Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

The New Standard for Drilling Performance
Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling’s comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.

The Senior Controls and Automation Engineer will be responsible for the conception, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of drilling rig control system software and hardware. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in control system principles, PLC programming, industrial machine control systems, and software development practices. Experience with robotics, variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor controls, human-machine interfaces (HMI), and industrial communication protocols will support the development and integration of innovative automation solutions.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. They will maintain high standards of performance, communicate effectively and professionally, and develop practical, innovative solutions while adapting to evolving business and operational needs. This role will report to the Controls and Automation Manager

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
• Ability to mentor junior engineers.
• Demonstrate respectful and 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
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation, or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in PLC programming (Siemens) and industrial machine control systems, including robotics, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and/or motor controls.

• Demonstrated experience with control system software development, including software architecture, source code management, and/or the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

• Demonstrated experience in HMI development using platforms such as Ignition, Wonderware, WinCC, or comparable technologies.

• Experience with industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CAN bus, OPC UA, or comparable industrial networking technologies.

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: 25% travel, as required by business needs.

Additional Details:

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 to visit work sites. It may also require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) during variable hours. 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).