Industrial Automation Application Developer

Sprague is passionate about delivering diverse products and programs that warm, power and move the world. We keep homes warm through Northeastern winters and hospitals cool through summer. We help small businesses focus on serving their communities, and our renewable fuels keep our country’s infrastructure running. From importing wind energy components to deploying leading-edge solar technology to help power terminal facilities, we are committed to continually evolving to meet our customers’ changing energy needs.

Our Culture

We recently surveyed our employees to ask them their favorite part of the job. They answered, " The people I work with. "

In addition to great coworkers, you’ll enjoy perks like medical benefits and retirement contributions that start on your first day. Employees start with three weeks (15 days) of paid vacation time per year! Sprague also provides tuition reimbursement for any employee that would like to further their education. Do you like to get involved where you work? Is giving back important to you? It’s important to us, too! Sprague donates back to the communities in which we live and work every year and provides opportunities for employees to support various charities throughout the year. In addition, Sprague offers paid volunteer time to allow employees to support charities which are meaningful to them in the communities in which they live. Sprague has a range of committees to support varying initiatives (Sustainability, Charitable, Scholarship, Innovation, FunForce, etc.). Sprague is a place that cares about its employees, its community, and about creating a place where people want to come to work every day.

Plus, we have some great benefits!

• 401(k) Traditional and Roth plans with employer match of 100% of the first 6% of the employee’s contribution
• Defined Contribution Plan with an automatic contribution from Sprague
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Flexible Working Policy
• Choice of high deductible and PPO Health Plans to fit your individual needs
• Wellness Program

We want to hear from you!

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Application Developer to support our terminal automation systems and industrial automation solutions, including the back-office database systems that support these applications. This role encompasses software development, engineering, system integration, and vendor management responsibilities.

The position is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, performance, and continuous improvement of Terminal Automation Systems (TAS), including loading rack controls, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), tank gauging systems, SCADA integrations, and interfaces with enterprise systems. Our ideal candidate will be able to perform duties in high pressure, time sensitive situations.

This opportunity will be remote and requires you to live within a 1 to 2-hour commute of Portsmouth, NH.

Key Responsibilities:

• Knowledge and familiarity with load rack operations
• Installation, upgrades, maintenance, and support of multiple terminal automation systems, including DTN Guardian G3 and TopTech TMS6/7, and support systems
• Ensure continuous availability of critical systems including terminal automation, tank gauging, PLC, and HMI systems
• Effectively communicate and manage issues with product vendors
• Understanding of general operation, programming, wiring, and communication functions of AccuLoads and Multiloads, Weigh scales, PLC’s, and instrumentation
• Ensure accurate data flow from terminal systems to corporate reporting platforms for inventory, throughput, and compliance metrics
• Develop and maintain documentation and procedures
• Develop and set up distribution of data reports
• Provide 1st and 2nd level 24/7 on-call production support for systems as part of rotation with other team members
• Work as a member of a team to design cost effective technology solutions in support of functional business requirements
• Develop and maintain HMI screens for terminal automation, loading rack control, and industrial weighing systems with a focus on clarity, operator efficiency, and safety.
• Design, configure, and troubleshoot PLC logic for loading racks, safety interlocks, permissive, and industrial weighing processes.
• Integrate PLCs with terminal automation platforms, and field instrumentation using Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and serial protocols.
• Diagnose PLC communication issues, I/O faults, and network disruptions to restore operational continuity.
• Design and maintain industrial control system architectures, including Studio 5000 environments, FactoryTalk, Modbus TCP networks, and Ethernet based instrumentation.
• Configure and troubleshoot Modbus TCP communication between PLCs, HMIs, and automation controllers.
• Ability to perform duties in high pressure, time sensitive situations
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to apply technical knowledge
• Occasional, but periodically frequent, travel as needed, when needed
• Other projects as assigned

Do you like to solve problems and consider yourself forward thinking? If you are looking for a place to challenge yourself, then Sprague is your place. Sprague employees are dedicated and driven. We work best as a team, knowing that collaboration leads to innovation and the best customer experience. We are looking for hardworking colleagues to join us and help us stay at the forefront of the energy industry, which is where we’ve been for over 150 years.

Qualified candidates for this role will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the job.
• Knowledge of liquid and weigh scale terminal loading operations
• Knowledge and experience with load rack metering devices (AccuLoad, MultiLoad)
• Experience with management of terminal automation system applications including DTN G3 and Toptech TMS6/7
• Experience with PLC/HMI programming, including Allen Bradley
• Extensive database experience (Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL)
• Research and resolve issues independently / strong problem solving skills
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Ability to prioritize workload, perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment and relate to customers/outside contacts and fellow employees

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk.
• Frequent use of computer keyboard and mouse.
• Occasional reaching and stretching.
• Occasional lifting and carrying light objects (usually up to 10 pounds).
• Moving within the office environment, including visits to different departments or meeting rooms.
• Prolonged periods of computer monitor work, reading documents, and detailed work.
• Frequent typing and use of office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly over the phone, video conferencing and in person.

Who we are:

Sprague takes a collaborative, customer-centric approach to providing best-in-class energy products and related services throughout the Northeast. Founded in 1870, we pride ourselves on offering customers the expert solutions and high-quality service that help their businesses thrive in any market landscape. Sprague values innovation, safety, integrity and people. We know that our people are what set us apart from our competition, and we work hard to make sure each employee across our 20+ locations knows how important they are to our community.

Come join us to learn why we are consistently celebrating 20-, 30-, and even 40-year anniversaries here at Sprague!

Sprague is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We strive to create a respectful and inclusive environment which welcomes people from all backgrounds and experiences.

As a federal contractor we adhere to OFCCP employment regulations. Click here for OFCCP compliance information