Drilling Automation Engineer II (PLC & Software)

Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nabors is seeking an Automation Engineer II to help develop software and automation technologies powering drilling automation solutions. You will work on PLC-based automation, contribute to product validation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve drilling performance and equipment reliability.

The role emphasizes solving real-world engineering challenges, developing new functionality, and delivering robust automation that performs in field operations globally.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing, programming, and supporting PLC-based automation or industrial control systems.
• Demonstrated experience with Rockwell Automation platforms (RSLogix/Studio 5000) or comparable PLC systems.
• Strong PLC programming and process automation expertise, including the ability to develop automation logic from functional requirements.
• Experience designing, supporting, and troubleshooting industrial control systems involving instrumentation, sensors, drives, communications, and machine automation.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex software, controls, and system integration issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience working with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC, Profibus, or similar technologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, electrical schematics, and operational requirements to develop effective automation solutions.
• Experience supporting software and automation systems throughout the development, testing, deployment, and operational support lifecycle.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across engineering, quality, operations, manufacturing, and field teams.
• Ability to support occasional after-hours operational issues and travel up to 10% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance PLC-based automation software that improves drilling performance, operational consistency, and equipment utilization.
• Translate product requirements into scalable control logic and automation features that support Nabors' drilling automation platforms.
• Develop software enhancements, functionality upgrades, and automation capabilities aligned to business and operational needs.
• Apply structured programming and software engineering practices to deliver maintainable, high-quality code.
• Investigate, diagnose, and resolve software defects identified through field operations, testing activities, and product releases.
• Analyze operational data, system logs, and automation performance metrics to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and deploy software patches that improve system stability, reliability, and user experience.
• Drive long-term solutions that reduce recurring issues and improve product performance across the automation portfolio.
• Partner with quality and testing teams to validate new functionality and identify software defects before deployment.
• Support iterative testing cycles by evaluating feedback, addressing findings, and refining automation solutions.
• Verify functionality against requirements and ensure software performs as intended across operational scenarios.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development, testing, and release processes.
• Collaborate with automation engineers, drilling subject matter experts, operations personnel, and product stakeholders to develop effective technical solutions.
• Interpret business and operational requirements and translate them into software functionality.
• Support multiple automation products while building technical expertise across the broader drilling automation portfolio.
• Communicate technical recommendations, risks, project progress, and solution impacts to stakeholders clearly and effectively.

Skills

PLC programming

Process automation

Industrial controls

Root cause analysis

EtherNet/IP

Modbus

OPC

Communications protocols

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Computer Eng

Tools

RSLogix/Studio 5000

Industrial control hardware

Job description

Nabors is seeking an Automation Engineer II to help develop software and automation technologies powering drilling automation solutions. You will work on PLC-based automation, contribute to product validation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve drilling performance and equipment reliability.

The role emphasizes solving real-world engineering challenges, developing new functionality, and delivering robust automation that performs in field operations globally.