Senior Automation Technician San Antonio, TX 78266 $35
- $55 an hour
- Full-time $35
- $55 an hour
- Full-time NextGen Industries, LLC San Antonio, Texas Senior Automation Technician Full-Time | Field & Office | San Antonio, TX Job Summary NextGen Industries is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Automation Technician to join our San Antonio team.
The ideal candidate brings 4-6 years of hands-on field experience with a strong foundation in PLC programming and troubleshooting, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols. In this senior role, you will also take ownership of project delivery, provide foreman-level leadership to field crews, and serve as a primary technical point of contact for our operator clients — representing NextGen's capabilities with professionalism and technical credibility. Key Responsibilities Automation, Instrumentation & Electrical Install, modify, and troubleshoot PLC systems from leading brands including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Opto 22, IDEC, and others. Install, configure, and maintain instrumentation and sensors from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Yokogawa, Signal Fire, SOR, and similar manufacturers. Develop and implement automation installation and maintenance solutions to improve field operations and system performance. Conduct regular maintenance and upgrades of automation systems to ensure optimal functionality and minimal downtime. Work with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, and HART. Interpret and implement signal types including analog (4-20mA, 0-10V) and digital I/O. Perform electrical installations including conduit runs, wire pulling, terminations, and panel wiring in accordance with NEC and applicable local codes. Read and interpret electrical schematics, loop drawings, and single-line diagrams to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Install and terminate field wiring for instruments, junction boxes, RTUs, and control panels in both general and classified (C1D1/C1D2) area installations. Perform voltage and continuity checks, megger testing, and loop calibrations to verify installation integrity and instrument accuracy prior to commissioning. Coordinate with UL-certified panel fabrication teams to ensure field wiring and termination requirements are reflected in panel design and build specifications. Follow industry best practices for automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems to ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Document and maintain accurate records of system configurations, wiring as-builts, calibration records, and maintenance activities. Project Management Lead assigned field projects from kickoff through closeout, coordinating scope, schedule, materials, and labor to deliver on time and within budget. Develop and maintain project-level documentation including work plans, task schedules, change logs, and as-built records. Coordinate with the Operations Manager and internal teams to ensure resource availability, tool/material staging, and site readiness prior to mobilization. Track project milestones and proactively communicate schedule risks or scope changes to supervision and the client. Participate in project handoff meetings and post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future execution. Assist in the preparation of scopes of work, material take-offs, and field estimates for new opportunities in support of business development. Field Leadership & Personnel Management Serve in a foreman capacity on multi-person field crews, providing direct oversight and task delegation to junior technicians and apprentices. Set daily work priorities at the job site, ensuring crew members understand scope, safety requirements, and quality expectations before work begins. Conduct on-site tailgate safety meetings and enforce adherence to NextGen safety policies, client site rules, and applicable regulatory requirements. Train and mentor junior technicians on PLC programming, instrumentation installation, troubleshooting methods, and documentation standards. Evaluate field crew performance and provide timely, constructive feedback; escalate personnel issues to the Operations Manager as appropriate. Model a professional, accountable work culture — leading by example in conduct, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. Customer Engagement Serve as NextGen's primary technical point of contact for assigned client sites, building trusted working relationships with operator instrumentation, production, and engineering personnel. Conduct site walks, scoping conversations, and technical reviews with client representatives to define requirements and align on deliverables. Communicate project status, technical findings, and any issues or delays to client contacts in a clear, professional manner — written and verbal. Identify opportunities for additional services or expanded scope during active site engagements and communicate these to management. Represent NextGen Industries professionally in all client interactions, reinforcing the company's reputation for technical excellence and operational reliability. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with engineering, operations, and field teams to resolve technical issues and improve system performance across client sites. Provide technical input to the panel fabrication and SCADA teams to ensure field-level requirements are accurately captured in design and build phases. Qualifications 5-7 years of experience as an Automation Technician or similar role in an industrial environment. Proficient in installation and troubleshooting PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Opto 22, IDEC, and similar platforms. Strong knowledge of instrumentation and sensors from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Yokogawa, Signal Fire, SOR, and similar manufacturers. Demonstrated experience with industrial communication protocols: Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, and HART. Solid understanding of analog and digital signal types and their applications in automation systems. Demonstrated ability to lead field crews, manage competing priorities, and deliver projects on schedule. Strong client-facing communication skills — able to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency in project documentation:
work plans, as-builts, change logs, and field reports. Excellent problem-solving skills and high attention to detail. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively in the field, and escalate issues appropriately. Relevant technical certification or associate degree preferred; bachelor's degree in a related field is a plus. Background in oil and gas production, midstream, or related energy sector operations strongly preferred; familiarity with wellsite instrumentation, production automation, or measurement services is a plus. Valid driver's license and ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug screen. Physical Requirements Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in various industrial environments, including confined spaces, elevated structures, and extreme weather conditions. Ability to work on-call and overtime as operational demands require. Travel requirements may exceed 50%; candidates must be comfortable with regular regional travel to client sites across the Eagle Ford, Permian Basin, and surrounding areas. Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive health and dental insurance. Retirement plan with company match. Paid time off and holidays. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Opportunity to grow with a fast-moving, technically driven company operating across multiple markets.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$35.00
- $55.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0
- 70.
0 per week
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance
Experience:
Oil & gas: 4 years (Required) Industrial controls: 4 years (Required)
Electrical:
4 years (Required) Willingness to travel: 50% (Required)
Work Location:
In person
