NextGen Industries, LLC
San Antonio, Texas
Automation Engineer
Full-Time | Field & Office | San Antonio, TX | $45.00 – $55.00/hr DOE
Position Overview
Department: Engineering / Operations
Reports To: Branch Manager
Job Summary
NextGen Industries, LLC is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to join our San Antonio team. This role supports the full lifecycle of automation projects — from design and programming through commissioning and field support — across a diverse range of oilfield and industrial applications. The ideal candidate brings approximately four years of hands-on experience with PLC and VFD programming, a disciplined approach to documentation and standards development, and the technical depth to commission and troubleshoot automation, instrumentation, and measurement systems in demanding field environments. This is not a desk role: the successful candidate is equally comfortable writing structured text in the office and pulling wire on a wellsite.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development
- Design, program, and implement control solutions for PLCs, VFDs, and related equipment per project specifications, utilizing IEC 61131-3 programming languages including Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram.
- Work across PLC platforms from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Opto 22, IDEC, and others as required by project scope; adapt to new platforms efficiently with minimal ramp-up time.
- Develop SCADA/HMI configurations to support operator visibility, remote monitoring, and process control; configure tags, alarming, trending, and user access structures.
- Produce project-specific wiring diagrams, I/O lists, loop sheets, and instrument datasheets for each engagement; maintain alignment between design documentation and as-built field conditions.
- Write clean, well-commented, version-controlled code — treating program documentation as a deliverable, not an afterthought.
- Maintain a structured catalog of all PLC and VFD programs with revision history, change logs, and backup integrity verification.
- Develop Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (IOM) manuals tailored to program-specific logic, alarm structures, and operator interface design.
- Contribute to and help enforce programming and documentation standards across the engineering team; identify gaps in existing standards and propose improvements.
- Evaluate and select instrumentation, sensors, and control hardware in collaboration with the project team; review BOMs for technical accuracy and cost efficiency.
Testing & Commissioning
- Develop and execute project-specific Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Customer Acceptance Test (CAT) procedures; document all results and track deficiency resolution through to closure.
- Lead bench testing of control panels, RTUs, and automation assemblies prior to field deployment; verify I/O mapping, communication configuration, and control logic against design intent.
- Manage commissioning and field startup of automation, instrumentation, and multiphase metering systems, including loop checks, instrument calibration, and functional verification.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during testing, commissioning, or post-startup operations — from signal-level wiring faults to logic errors and network communication failures.
- Perform field calibration of pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments; document calibration results and maintain calibration records per project and client requirements.
- Interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and single-line diagrams in the field to verify installation accuracy and support real-time troubleshooting.
- Support remote diagnostics and troubleshooting for fielded systems; provide guidance to field technicians via phone, video, or remote access tools when on-site presence is not possible.
- Retain and organize all test documentation, commissioning reports, and punch lists for project record packages and future reference.
Project & Team Support
- Manage individual project tasks to meet scope, schedule, and budget requirements; proactively communicate status, risks, and changes to the project manager or branch manager.
- Review Bills of Materials (BOMs) for custom control packages; identify substitutions, long-lead items, or specification mismatches before they impact schedule.
- Coordinate with the UL508A panel fabrication team to ensure that design intent — I/O configuration, wiring practices, component selection — is accurately translated into panel build.
- Support the service and operations teams with technical guidance during field execution; provide on-site engineering support during complex installations or startup events.
- Assist in the development of scopes of work, technical specifications, and estimates for new project opportunities in support of business development.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve internal processes, tools, templates, and team efficiency — and take ownership of implementing those improvements.
- Maintain professional and technical currency through ongoing training, vendor certifications, industry publications, and participation in relevant professional organizations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Travel
This role requires regular travel in support of field commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities across the Eagle Ford, Permian Basin, and surrounding areas. Travel is expected to exceed 50% during peak project periods and may involve extended field deployments depending on project workload and client requirements. Candidates must be comfortable operating independently in remote field environments.
Qualifications
Required
- 3–5 years of hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial instrumentation in a field or project engineering capacity.
- Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 programming languages; demonstrated ability to write and debug Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block programs from scratch.
- Experience with industrial communication networks including Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, and HART; ability to configure and troubleshoot network-level issues independently.
- Ability to read, produce, and redline wiring diagrams, P&IDs, loop sheets, and I/O lists.
- Demonstrated field commissioning experience — loop checks, instrument calibration, FAT/CAT execution, and startup support.
- Strong systematic troubleshooting skills; able to isolate faults from field wiring through control logic under time pressure and in unstructured environments.
- Disciplined, organized approach to code development, version control, and documentation — treats documentation as a core engineering deliverable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface directly with clients, operators, and field crews in a professional and technically credible manner.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; ability to learn new software tools and platforms quickly.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug screen.
- High school diploma or GED required.
Preferred
- Experience with CODESYS development environment.
- Familiarity with Opto 22 groov EPIC or similar embedded Linux control platforms.
- Experience commissioning or supporting multiphase metering, fiscal measurement, or allocation measurement systems.
- Background in oilfield automation, upstream or midstream production environments, or related industrial applications; familiarity with wellsite instrumentation and production controls is a strong plus.
- Experience with SCADA systems, historian platforms, and data integration (Ignition, Wonderware, OSIsoft PI, or similar).
- Familiarity with MQTT, Sparkplug B, or other IIoT communication frameworks.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift.
- 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 required by project demands.
- Travel requirements may exceed 50%; candidates must be comfortable with regular regional travel and extended field deployments.
- Ability to hear and respond to facility commands and safety instructions.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly compensation based on experience ($45.00 – $55.00/hr).
- 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.
NextGen Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Industrial controls: 5 years (Required)
- Oil & gas: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- San Antonio, TX 78266 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
