Senior Technical Leader (Robotics & Automation)

INSPYR Solutions; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions firm is seeking a Senior Technical Leader in Robotics & Automation in Houston. This role requires defining the robotics strategy and developing high-performance robotic systems for drilling operations. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in robotics and automation. Responsibilities include overseeing robotic system development and leading cross-functional teams. A competitive compensation package of $190K - $220K per year is offered for this direct hire position.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in advanced automation or robotics engineering required.
• Expertise in robotic manipulation and multi-axis motion control.
• Experience with autonomous drilling platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of robotics strategy for drilling operations.
• Oversee design and validation of multi-axis robotic systems.
• Collaborate with drilling operations to ensure seamless integration.

Skills

Robotics systems engineering

Motion control

Strategic technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics or related discipline

Tools

PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff)

Robot controllers

Job description

Title: Senior Technical Leader (Robotics & Automation)
Location: Houston, TX 77067 (ONSITE)
Duration: Direct Hire
Compensation: $190K - $220K per year
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.

Job Description

The Robotics, Controls, and Automation Engineering Advisor is a senior technical leader responsible for defining the robotics strategy, architecture, and implementation roadmap for automated and autonomous systems deployed across land and offshore drilling operations. This role focuses heavily on robotic manipulation, perception‑driven automation, safety‑rated robotic systems, and advanced motion‑control architectures that enable next‑generation autonomous drill floors and robotic pipe‑handling systems.

The Advisor provides deep cross‑domain expertise—robotics, mechatronics, controls, AI‑enabled autonomy, and OT/IT systems—to deliver reliable, safe, and high‑performance robotic solutions that improve operational safety, reduce personnel exposure, and drive automation maturity across the enterprise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, or related discipline.
• 15+ years in advanced automation, robotics, or mechatronics engineering, with significant experience in oil and gas drilling systems preferred.
• Expertise in robotic manipulation, multi‑axis motion control, kinematics/dynamics, and real‑time control architectures.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff), robot controllers, IPC/SBC architectures, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with autonomous drilling platforms (e.g., SmartROS, DrillOps®, Precise®, NOVOS®) and robotic pipe handling systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial functional safety (IEC 61508, ISO 13849), cybersecurity standards for ICT, and hazardous‑area engineering.
• Professional certifications (ISA CAP, PMP, API RP, TÜV Functional Safety) preferred.

Key Competencies

• Robotics systems engineering and high‑level architecture design
• Motion control, kinematics, real‑time control software
• Strategic technical leadership and roadmap planning
• Cross‑discipline communication and stakeholder alignment
• Systems thinking and complex problem‑solving
• Safety‑critical system development and risk management

Work Environment & Travel

• Primarily office‑based with periodic travel to test sites, operational drilling rigs, manufacturing and integration facilities.
• Occasional travel to remote or offshore locations for commissioning, diagnostics, and system validation.

Responsibilities

• Robotics Strategy & Architecture
  - Lead the development of the robotics and autonomous systems strategy for drilling operations, including long‑term architecture, platform selection, and technology roadmaps.
  - Define robotic system architectures involving manipulators, multi‑axis motion platforms, end‑effectors, perception systems, and autonomous behaviors.
  - Champion the evolution from traditional automation to high‑reliability robotic systems enabling personnel‑free drill floors.
• Robotic System Development
  - Oversee design, integration, and validation of multi‑axis robotic systems including pipe‑handling robots, column‑based manipulators, robotic catwalks, hoisting robots, and automated drill floor equipment.
  - Provide senior technical guidance on kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, coordinated multi‑axis control, and force/torque‑controlled manipulation.
  - Lead system development involving safety‑rated motion control, functional safety, and compliance with SIL/PL requirements.
• Controls, Autonomy & Software
  - Architect and guide the implementation of control systems spanning PLCs, IPCs, real‑time controllers, robot controllers, and SCADA systems.
  - Direct the development of autonomy layers, including sensor fusion, AI‑driven decision‑making, supervisory autonomy, and closed‑loop robotic control.
  - Support the integration of perception technologies (LiDAR, 3D vision, radar, proximity sensors) for autonomous pipe detection, pose estimation, and environment awareness.
  - Oversee OT/IT data flows, edge computing deployments, safety interlocks, and cybersecurity for robotic control systems.
• Technology Deployment & Operations
  - Ensure reliability, safety, uptime, and maintainability of robotic systems in harsh drilling environments.
  - Lead field deployment, commissioning, and troubleshooting of robotics platforms on operational rigs.
  - Establish robotic system test frameworks, simulation environments, HIL testing, and validation procedures.
• Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  - Mentor and develop engineering teams in robotics, mechatronics, embedded systems, and controls.
  - Collaborate with drilling operations, wellsite teams, product engineering, IT/OT, cybersecurity, and field support to ensure seamless robotic system adoption and performance.
  - Drive a culture of innovation, safety, system thinking, and "right‑first‑time" engineering.

About INSPYR Solutions

Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com.

INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.