PLC Specialist / Lead Package

Main tasks and responsibilities

Project Phase

Commissioning and Start-up preparation

• Review cause & effects, PLCs narratives, and control logics of the plant and of the tank.
• Verify compliance of PLCs architectures, networks, I/O, and DCS / SCADA interfaces.
• Review commissioning and start-up procedures.
• Perform Package Lead responsibilities scopes during the preparation phase of LNG plant commissioning and start up, coordinating Mechanical, Instrumentation, and Electrical teams if required.
• Prepare and review PLC-ICSS interface definitions for LNG facilities (liquefaction, utilities, storage, loading etc.), ensuring alignment with control philosophies, cause & effects, and operating philosophies.
• Support development and validation of commissioning procedures.
• Review pre-commissioning checklists.
• Ensure contractor has identified all/any temporary equipment requirements in a timely manner to ensure there is no impact on the schedule.
• Define with the production team the ESD/F&G testing program.
• Monitor and follow for PLCs equipment the execution of commissioning (including as required FATs at manufacturer premises).
• Define & verify acceptance criteria for FAT, SAT, SIT, OTP.
• Ensure any modifications are monitored through appropriate Engineering Query routine.
• Assist the Commissioning & Start-up Methods Lead in identifying and addressing all internal/external interface issues with respect to commissioning and start-up.
• Ensure that all interface activities are managed and controlled correctly by contractor.

Commissioning and Start-up execution:

• Act as Package Lead during commissioning and start up execution, ensuring effective coordination of Mechanical, Instrumentation, and Electrical teams on site.
• Ensure all PLC packages are ready for energization, testing, and start-up.
• Witness and monitor PLC Packages Activities performed by the contractor, ensuring that company requirements are fulfilled.
• Manage and support PLC/ICSS interface testing and troubleshooting to ensure reliable communications, safe operation, and smooth LNG unit start up.
• Support start up activities, tuning, and resolution of interface related issues to achieve stable and safe LNG operations.
• Ensure functional and operational integration of PLCs packages with ICSS/DCS/SIS (integration with PCS/SIS/FGS/ Historian /Time synch).
• Monitor and follow the PLCs SAT and Site Integration Tests.
• Assist the commissioning technicians and panel operators in the operation of Package Control Systems during loop checking and commissioning phases.
• Ensure the progress is in accordance with priorities driven by the commissioning and start-up sequence.
• Follow and validate punch list items entry / clearance related to PLCs packages.
• Ensure optimal vendor mobilization and planning for start-up of equipment.
• Control for Package Control System the execution and the reporting of OTP execution and ensure that all technical and planning information are properly recorded, collected and available for inspection/reference as required by company policies.
• Verify start-up readiness, including:
  • Alarm list cleared
  • Communication stability confirmed
  • All bypass removed/controlled
  • Validated PLCs backups
  • As-built PLCs software
  • Availability of tools, accesses, and diagnostics
• Provide active on-site support during critical start-up sequences and stabilization phases.
• Troubleshoot in real time PLC and interface issues.
• Report immediately any unexpected events which may affect the commissioning of the plant or the start up.
• Review, assist and approve the commissioning dossiers and after completion of OTP activities, co-sign Achievement of Commissioning (AOC) and Hand-over Certificates.
• Ensure the equipment during and after commissioning is suitably preserved and maintained by contractor.
• Ensure a smooth handover (feedback and training) to the Field Operations Team.
• Ensure that PLCs Packages master files are updated and reflect the “As commissioned” status at the time of transfer.
• Checked with Maintenance Team all PLC assets are tagged & registered in CMMS and linked to maintenance strategy.

Production Phase

• As part of the duties of the Lead Package Coordinator, it is required to assist in the development of Package Control System learning and assessments for Marsa technicians. This role will also be active in the implementation and continual improvement of the on-job training delivery which forms part of the competence assurance process. This is to create a learning culture within the organization through knowledge sharing and mentoring of assigned Marsa technicians.

HSE

• Adopt and demonstrate an exemplary behaviour with regard to HSE, apply and proactively promote the MARSA LNG HSE policy and regulations, particularly those applicable to Package Control System activities.
• Ensure that all activities for his discipline will be covered by well prepared and implemented procedures and covered by a PTW.
• Ensure the compliance with the Cyber security requirement.
• Main player in SIL related tasks within commissioning.
• Compliant with all HSE rules and regulations as per Oman Law.

Personnel Development & Competency

• Provide technical support to MARSA LNG team.
• Develop and implement specific training methodology to fill the gaps, ensure the effectiveness of the training.
• Performance and KPIs management.
• Provide coaching and mentoring for future ICSS and Package Control System team to ensure operational excellence.
• Assist commissioning, start up and operation team when required.
• Support the training, and development for future Package Control System team through competency-based plans.

General

• Ensure that safety regulations and safe work practices are applied for Package Control System work according to company's and applicable international standards.

Technical Specifications

• Test and prove ESD sequence.
• Identify and resolve Package Control System issues which are critical during project and operational phases.
• Validate technical change or modification for Package Control Systems.

Key Interactions

• Internal: Control System Specialist, Plant Operations, Project, Engineering, Training
• External: EPC Contractors, Vendors, Partners and Suppliers, Public entities representatives.

Education requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering (Automation, Control System).

Language requirements

• Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)

Background and experience

• Professional Experience: +15 years’ experience in the Oil & Gas industry with proven experience with large onshore plants and LNG plants. Several years of proven experience in commissioning and operation stage of LNG projects. Proven experience in dealing with one or more of the well-recognized PLC vendors (Emerson, Schneider, Siemens, ABB, Honeywell, Rockwell, Foxboro, etc). Proven site experience coordinating PLC Packages. Experience in similar position (years): +10 years’ experience as Package Coordinator.

Required Competencies (Degree of mastery: 1: weak - 2: medium - 3: good - 4: excellent)

Technical

• Strong expertise in PLC systems: 4
• Instrumentation Activities: 3
• ICSS Activities: 3
• Operation and Production: 3
• LNG Process and Marine operations: 3
• Industrial Networks (Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP): 4
• Commissioning and start-up of O&G facilities: 3
• Maintenance / Inspection: 3
• Safety of personnel and installations: 3
• Simultaneous operations: 3

Soft

• Collaborative mindset: 3
• Cross-functionality and resolve general complex issues: 3
• Knowledge of Company rules/procedures: 3
• Oil & Gas industry and management experience: 3
• Communications and Analytical skills: 3
• Open-mindedness & Adaptability: 3
• Innovation: 2
• Mentoring and Coaching: 3
• Budget and Cost Control: 3
• Performance & KPIs Management: 3