Controls and Automation Engineer
Listed on 2025-10-08
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering
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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.
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.
Some example projects that we are developing, testing, and deploying include:
- 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
This role will work under the direction of the Senior Manager of Controls & Automation.
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.
Job 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…
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