Lead Automation Engineer

3010 HYDRIL USA DISTRIBUTION; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

3010 HYDRIL USA DISTRIBUTION seeks an experienced engineer for developing and maintaining PLC programs in Houston, TX. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 4 years of relevant experience in automation and control systems.

The role includes designing control system layouts, providing technical support, and optimizing automated drilling equipment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without employer sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of relevant technical-level experience.
• Oilfield or heavy industrial machinery experience is preferred.
• Field service or commissioning experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain PLC programs for automated drilling equipment.
• Create and optimize control system layouts and logic flow.
• Provide technical support during equipment build, installation, and commissioning.
• Travel to field or facility locations for system support.

Skills

PLC programming

Understanding of industrial electrical systems

Ability to interpret electrical drawings

Technical support skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering

Tools

Sysmac Studio

SIMATIC WinCC

AutoCAD

Git

Azure DevOps

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Company Overview

HMH is a leading provider of drilling solutions, offering a wide range of products and services designed to be the safest and most efficient in the industry. With expertise in land and offshore operations, subsea mining, geothermal, onshore and offshore construction, and offshore wind industries, HMH maintains a strong global presence across 16 countries and five continents. The company advances automation and digital solutions for drilling customers to improve efficiency and environmental footprints.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain PLC programs for automated drilling equipment.
• Create and optimize control system layouts and logic flow.
• Support ongoing product development and new feature testing.
• Participate in validation and refinement of automation solutions.
• Provide engineering insights to enhance safety, reliability, and performance.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot PLC and HMI issues remotely or on site.
• Offer technical support during equipment build, installation, and commissioning.
• Travel to field or facility locations for system support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant technical-level experience.
• Experience with PLC programming (Sysmac Studio, SIMATIC WinCC, etc.).
• Understanding of industrial electrical systems and controls.
• Oilfield or heavy industrial machinery experience.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and technical specifications.

Desired Qualifications

• Programming experience with Omron and/or Beckhoff PLCs.
• Strong preference for AutoCAD experience.
• Experience with version control systems such as Git.
• Experience with task tracking and collaboration systems such as Azure DevOps, JIRA, Confluence, etc.
• Familiarity with hazardous‑area electrical standards (ATEX, CSA, IECEx).
• Field service or commissioning experience.

Additional Information

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis, now or in the future, without employer sponsorship for employment visa status. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Location

Houston, TX – JFK