Automation Engineer

Start your career as an Automation Engineer at Vopak and contribute to social themes such as energy security and energy transition. We offer you a working environment that is safe and pleasant and where equality, diversity and satisfaction are of paramount importance. Ready to develop yourself and make a positive impact? Improve the world and start as an Automation Engineer at Vopak.

What will you do as an Automation Engineer?

This position will lead and support automation/control systems scope for various facility upgrade projects, control systems migration projects, as well as lifecycle maintenance/upgrades of automation/control systems in a liquids storage terminal setting. The position provides subject matter expertise for automation/control systems and instrumentation. This position leads and guides terminals in the execution of automation/ process control projects including project planning activities, development of technical designs and functional specifications. The position also maintains the integrity and lifecycle of the automation systems at the site.

The position is responsible for the following Vopak terminals

• Los Angeles (Wilmington, CA)

• Long Beach (San Pedro, CA)

What do we offer you?

• A market-based salary depending on your experience and knowledge and attractive bonuses

• The target compensation for this role is $140,000.00 to $170,000.00 per year.

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

• Short Term/Long Term Disability Insurance

• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance

• Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurance

• 401(k) Incentive Savings Plan

• Holidays (9 fixed holidays and 2 floating holidays)

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Time Off

What do we expect from you as an Automation Engineer?

• Must possess or be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act.

• 4-year college degree in engineering from an accredited university

• Advanced degree in technical or business field preferred

• 6-8 years' experience in automation, instrumentation, and process controls in the petrochemical, refining, or oil & gas industries. Liquid storage terminal experience is a plus.

• Experience with Emerson DeltaV DCS, SIS systems, and Rockwell PLCs hardware and software. In addition, Wonderware, Toptech, and CCTV experience is a plus.

• Experience with construction, installation, testing and commissioning of control systems.

• Knowledge of the Industrial automation standards including ISA 88, ISA 95 and IEC61511, and relevant codes (e.g. NEC)

• Familiarity with major Tank Gauging Systems and associated industry standards is preferred.

• Affinity with IT / OT convergence and OT cybersecurity principles

• Experience working in the safety-critical industrial environment; strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and security principles

• Knowledge of the business activities and processes in terminal operations preferred


• Knowledge of planning and scheduling processes and general project management processes

• Ability to translate technical plans into easy-to-understand laymen's terms and communicate such translations in clear terminology

• Ability to manage complex stakeholder environment

• Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written; listening skills; experience creating and delivering presentations.

• Willingness to travel up to 20% (travel will mainly be to Vopak terminal in Corpus Christi, TX)

• Ability to respond promptly to emergencies or unexpected calls during off-hours, including nights and weekends.

• Competencies:

o Detail oriented

o Results driven

o Problem solving skills

o Negotiation skills

o Stakeholder management / communication skills

o Planning & organizing

o Team player

What does your day look like?

Your core responsibilities are:

• Abides by all safety procedures and practices applicable to location and position; participates in appropriate safety training; demonstrates commitment to and support of SH&E principles and values; champions safety as necessary

• Provides subject matter expertise for automation/control systems and instrumentation, as well as supporting the project team with assigned upgrades, migrations and other automation projects.

• Coordinates all automation technical and engineering matters between the terminal and customer, technical and/or engineering personnel or other stakeholders

• Responsible for maintenance and lifecycle management of automation/control systems at the terminals. Ensures SLAs (service level agreements) with appropriate technical requirements are in place for automation/control systems and ensures that vendors deliver services in line with the scope and quality requirements established in SLAs.

• Responsible for configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, programming, and hardware/software support of control systems at the terminals.

• Help develop/prepare Control System Block Diagrams/System Architecture, Network Diagrams, I/O Lists, Junction Box / wiring drawings, plot plans, Instrument Index, Instrument Data Sheets, Range/Alarm/Trip/Shutdown Schedules, Control Narratives, Cause & Effect Matrix, DCS/HMI Screens, Complex Loop Narratives and Hardware/Software/Configuration guides.

• Participate in HAZOP/PHA activities and provide I&C input to achieve required Layers of Protection.

• As part of the technical team, conduct regular meetings with operations and maintenance to ensure that automation/I&C design work & changes are aligned with the specific needs of terminal operations and are in compliance with company and industrial standards.

• Support P&ID development for I&C scope; maintain P&ID redlining & update through the course of the initial project, as well as all future projects.

• Prepare control systems scope, specifications, requisitions, proposals, estimates, surveys and designs.

• Pre-select & pre-qualify vendors, obtain bids, evaluate bids and support the procurement process to award contracts for the applicable projects.

• Review project documents and vendor drawings, specifications, design documents, loop/wiring drawings and test procedures etc., and ensure that the control system design and installation are consistent with company standards.

• Support preparation of project scope, justification, cost estimates and return on investment evaluations, and obtaining required expenditure approvals for implementation of the planned project stages.

• Manage and monitor vendor's progress throughout the life of the project to ensure facility standards, project scope and schedule are met.

• Prepares and delivers technical and management support presentations and reports as required

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The Company will not sponsor immigration or work visas.

Work Environment

This position requires an employee to be in an office environment as well as exposed to outside elements. Most extreme elements are heat in the summer months of up to 104°F (40°C) and some exposure to cold of generally no less than 15°F (-10°C) in the winter months. There will be exposure to various chemicals and compounds, including fumes and smells, some of them hazardous. The employee may enter confined spaces and work in elevated environments. Employee must be able to wear PPE required by the location. General office noise may be experienced and louder sounds and vibrations when outside. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All environments are safe with appropriate PPE.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, speak and hear. The employee is required to stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; the employee may be required, on occasion, to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may be required to climb ladders/storage tanks up to 50' in height. The employee may be required to enter confined spaces. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to travel by air, rail, bus, or car.

Want to start as an Automation Engineer at Vopak?

Are you ready to share your vision and contribute to Vopak's projects? Then start as an Automation Engineer and apply now!