Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Patterson-UTI; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Patterson-UTI is seeking an experienced Engineer for their Drilling Automation team in Houston, Texas. This role involves developing software and hardware for drilling rig control systems, requiring exceptional knowledge of control system principles and problem-solving skills.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 7+ years of programming experience with PLCs, and expertise in industrial communications protocols. The position may involve significant travel to remote locations and requires the ability to work in various outdoor conditions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs.
• Advanced expertise in developing PLC code in various formats.
• Experience with industrial communications protocols like Ethernet/IP and Profibus.

Responsibilities

• Develop control algorithms and PLC software.
• Design and develop drilling applications to improve efficiency.
• Provide technical support to field personnel.

Skills

Control system principles

Problem-solving skills

Variable Frequency Drives

Industrial communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Wonderware HMI

Job description

Job Description

Patterson-UTI’s Drilling Automation team is a growing group of energetic, passionate individuals working to improve our operations through automation. Engineers in our Technology Group are responsible for the conception, design, development, and maintenance of drilling rig control system(s) software and hardware. The preferred candidate should have an established fundamental knowledge of control system principles, exceptional problem‑solving skills, experience with Variable Frequency Drives, industrial communication protocols, and drilling rig equipment. They will be responsible for developing new products, sustaining current rig software applications, and fixing issues that are reported with the systems.

Example Projects

• Designing drilling advisory systems to improve drilling efficiency
• Automation of repetitive multistep mechanical tasks in the drilling process such as connections, reaming, and tripping
• Integration of third‑party applications into the control system such as battery energy storage and managed pressure drilling systems

Detailed Description

• Apply exceptional understanding of engineering fundamentals with attention to detail and problem solving skills to complete deliverables of multi‑disciplinary backgrounds
• Responsible for developing control algorithms, PLC software, HMI design/development, system architecture design, and implementation of industrial communication protocols
• Be proficient in designing, developing, and applying control system theory to develop software for new and existing systems
• Design and develop drilling applications to improve efficiency and automate drilling processes
• Be able to understand/translate the functional requirements into a system architecture and develop the best solution for large‑scale implementation
• Provide accurate system, loop, block, and network diagrams for new or existing systems
• Generate design documentation, drawings, operation manuals and related material for system code and hardware
• Generate work tasks, organize the ordering and delivery of equipment and materials, and oversee the efficient installation and commissioning of software and equipment
• Work directly with third party contractors, Operations, Technical Services, HSE management, and rig crews to assist with the execution of a wide variety of company goals including, but not limited to, drilling control systems, R&D projects, etc.
• Provide technical support to field personnel as required to assist with troubleshooting PLC and control system issues
• Follow a formal process for software change control to ensure that changes are introduced in a controlled and coordinated manner. This process will also include documenting revision management processes and controls.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and working on multiple projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines
• Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to promptly give and follow directions when working with others
• Demonstrate forward thinking and problem solving skills to deliver quality products that enhance the company’s vision and drilling portfolio
• Ability to safely navigate the rig up yard and shop work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
• Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites including regular walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during various weather conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
• Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondence, reports, and schedules (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Physical ability to:
• Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
• Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to the field and operational work areas
• Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and or machinery problems
• Stay alert and focused including during occasional extended work periods
• Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around the work environment with many moving objects including overhead machinery
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
• Ability to regularly travel as needed to visit worksites and support business units; may require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area
• Ability to work on weekends and be on call after hours as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
• Experience with industrial communications protocols (ex: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.)
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (ex: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.)
• 7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs (ex: Siemens, Omron, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in HMI development (ex: Wonderware, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in developing PLC code in ladder logic, structured text, statement list, SFC, etc.
• Experience with PLC programming related to drilling controls and automation
• Experience with battery management systems
• Experience working in a multi‑developer environment
• Working knowledge of equipment used in the drilling industry

Travel and Work Environment

Travel: up to 25%

This position requires the person to be able to work in a time‑sensitive, high‑visibility role and regularly travel as needed to support business units and visit work sites. It may also require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stays. Variable work hours include hours worked on the weekend, on holidays, and hours to travel within and outside of the assigned region. The Engineer must work with an emphasis on planning, multitasking, and prioritization to maximize efficiency of the team. Must be able to work closely with others and manage customer interaction in a professional manner. Ability to safely navigate work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, working at heights, etc., during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) and while utilizing designated personal protective equipment (PPE).