Offshore Automation & Controls Engineer

NES Fircroft; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking an experienced Automation and Controls Engineer to support offshore oil and gas operations from Houston. The role covers installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation, control systems, and OT networks, with emphasis on PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and safety-critical devices.

You will collaborate with operations, IT/OT, and vendors, manage alarm rationalization, and ensure compliance with MOC and ISA standards while supporting offshore travel

Qualifications

• Requires 7+ years in automation, controls, instrumentation or related industry, 5+ years in oil & gas.
• Advanced PLC programming using ladder logic, function block, and structured text.
• Expertise with HMI systems, industrial communications, and process instrumentation.
• OT networks knowledge: Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, VLANs, switches, fiber, serial comms.
• Windows-based OT systems, virtualization, and high availability.
• Ability to read P&IDs, Cause & Effects, and network/loop drawings.
• Strong communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance management systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot automation, control, and OT networks.
• Support lifecycle management for PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and servers.
• Troubleshoot control systems and field instrumentation (level, pressure, flow, vibration, fire & gas).
• Assist with alarm rationalization, testing, documentation, and nuisance-alarm reduction.
• Ensure compliance with programming, cybersecurity, MOC, and API/ISA standards.
• Plan maintenance activities in SAP/CMMS and coordinate with operations and vendors.
• Travel offshore for projects and support offshore operations as needed.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI & instrumentation

OT networks

Windows OT systems & virtualization

P&ID & drawings reading

Alarm management

communication & teamwork

Education

2‑year degree in instrumentation/automation/electronics

Bachelor’s degree in automation/electrical engineering or related

Tools

AVEVA System Platform

SAP/CMMS

VMware/Hyper‑V virtualization

Job description

NES Fircroft is seeking an experienced Automation and Controls Engineer to support offshore oil and gas operations from Houston. The role covers installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation, control systems, and OT networks, with emphasis on PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and safety-critical devices.

You will collaborate with operations, IT/OT, and vendors, manage alarm rationalization, and ensure compliance with MOC and ISA standards while supporting offshore travel