Senior Technical Leader; Robotics & Automation

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.

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.

• 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., Smart
  
  ROS, Drill Ops®, 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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…