AUTOMATION ENGINEER II

Nabors Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Nabors Industries is seeking a Rig Automation Technology Engineer II to join the NCS Engineering & Technical team. The role supports development, integration, commissioning and troubleshooting of drilling rig automation technologies, interfacing between engineering and field execution to deliver safe and reliable solutions.

Ideal candidates have a BS in mechanical, electrical, or petroleum engineering, at least three years in oil and gas, and familiarity with AutoCAD/SolidWorks and Allen-Bradley

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Petroleum Engineering
• 3+ years in oil and gas industry or drilling operations
• Reading engineering drawings and technical documentation

Responsibilities

• Support development, integration, commissioning and troubleshooting of drilling rig automation technologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and suppliers to deliver field-proven solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation including requirements, test procedures and field reports.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

Microsoft 365

PLCs

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, or Petroleum Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Allen-Bradley PLC

Studio 5000

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 Rig Automation Technology Engineer II, within Rig Automation Technology – NCS Engineering & Technical, supports the development, integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of new and existing drilling rig automation technologies.

The position serves as a technical link between engineering development and field execution, working closely with Controls & Automation, EMS Technical Support, Rig Engineering, Rig Operations, and third-party suppliers to deliver safe, reliable, and field-proven solutions.

• Perform basic engineering calculations and technical evaluations to assess the safety, suitability, and feasibility of designs and applications.
• Support the integration, testing, commissioning, deployment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of drilling rig automation systems.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional requirements, FMECA, test procedures, commissioning reports, troubleshooting guides, field reports, and as-built records.
• Review drawings, specifications, manuals, and technical data to support evaluation of feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams and third-party suppliers to support field execution, testing, troubleshooting, quality, and project deliverables.
• Expand technical knowledge through hands‑on engineering assignments, field exposure, testing, and commissioning activities.

• Preferably Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum three years of oil and gas industry experience, with working knowledge of drilling rig components and drilling operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks and ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a drilling contractor or organization directly involved in drilling operations.
• Hands‑on experience with drilling rig equipment, automation systems, commissioning, deployment, or troubleshooting.
• Basic understanding of Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and familiarity with Studio 5000 for diagnostics, logic review, and basic troubleshooting.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a practical, field‑focused approach.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, reliability, and commitment to completing assigned work.
• Organized and dependable in managing priorities, meetings, follow‑up actions, and project commitments.
• Demonstrates initiative to participate in field testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and development activities.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, operations, field, and supplier teams.

Technical Competencies

• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations related to mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and drilling rig systems.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulics, electrical systems, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and integrated rig automation systems.
• Willingness to expand learning to PLC-based control systems, Allen‑Bradley platforms, and machine‑vision technologies.
• Ability to support systematic troubleshooting and identify practical improvements to equipment and automation systems.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to domestic and international rig‑up yards, test yards, and operating drilling rigs, approximately 25% of time worked.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated rig structures, including the rig floor and racking board, while wearing required PPE and fall‑protection equipment.
• Ability to work in office, yard, and drilling‑rig environments and safely access equipment for testing, commissioning, inspection, and troubleshooting.

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.