Description

About the job:

Kent is looking for an Automation Specialist to support the Kearl Project in Fort McKay, Alberta.

The Automation

Specialist plays a critical role in leading the development, planning, and execution of the Commissioning Automation scope. Working closely with the Site Manager, Asset teams, Automation Vendors, Commissioning Contractors, and Operations stakeholders, this role ensures automation systems are safely integrated, tested, and commissioned in accordance with approved engineering deliverables, control narratives, and project requirements. This position requires robust technical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to operate independently within established commissioning, automation, and governance frameworks. This position will be based at the project site.

Skills and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

Commissioning Automation & Project Support

- Lead the development, planning, and implementation of the Commissioning Automation scope.
- Coordinate Automation Vendor resourcing with support from the Asset team.
- Ensure Commissioning Contractors have the correct information prior to mobilization to efficiently execute scope.
- Notify Asset resources (DCS / PLC teams) of upcoming key dates and required site support.

Automation Design Review & Testing

- Review and ensure seamless integration of automation designs prior to field implementation.
- Review PLC-related ITPs, FAT procedures, check sheets, programs, and test reports issued by vendors.
- Witness and support vendor FAT activities, including verification of programs against approved control narratives.
- Verify mapping between end devices, PLCs, and DCS systems.
- Complete gap analysis between project control narratives and vendor programs.




- Ensure deficiencies identified during testing are captured within the Project SCDB and interface with responsible parties to close actions.
- Ensure compatibility, functionality, and reliability of serial interfaces.
- Support equipment SIR bench testing (DCS to data concentrator) to allow field contractors to focus on DCS-to-end-device testing.
- Support SIFT testing by pushing signals from the PLC end and verifying mapping to the DCS.

Automation Change Management & Risk Support

- Validate necessity and safety-related consequences of automation bypasses.
- Review and validate Automation Change Logs for accuracy.
- Provide site inputs into Instrument General Queries (IGQs) submitted by contractors.
- Manage late engineering deliverables and third-party equipment integration.

Systems, Processes & Compliance

- Apply systems completion and start-up lessons learned from previous projects.
- Provide dynamic commissioning support, including system surveillance and automation input to Control Room Operators.
- Provide feedback on hardware, software, and network architecture.
- Enhance control narratives and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve deficiencies.
- Assess operator user interfaces to align with industry standards.
- Define and verify network online timing requirements and validate network acceptance criteria.
- Ensure the latest engineering and project deliverables are available and utilized, including PLC programs, control narratives, and serial interface reports.
- Lead troubleshooting activities and communicate issues to all stakeholders.




- Assess automation-related risks and define mitigation plans.
- Validate Cause & Effect (C&E;) and control narrative checksheets.
- Witness automation-related SAT activities (e.g., HVAC).

Your knowledge/skills, education, and experience:

Knowledge/ Qualification/ Training/ Certification:

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in Automation, Controls, Commissioning, or Start-up environments.
- Strong understanding of:

o PLC and DCS systems o Control narratives and Cause & Effect documentation o FAT, SAT, SIFT, and SIR testing methodologies o Automation change management and system integration

- Experience supporting large-scale construction, commissioning, or EPC projects is preferred.
- Strong understanding of industrial networks, serial interfaces, and system architecture.

Communication:

- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical automation issues, risks, and resolutions to project stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary site environments.

Behavior/Core Competencies:

- High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and a continuous improvement mindset.

HSSEQ:

The Employee shall observe the Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment and Quality rules of the Company; it’s clients and the governing authorities of the host country.

Details about the role:

Location: Fort McKay, Alberta – Kearl Site

Relocation required: No

Travel required: Yes 2&2 rotation format

📌 Automation specialist (Fort Mackay)
🏢 Kent
📍 Fort Mackay