NextGen Industries, LLC
San Antonio, Texas
Senior Automation Technician
Full-Time | Field & Office | San Antonio, TX
Job Summary
NextGen Industries is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Automation Technician to join our San Antonio team. The ideal candidate brings 4–6 years of hands-on field experience with a strong foundation in PLC programming and troubleshooting, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols. In this senior role, you will also take ownership of project delivery, provide foreman-level leadership to field crews, and serve as a primary technical point of contact for our operator clients — representing NextGen’s capabilities with professionalism and technical credibility.
Key Responsibilities
Automation, Instrumentation & Electrical
- Install, modify, and troubleshoot PLC systems from leading brands including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Opto 22, IDEC, and others.
- Install, configure, and maintain instrumentation and sensors from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Yokogawa, Signal Fire, SOR, and similar manufacturers.
- Develop and implement automation installation and maintenance solutions to improve field operations and system performance.
- Conduct regular maintenance and upgrades of automation systems to ensure optimal functionality and minimal downtime.
- Work with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, and HART.
- Interpret and implement signal types including analog (4–20mA, 0–10V) and digital I/O.
- Perform electrical installations including conduit runs, wire pulling, terminations, and panel wiring in accordance with NEC and applicable local codes.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, loop drawings, and single-line diagrams to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
- Install and terminate field wiring for instruments, junction boxes, RTUs, and control panels in both general and classified (C1D1/C1D2) area installations.
- Perform voltage and continuity checks, megger testing, and loop calibrations to verify installation integrity and instrument accuracy prior to commissioning.
- Coordinate with UL-certified panel fabrication teams to ensure field wiring and termination requirements are reflected in panel design and build specifications.
- Follow industry best practices for automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems to ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Document and maintain accurate records of system configurations, wiring as-builts, calibration records, and maintenance activities.
Project Management
- Lead assigned field projects from kickoff through closeout, coordinating scope, schedule, materials, and labor to deliver on time and within budget.
- Develop and maintain project-level documentation including work plans, task schedules, change logs, and as-built records.
- Coordinate with the Operations Manager and internal teams to ensure resource availability, tool/material staging, and site readiness prior to mobilization.
- Track project milestones and proactively communicate schedule risks or scope changes to supervision and the client.
- Participate in project handoff meetings and post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future execution.
- Assist in the preparation of scopes of work, material take-offs, and field estimates for new opportunities in support of business development.
Field Leadership & Personnel Management
- Serve in a foreman capacity on multi-person field crews, providing direct oversight and task delegation to junior technicians and apprentices.
- Set daily work priorities at the job site, ensuring crew members understand scope, safety requirements, and quality expectations before work begins.
- Conduct on-site tailgate safety meetings and enforce adherence to NextGen safety policies, client site rules, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Train and mentor junior technicians on PLC programming, instrumentation installation, troubleshooting methods, and documentation standards.
- Evaluate field crew performance and provide timely, constructive feedback; escalate personnel issues to the Operations Manager as appropriate.
- Model a professional, accountable work culture — leading by example in conduct, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality.
Customer Engagement
- Serve as NextGen’s primary technical point of contact for assigned client sites, building trusted working relationships with operator instrumentation, production, and engineering personnel.
- Conduct site walks, scoping conversations, and technical reviews with client representatives to define requirements and align on deliverables.
- Communicate project status, technical findings, and any issues or delays to client contacts in a clear, professional manner — written and verbal.
- Identify opportunities for additional services or expanded scope during active site engagements and communicate these to management.
- Represent NextGen Industries professionally in all client interactions, reinforcing the company’s reputation for technical excellence and operational reliability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, and field teams to resolve technical issues and improve system performance across client sites.
- Provide technical input to the panel fabrication and SCADA teams to ensure field-level requirements are accurately captured in design and build phases.
Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience as an Automation Technician or similar role in an industrial environment.
- Proficient in installation and troubleshooting PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Opto 22, IDEC, and similar platforms.
- Strong knowledge of instrumentation and sensors from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Yokogawa, Signal Fire, SOR, and similar manufacturers.
- Demonstrated experience with industrial communication protocols: Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, and HART.
- Solid understanding of analog and digital signal types and their applications in automation systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead field crews, manage competing priorities, and deliver projects on schedule.
- Strong client-facing communication skills — able to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proficiency in project documentation: work plans, as-builts, change logs, and field reports.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively in the field, and escalate issues appropriately.
- Relevant technical certification or associate degree preferred; bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.
- Background in oil and gas production, midstream, or related energy sector operations strongly preferred; familiarity with wellsite instrumentation, production automation, or measurement services is a plus.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in various industrial environments, including confined spaces, elevated structures, and extreme weather conditions.
- Ability to work on-call and overtime as operational demands require.
- Travel requirements may exceed 50%; candidates must be comfortable with regular regional travel to client sites across the Eagle Ford, Permian Basin, and surrounding areas.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
- Retirement plan with company match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunity to grow with a fast-moving, technically driven company operating across multiple markets.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35.00 - $55.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 – 70.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Oil & gas: 4 years (Required)
- Industrial controls: 4 years (Required)
- Electrical: 4 years (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
