Automation Engineer I

Nabors Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Nabors Industries is seeking an Automation Engineer to join our Houston team. You will develop electrical and controls software for drilling applications, interpret client requirements, and ensure safe, reliable automation solutions.

The role includes field support, troubleshooting, and occasional travel to rigs to implement fixes and optimize performance. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Electrical/Controls Engineering and 1–2 years of controls experience, with familiarity in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering.
• 1–2 years in engineering setting with controls and automation software.
• Experience with Rockwell or Siemens PLC systems preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and field support abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for drilling automation based on requirements.
• Generate design docs, PLC code, HMI apps, BOMs, and drawings.
• Provide level 3 technical support at field sites and remotely.
• Travel up to 25% to rig sites and support operations.

Skills

C/C++

C#

PLC ladder logic

Field troubleshooting

Communication

Time management

Reading schematics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering

Tools

FactoryTalk

Rockwell/Siemens PLCs

Ethernet/IP

Profibus

Modbus

OPC

Job description

Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.

The Automation Engineer will be part of a team developing automation solutions for the drilling industry, develop electrical and controls software-based design requirement, provide level 3 technical support to external and internal customers, ensure all relevant safety objectives and legal requirements are observed for all work completed. This position also interprets client requirements, identify and address design parameters and engineering problems and ensure solutions are implemented accurately and within budget.

• Controls and Automation engineer with the role of developing software for drilling applications based on given requirements and specification.
• Control software development will also include developing machine control algorithms for PLC based systems.
• HMI design and implementation, instrumentation and sensor interface, data logging, and communication interfaces with other industrial processors like PLCs.
• Duties will include generation of Design documentation, PLC Code, HMI applications, Bill of Materials, Network Architectures, One Line Drawing, Operations manuals.
• Responsible of sustaining current rig applications and debugging / fixing issues that are reported in the field. This could be by answering calls and working with technicians, remotely connecting to rig system and troubleshoot, or by traveling to the rig site and working with rig personnel to fix the issue.
• Maintain product safety in all designs Perform basic troubleshooting of communication networks and wiring issues with PLCs and other NW components

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering or related discipline from a recognized University
• 1-2 years of experience in an engineering environment, developing controls and automation software in Rockwell or Siemens systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience with controlling heavy rotating equipment using induction motors

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES

• Strong Field Troubleshooting skills
• Effective communication skills both verbal & written, both 1-1 and group situations
• Time management

TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES

• Working knowledge of programming in C, C++, C#, PLC Ladder logic.
• HMI: Factory Talk. Understanding for Rockwell software suite.
• Ability to read Electrical schematics.
• Understanding of various communication protocols Profibus, Modbus, OPC, ethernetIP, etc
• Strong hands-on hardware troubleshooting and software debugging skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• While this position is primarily based in a professional office environment, travel to yards and rigs is essential and required.
• 25% travel is expected
• The position supports drilling rigs that work 24/7 and will routinely require phone availability outside regular work hours

Work Authorization Requirement

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.