Job Posting End Date

12-26-2024

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

Trains and mentors fellow employees and leads projects within his or her craft. Performs highly skilled and complex work. Lead others in the performance of analysis, detection and repair of defects in interlock and control systems, electronic devices, including solid state equipment, computers, solid state communication systems, and instruments, such as: meters, gauges, process control valves, electrohydraulic turbine control, Boiler Control Systems, Burner management systems, fuel handling system (gas & coal), water quality instrumentation, CEMS, EPA discharge monitoring equipment and calculations related to the operating efficiency of power plant equipment. Assist in engineering studies and calculations related to the operating efficiency of power plant equipment, and assist engineers in performing other technical services. Participate in continuous improvement activities. This position provides control systems technical support of the generating stations Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and all of the sub systems that it entails such as : Turbine Control System (TCS) and Burner Management System (BMS) as well as integration of third party devices including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), analyzers, and protection relays. Has accountability in supporting Human Machine Interface (HMI), alarm management, cyber security, plant historian and related fiber optics infrastructure. Performs a variety of duties including installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, programming, startup and commissioning, and control system database administration while adhering with all corporate standards, guidelines, best practices and site specific policies and procedures.

Job Description

Successful candidate must reside within 45 minutes of the Arsenal Hill Powerplant in Shreveport LA

​ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Instrument and Controls Technician will perform and mentor other members of the crew in the performance of the following activities:

Maintains alarm database, alarm priority changes, alarm disabled reporting.

Maintains the integrity of the Standardized Security Architecture (SSA) within the process control environment including updating antivirus definitions, installing operating system patches, installing control system software patches, modifying group and local policies, etc.

Assist others in preparing necessary data for engineering procedures, specifications, bills of material and requisitions for the installation, maintenance and operation of equipment.

Set up and connect testing devices used in tests on equipment such as boilers, turbines, generators, and other power plant equipment; perform or assist others in the performance of such tests.

Operate and maintain equipment necessary to obtain temperatures, levels, pressures, and flows to obtain accuracy required; analyze data and calculate test results, applying general knowledge of flows using available handbooks, manuals and associated referenced material.

Compile and record data relating to tests, investigations. Prepare graphs, curves and reports.

Maintain analyzing equipment to ensure accurate information for plant operations.

Possess strong knowledge of facility specific processes and systems.

Perform activities necessary to correct problems with components of equipment, search for root causes of the problem, and pursue activities that will prevent reoccurrances in the future.

Locate, inspect, troubleshoot and repair defects in control systems involving electrical, solid state electronic, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic components, tubing, (or plant specific systems) using elementary or wiring diagrams, schematic diagrams or control diagrams, along with an extensive knowledge of process control.

Install, calibrate, tune and maintain single-element and multiple-element control loops.

Perform necessary functions to place in or remove from service, instrument and control systems undergoing study, tests or adjustments.

Lead, instruct, direct, and train other employees assigned to assist in the work and oversee contractors.

Troubleshooting PLC and DCS Control Systems, Force Contacts, and locate hardware I/O addresses. Build basic programming logic.

Maintain control systems equipment in the Process Control Environment (workstations, control and I/O modules, and networking infrastructure) to keep the control systems online and operational at all times. Provide failure response coverage on a rotational basis (with other team members) to ensure 24 hour/7 day a week technical support.

Work with Maintenance (designated Control Systems) Supervisor to configure, troubleshoot, and maintain generating station specific DCS and TCS, interfaces, software and hardware upgrades.

Works in conjunction with Engineering or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Tech support to troubleshoot and tune steam generator and turbine control loops to keep unit running at maximum efficiency.

Leads control system loop checks and commissioning phase projects. Red lines drawings to turn over to Engineering for official updates.

Manages site Logic Change Request (LCR) process.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education requirements are listed below:

High School Diploma or GED. Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Instrumentation Controls or in lieu of degree, four years of direct experience in an industrial technical position. For a Certificate-- Electronics/Electrical Engineering or Instrumentation , or without a degree/certificate, at least four years of industrial electronics or electrical experience. Must have successful completion of an OEM training course on plant specific DCS.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

Experience:  With educational or equivalent requirements, an additional 2 years of experience as a power plant Instrument Technician or other applicable industrial technician experience with systems such as: Ovation, ABB, Foxboro, Allen-Bradley .

Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:

Must possess the appropriate State driver's license.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical demand level is Medium

Successful completion of the Power Plant Maintenance Selection System (MASS) test is required for this position. A review of Employment Testing Information, Test-Taking Tips, and the MASS Practice Test may be helpful. A link to these materials may be found at AEP.com Careers by selecting Employment testing. Must be willing to work rotating shifts including weekends, nights, and holidays. Minimum long distance travel required but the inspection of remote equipment is a daily requirement for this position. Must respond to callouts in both outage and non-outage work to maintain and support business operational needs and schedules. Comply with all applicable plant operating instructions and procedures. Comply with the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work environment and report unsafe conditions and practices. Possess a working knowledge of Safety and Environmental guidelines. Properly use the tools and equipment applicable to work duties. Read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications. Communicate effectively, both verbally and written. Demonstrate professional conduct and effective interactions with employees, contractors and others. Must be willing and able to work inside designated confined space entry areas, elevated areas and in hot and cold temperatures. Must be able to wear respirator when required. Train for fire fighting, first aid, AED and other emergency response programs as required. *Company not required to post a job bid notice. Supervisors will provide written justification and documentation of any candidate who is under consideration for this classification promotion.

The documentation will demonstrate the following competencies and will be reviewed and approved management including the Vice President of Generation:

Reliability – Candidate must consistently demonstrate that he or she is available when the job requires. This includes an acceptable level of absenteeism and a consistent high response to call-outs.

Technical Competence – Candidate is a demonstrated subject matter expert. 

Training Others – Candidate must consistently train other employees. Candidate must recognize, understand and apply different teaching methods to ensure comprehension and understanding of fellow employees. Experience and learning gained by working on systems and equipment should be taught to other team members. 

Ownership – Candidate must have documented success of taking ownership of and solving problems that are critical to the organization. Strong decision-making skills.

Team Leadership – Candidate must demonstrate team organizational skills, lead and motivate individuals to work together as a team with clearly defined goals and measures of success.

Project Leadership – Candidate must demonstrate a desire and ability to assume project leadership, bringing together other components of reliability, technical competence, engagement, and team leadership to successfully complete projects. The essential and/or marginal job functions and the associated abilities/requirements/conditions outlined above describe the general nature and level of the work performed. They are not intended to and in no way represent an exhaustive listing of all tasks involved in performing the job.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

U072-S88

Compensation Range:

$50.20-50.20 USD

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all aspects of the employer‐employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and  promotion,  conditions  and  privileges  of  employment,  company  sponsored  training  programs, educational assistance,  social and  recreational  programs,  compensation,  benefits,  transfers,  discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of  race, color,  religion,  sex, age, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran or military  status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we must record certain information to be made part of an Affirmative Action Plan. Applicants for employment may also be invited to participate in the Affirmative Action Program by self-identifying their Race or Ethnic Identity.