Programmable Logic Controller Specialist ( PLC Specialist )

Job Description

The PLC Technician will be part of Ensign Energy Drilling Solutions, a small team responsible for the planning, design, field installation and support of drilling rig automation and controls systems across all of Ensign’s fleet globally.

The PLC Technician while, on rotation (14/14), is responsible for ensuring that all systems and components of the drilling rig controls are properly installed and thoroughly tested according to specification and customer expectations. This position will use technical and analytical skills to assist in the development, deployment, and maintenance of drilling rig automation systems, drilling rig control systems, remote communications kit, and applications in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The position will work closely with those in a leadership role on deployment of projects, provide technical consulting, develop electrical controls systems, and provide remote as well as on-site technical support across Ensign’s global drilling divisions. The PLC Technician is also responsible for testing and troubleshooting drilling performance optimization systems in the field. The successful candidate will be required to travel to Ensign's field offices, rig construction facilities and drilling rigs working in the field. This position reports directly to the Drilling Solutions Operations Manager.

Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities

- Deploy and commission PLC based control systems hardware and software on drilling rigs globally as an individual or as part of a team (this will require travel to field locations).

- Assist in the development of control systems for drilling rigs and train field personnel onsite as required.

- Troubleshoot remotely and on-site when systems are down or malfunctioning.

- Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, gather and analyze information skillfully, develop alternative solutions, work well in problem-solving situations.

- Provide product improvement feedback to development teams.

- Ability to maintain accurate and up to date documentation to a standard

- Work with internal and external teams to deliver a world-class rig controls package.

- Survey rigs to understand equipment requirements for integration.

- Assist in the deployment and support of remote access communications systems.

- Represent the Drilling Solutions team in the rig-up yard, on site at 3rd party locations, and on site at rig locations.

- Identify, develop and deliver field training as required.

- Work and interface with engineering & operations teams to determine detailed design and best practices.

- Maintain a professional attitude while working in intense environments with internal and external customers.

- Rotational on-call point of escalation.

- Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities, gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to building a positive team culture

Operational Competencies

- Ability to work as a leader and be an individual contributor member of the Drilling Solutions team.

- Work comfortably and efficiently with field personnel onsite.

- Possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

- Possess a U.S. passport.

- Able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Be able and willing to travel domestically or internationally to the field or other office locations as required.

- Position is rotational and will require working on occasion overnight

- Able to perform physically demanding work including climbing several stairs/steps, working at heights, and lifting equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

- Ability to communicate orally and in written form clearly and persuasively, able to respond well to questions and concerns

- Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands

- Ability to change approach or method to best fit the situation, able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events

- Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction

- Build sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communication

- Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies

Education and Experience

- 5 years’ experience in electrical oil and gas industry experience.

- Basic understanding of networking and electronics.

- Experience and familiarity working with PLCs, SCRs, VFDs, MCCs, and control system network interfaces preferred.

- Ability to use a process meter to source/simulate analog control signals

- Familiarity with common industrial serial coms (Modbus/Profibus/RS232/etc.) and how to diagnose problems

- Basic understanding of drilling operations.

- Basic understanding of drilling equipment (DW, MP, TD systems).

- Ability to read electrical schematic and ladder diagrams.

- Oilfield services experience an asset.

- Proficient using Microsoft Office suite.

- Proficient using Windows software.

- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

- Experience with instrumentation and measurement equipment and systems.

This position will be in Nisku, AB.