviews.

The Automation Engineer will design, implement, maintain and optimize automation and control systems across offshore and onshore oil & gas facilities. This role will ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the automation infrastructure—including PLCs, SCADA, instrumentation, and communications systems—while supporting project and operations teams in a high-hazard oil & gas environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the engineering, design, configuration, testing, commissioning and maintenance of automation systems (PLCs, RTUs, HMI/SCADA, communication networks) for oil & gas assets.
• Programming of PLC and HMI systems using a variety of industry & manufacturers standard.
• Develop and maintain control narratives, loop diagrams, P&IDs interfacing with automation systems, and documentation for system validation and compliance.
• Troubleshoot, optimize and upgrade existing automation systems to improve reliability, availability, and performance of production/processing facilities.
• Participate in HAZOP/LOPA reviews, ensure automation systems meet safety, environmental and regulatory requirements (including IEC/ISA standards, API practices, OSHA).
• Provide technical support for brownfield modifications and greenfield projects, including vendor oversight, FAT/SAT, site commissioning and start-up support.
• Assist Customers with installation of Automation devices such as control panels and instrumentation.
• Provide Technical Support and Guidance to clients in order to suggest improved designs
• Ensure that the required Project Documentation is completed and delivered in a timely manner

Job requirements:

• Proficient with Allen Bradley hardware and programming/configuration products
• Familiarity with other PLC platforms Siemens, Modicon, etc. and HMI software Wonderware, Ignition, desirable
• Execute PLC Code based on drawings, specifications, and customer input
• Minimum of 5 years experience programming PLC Systems for the Oil and Gas Industry
• Familiarity with typical Control Systems applications for Offshore Oil and Gas Processes
• Knowledge of RTUs. Understanding of digital and analog I/O, programming, and troubleshooting
• Ability to travel and work in the field on remote sites in the Gulf of America. Some of the positions can be office based and some may require more travel to offshore sites for commissioning and evaluation of facilities.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Ability to work with Customers, Managers, Supervisors, and Technicians to Safely complete projects within the time and budget constraints.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record