Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

About the role

Our client's Automation team is a growing group of energetic, passionate individuals working to improve their operations through automation. Engineers in their Technology Group are responsible for the conception, design, development, and maintenance of drilling rig control system(s) software and hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop control algorithms, PLC software, HMI design/development, system architecture design, and implementation of industrial communication protocols
• Design and develop drilling applications to improve efficiency and automate drilling processes
• Translate functional requirements into 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, including documenting revision management processes and controls

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
• Experience with industrial communications protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.)
• 7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Omron, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in HMI development (e.g., Wonderware, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)

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

Work environment and physical demands

• 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 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

Projects

• 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