SIS PLC Specialist
INEOS · Alvin, TX
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $123k–$154k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist controls role at INEOS (chemicals) in Alvin, TX. Additionally, the SIS-PLC Specialist is responsible for the management of the PLC networks, site-wide PLC monitoring system, and supporting hardware and software.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC
- Base pay
- $123k–$154k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $98k–$158k. This one lists $123k–$154k.
Median of the low and high ends of 14 live postings that list pay, out of 87 controls engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 86 other live controls postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- About 8% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 4+)
Typical $97k–$158k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 79%
- Automation 78%
- Robotics 44%
- Python 28%
- EHS / safety 28%
- ✓ Root cause 25%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at INEOS
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: INEOS in Alvin
4 other open roles at this site.
- Lead Process Control Engineer · Controls · Manager
- Production Engineer, Furnace · Production
- Process Control Engineer · Controls
- Process Engineer, Polymers · Process
Full description from INEOSAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
How the Role Fits In
The Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Specialist will provide technical support during the conceptual phase and front-end loading design of SIS controls and PLC configuration including, design, programming, documentation, testing, commissioning and sustainability of SIS-PLC systems in alignment with IEC61511 Standards and INEOS Process Safety Management (PSM) principles at O&P facilities.
Additionally, the SIS-PLC Specialist is responsible for the management of the PLC networks, site-wide PLC monitoring system, and supporting hardware and software. The site Cybersecurity related support for PLC network system, monitors and computers, and securities are the responsibility of the SIS-PLC Specialist. Ownership of all PLC backup management and assurance of latest revisions of running PLC programs, validation of system narratives for PLCs and SIS directives/maintenance procedures are
responsibilities
of this position. The SIS-PLC Specialist interfaces with numerous organizations responsible for Operations, SIS and SIF systems, Capital Engineering, Maintenance Capital Projects, PSIM, Reliability and Mechanical Integrity to ensure appropriate alignment in the delivery and sustainability of PLC improvements. This position reports to the E&I Engineering Team Leader.
Responsibilities
AND Accountabilities
SIS-PLC Specialist is to support assessment, design, documentation, configuration, testing and commissioning, of new installations as well as maintaining, troubleshooting, optimizing existing systems (hardware & software) at CBW, Stratton Ridge and Hobbs. The
responsibilities
include participating in the Front-End Loading (FEL) design, detailed design, development and Start-Up & Commissioning. Project execution and sustainability support includes the development of documentation to deliver stage reviews and preventive maintenance
requirements
to deliver a robust SIS life cycle and optimized PLC system. The role entails understanding and implementing the INEOS 20 Principles and ensuring effective communication of these principles within the work group.
Support and actively participate in the troubleshooting, maintaining and optimization of PLC’s and resolving issues associated with SIS implementation.
Work closely with the site SIS Engineer in improving and maintaining the site’s SIS/SIF systems.
Support documentation of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
Ensure site SIS systems (furnaces, reactors, boilers, compressors, etc.) meet code requirements.
Assess CBW SIS and PLC changes by supporting MOC’s, validating programming changes prior to implementation, supporting training, and verifying all pertinent documentation changes (e.g. procedures, narratives, PM’s) are accurately defined/documented.
Lead, drive and assure that CBW site PLC Systems have up to date narratives, documentation of requested changes, testing and commissioning plans of changes in accordance with Site procedures, PSM and ISA requirements.
Act as Gatekeeper of site PLC systems’ administration and programming while ensuring that the systems are secured.
Support PLC network development.
Support and mentor unit technicians to troubleshoot and development of PLC programming changes, HMI displays and I/O configuration.
Stay abreast of current technology and strive to improve the plant’s General PLC and Safety PLC systems.
Provide support for process related information to the Environmental and Quality Control Department as needed to assure continuity of data used for environmental reporting and quality control purposes.
Review and provide comments on engineering design packages (issued for approval and construction packages) requiring PLC Changes and/or associated to SIS implementation issued by engineering and capital projects teams.
Assist in root cause analysis of process upsets and operation sequence of events.
Develop and configure interfaces to facilitate process improvements and incorporate process, mechanical and safety interlocks.
Support SIS Site Engineer troubleshooting SIS trips, failures to activate, developing/challenging resolutions to activation to prevent re-occurrences.
Support SIS Site Engineer in the Development of Functional Requirements, Specifications, and site procedures/guidelines.
Support SIS Site Steward and SIS Engineering Authority in the effective technology transfer and sharing of SIS and PLC best practices between site teams and INEOS O&P facilities.
Support and actively participate in the troubleshooting, maintaining and optimization of PLC’s and resolving issues associated with SIS implementation.
Provide SIS and PLC guidance in Capital Project development. Support design of SIS and PLC systems in FEL through Detail Design and IFC packages.
Requirements
Associate degree in Instrument and/or Electrical technology, or professional electrical training degree and SIS/PLC experience acceptable.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Company
INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA
Interested in joining a winning team? A team whose employees are empowered to make a difference?
Job Title
SIS PLC Specialist
Location
Chocolate Bayou Works
Alvin, Texas
Organizational Context and Job Purpose
The Olefins & Polymers USA division of INEOS is one of the largest producers of olefins and polyolefins in North America. From its manufacturing locations at Chocolate Bayou and the Battleground Manufacturing Complex, it is a merchant marketer of butadiene, ethylene, polypropylene and high-density polyethylene with annual revenue of over $4b. Located 40 miles south of Houston, the Chocolate Bayou Site in Southeastern Texas houses two Olefins units producing about 4 billion pounds annually of ethylene, two Polypropylene units producing around 1 billion pounds annually of polypropylene, and Light Ends storage & transfer facilities at Stratton Ridge.
