Specific Responsibilities
The Automation Technician Sr is a technical position under the direction and training of the automation foreman and is responsible for system integration, operation, and maintenance of all areas of automation systems and performs other related duties. The Automation Technician Sr uses extensive knowledge of DC Electronics with a basic knowledge of AC electrical systems associated with oil and gas production facilities. They also provide training and support to other technicians or operators.
I. PLC & Automation Systems
- Install, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC systems and associated hardware.
- Respond to critical alarms (on-call or ensure coverage) and resolve issues promptly.
- Address non-critical alarms in a timely manner.
- Perform advanced PLC programming, including PID loops and process control optimization.
- Configure telemetry addressing and integrate field devices.
- Build and maintain communication cables and ensure proper grounding practices.
- Work with industry protocols (Modbus, Lufkin, HART, Totalflow).
Technical Requirements
- ScadaPack
- IDEC
- Allen-Bradley
- PCCU
- Red Lion
- ROC800
II. Telemetry & Communications
- Configure, maintain, and replace telemetry equipment (terminal servers, IP/serial radios).
- Monitor system performance and maintain high data reliability (target ≥90%).
- Troubleshoot communication issues in coordination with communications teams.
- Demonstrate strong understanding of control networks and infrastructure.
III. Field Devices & Facility Projects
- Install, configure, and maintain wired and wireless end devices.
- Lead planning and execution of automation projects at the facility level.
- Ensure alignment between field wiring, telemetry, and host systems.
IV. SCADA & Computer Systems
- Maintain automation-related hardware (laptops, backups, field devices).
- Develop and modify SCADA systems (CygNet experience preferred).
- Test and evaluate new hardware and software for field deployment.
V. Financial & Project Oversight
- Review and code automation-related invoices per company policy.
- Assist with cost tracking for LOEs and AFEs.
- Manage projects within budget with minimal supervision.
VI. Automation Strategy & Optimization
- Understand production operations and identify automation opportunities.
- Recommend solutions that improve efficiency, data visibility, and reliability.
- Support development and standardization of automation practices.
VII. Contractor & Asset Management
- Direct contractor work to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Safeguard company assets and ensure proper use of equipment
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all Apache safety policies and lead by example.
- Maintain knowledge of hazardous locations and proper grounding.
- Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance at all job sites.
Team & Leadership Expectations
- Demonstrate strong teamwork—prioritizing what is best for Apache and the team above individual preference.
- Communicate effectively with peers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
- Be willing to challenge ideas constructively and provide informed counterpoints when appropriate.
- Mentor and support junior technicians.
- Operate independently while staying aligned with team goals.
- Hold self and others accountable for high performance.
Qualifications & Experience
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:
- High School Diploma required.
- 10+ years of experience in automation
- 5+ years’ experience in Oil and Gas
- Must have experience with ROCLink, IDEC, ABB, SCADAPak, RMC, and SignalFire wireless.
- HMI experience required with IDEC, Red Lion, and Beijer.
- Field communications experience with Cambium, Cradle Point and advanced skill in TCP/IP and MODBUS communications.
- Must be highly organized and able to self-direct, multi-task and prioritize based on dynamic work environment requirements.
- Strong application skills in Excel and Word required.
- Elevated level of communication skills in both written and spoken format.
Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate and exhibit the following core competencies:
- Communication: Writes, speaks, and presents information effectively and persuasively across communication setting;
- Results: Pursues work with energy, drive, and results orientation to positively impact Apache's business success;
- Collaboration: Works in partnership with others and encourages different perspectives, while building and maintaining trust; and
- Culture: Willingness and ability to align one's behavior with the needs, priorities, and goals of Apache.
Company Overview
Our primary product is energy, and where there is affordable, abundant energy, people are healthier, have access to better education, and are given greater opportunities to elevate their families to higher standards of living.
Nearly 3 billion people — roughly one-third of the global population — live without electricity or without clean cooking facilities. We are committed to providing energy in innovative and more sustainable ways to help raise the standard of living for those living in energy poverty and to meet the ongoing demands of people and economies around the world.
The products we deliver power increasingly cleaner electricity across the globe, fuel tractors and trucks, make fertilizer to keep the world's food supply on the table, and heat our schools, hospitals and businesses.
Our employees bring a wide range of talents and skills to the job every day to tackle complex business challenges. We believe in providing a truly rewarding work environment supported by a benefits platform that ranks among the best in our peer group. Our company offers career development opportunities where employees can grow personally and professionally. We promote employee benefits that cultivate a family-friendly work environment and focus on our employees' overall well-being.
We are committed to being a workplace where all employees are valued and can thrive with a sense of belonging. Our commitment to non-discriminatory, equal employment opportunities benefits our individual employees, our company and our external stakeholders; we are better as an organization when various experiences, ideas, and perspectives are brought to the table.
Apache Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA). Apache has operations in the United States, Egypt's Western Desert and the United Kingdom's North Sea and a sister company with exploration opportunities offshore Suriname. Whether supporting Apache, APA Corporation or one of its subsidiaries, team members are employed by Apache Corporation.
For additional information about APA Corporation, please visit:
Apache Statement on Hiring
To provide genuine equal opportunity to all people, it is the policy of Apache Corporation and its subsidiaries to base all employment-related decisions and actions exclusively on employment-related criteria. To provide genuine equal opportunity to all people, it is the policy of Apache Corporation and its subsidiaries to provide broad dissemination of job opportunities, as consistent with the nature of the positions. To provide genuine equal opportunity to all people, it is the policy of Apache Corporation and its subsidiaries to review its employment-related policies and actions on a regular basis to ensure that their application is consistent with their intent.