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Senior Process Controls Technician

Job Summary

The Marathon Los Angeles Refinery located in Carson, California is seeking an experienced Senior Process Controls Technician to provide process control systems support in the refinery. Act as primary resource for hardware and software maintenance and lifecycle planning for refinery control systems. This role will ensure reliability and function of Process Control systems and applications. This includes confirming that data and work processes are kept up to date such that applications/hardware are running as intended. The Senior Process Controls Technician will collaborate with partners and customers to communicate, schedule, and execute updates. This role will also document, communicate, provide training, and work through issues, changes, notices, and impacts to customers.

This non-exempt position will have the available onsite schedules 9/80 or 5/40, after hours calls are required and support of TAR.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and maintains process control strategies to optimize unit performance and reliability.

• Troubleshoots and resolves control system issues, including hardware, software, and network components.

• Collaborates with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to resolve operational challenges. Develops and maintains relationships with console operators.

• Maintains and optimizes control systems (e.g., DCS, PLC, SIS) to support safe and efficient refinery operations.

• Develops and maintains control narratives, logic diagrams, and system documentation.

• Manages controls-related projects, including scope development, vendor coordination, and commissioning

Hardware and Software

• Manage spare parts inventory and Control System failure metrics

• Maintain Process Control cabling

• Perform system configurations

• Troubleshoot 3rd party device issues, manage PLC inventory

Process Control Management

• Support control loop implementation

• Update Control System data historian

• Assist with PLC/SIS programming and operations interpretation

• Lead incident investigations and participate as needed

Small and Large CAPEX Project Roles

• Lead project design, FAT, SAT, and implementation of new hardware/software

• Represent Process Control in design and testing phases

Application Support

• Provide technical support, improve work practices, and monitor application performance

• Coordinate with vendors on updates and communicate changes

• Maintain and troubleshoot Control System data historians

• Develop and maintain site-specific standards, training guides, and “how-to’s”

Education, Experience and Skills

Minimum Qualifications 

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED. (Education must be obtained/completed prior to start date.)

• Must have at least 5 or more years of experience in industrial controls or instrumentation maintenance.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft 365: Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE in the refinery (respirator), be able to physically perform all tasks in the field and take hair drug test and physical.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for future VISA sponsorship. Details on what VISAs require Company Sponsorships examples are as follows: H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa.

• Travel Requirement is 10%.

• Must be able to work the onsite schedule: 9/80 or 5/40, after hours calls are required and support of TAR.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Electrical or Instrument Technology is preferred.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering is preferred.

• Experience with the following preferred:

  • DCS: Experion, TPS/TDC, GE Mark VIe

  • PLC Maintenance, Logic, Troubleshooting: Allen Bradley, Modicon

  • SIS Maintenance: Safety Manager, Tricone