Automation Engineer

About the role

Stasis Drilling Solutions, LLC is a privately held oilfield services provider headquartered in Houston, TX with operations throughout the lower 48 of the United States. The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, integration, and support of automated hydraulic, electric, and pneumatic systems used in drilling and pressure-control applications. This role combines application engineering, controls design, programming, and field support to develop practical automation solutions for valve actuation, rig integration, and related control-system projects.

The position works closely with the Drilling Automation & Controls Manager and cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, software, production, quality, and field operations to move solutions from concept through implementation, commissioning, and sustainment. The role supports both new product development and customer-facing applications by producing technically sound, documented, and field-ready systems that meet performance, safety, and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and apply automated hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric systems for drilling, rig integration, valve actuation, and pressure-control applications.
• Develop control system architecture, PLC software, HMI screens, control logic, and industrial communication interfaces for new and existing systems.
• Translate functional requirements into system-level solutions, including control philosophies, I/O architecture, instrumentation strategy, and hardware/software integration plans.
• Support development and troubleshooting of control algorithms, interlocks, alarm logic, PID-based functions, and automation features that improve safety, repeatability, and operating efficiency.
• Produce accurate system, loop, block, wiring, and network diagrams, along with design documentation, operating manuals, commissioning records, and other technical documentation for code and hardware.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, software, and production personnel to ensure cohesive system development, assembly, testing, and deployment.
• Generate work tasks, support ordering and delivery of equipment and materials, and assist with installation, commissioning, and startup of control systems and automated equipment.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support to field personnel and operations teams for troubleshooting PLC, HMI, instrumentation, communication, and actuation issues.
• Follow formal revision control and change-management processes for software and control-system updates to ensure changes are introduced in a controlled and documented manner.
• Support project execution by assisting with scope definition, schedule coordination, technical risk identification, and status updates for assigned automation and application engineering tasks.
• Prepare technical input for quotations, proposals, and customer application reviews, including concept definition, equipment selection, and execution assumptions.
• Work directly with third-party contractors, operations, technical services, HSE, and field crews to support project execution, commissioning, and issue resolution.
• Support and participate in the organization’s Continual Improvement Program and comply with applicable QMS, HSE, and company procedures and policies.

Metric Accountabilities

• On-time completion of assigned engineering deliverables and project milestones
• First-pass quality of control-system design packages, code releases, and documentation
• Commissioning and startup readiness of delivered automation systems
• Response time and closure rate for field technical support issues
• Accuracy and completeness of drawings, diagrams, manuals, and revision-controlled records
• Reduction of repeat automation and controls issues through effective root cause resolution
• Accuracy of technical inputs to application reviews, quotations, and equipment selections

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation, or a similar technical discipline. Equivalent directly relevant experience may be considered.

Skills

• 5+ years of application engineering, controls engineering, automation engineering, or closely related experience in industrial or oilfield equipment environments
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric system design and integration
• Experience with PLC programming, HMI development, control-system architecture, and implementation of industrial communication protocols
• Ability to apply control-system theory to new and existing equipment, including interlocks, sequencing, alarm management, and feedback-control functions
• Ability to understand and translate functional requirements into practical hardware and software system designs
• Experience generating technical documentation such as drawings, loop diagrams, network diagrams, operation manuals, and commissioning records
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to support both remote and field-based issue resolution
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and adapt to shifting business priorities
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, service, and customer-facing teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard engineering/project documentation tools

Preferred Skills

• Experience designing and troubleshooting drilling controls, rig integration systems, or oilfield automation packages
• Experience developing PLC code in ladder logic, structured text, statement list, SFC, or similar programming environments
• Experience with LabVIEW, NI CompactRIO, FPGA, or real-time industrial control platforms
• Familiarity with industrial protocols and data acquisition systems such as TCP/IP, OPC/UA, Modbus, Ethernet, cRIO, or similar platforms
• Experience with servo drives, motor control, instrumentation, sensor integration, and electric design of PLC-based systems
• Experience with 6A valve, plug valve, or related actuation systems and working knowledge of drilling-industry equipment
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar mechanical design software
• Experience working in oil and gas, drilling automation, or managed pressure drilling applications

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally, including when working in shop or field environments
• Walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and safely navigate work sites and operational areas with moving equipment and overhead machinery
• Maintain awareness of unusual equipment sounds, alarms, and operating conditions while supporting troubleshooting and commissioning activities
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
• Work outdoors or in varying weather conditions during field support or rig-site visits as needed
• Work occasional weekends, extended hours, or after-hours support when project execution or field conditions require

Travel Requirements

Travel up to 20%, including occasional travel to remote field locations, customer sites, manufacturing support activities, and commissioning assignments.

Benefits

• Earned Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) options (with eligible medical plans)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life & AD&D
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Pet Insurance