Controls & Modeling Engineer (Senior - Principal) - Advanced Automation

Halliburton • Houston, TX

33d • Onsite

About The Position

The Controls & Modeling Engineer advances research and development of next-generation automation, controls, robotics, and intelligent systems technologies within the Advanced Controls COE. This role focuses on the rigorous application of advanced control theory, dynamic modeling, estimation, optimization, machine learning, and agentic AI to high-value engineering problems. Work spans early-stage concept generation, algorithm development, simulation and validation, prototype implementation, and transition of emerging technologies into deployable workflows and systems. This position contributes to strategic R&D initiatives with direct commercial relevance. The scope includes the development of physics-based and data-driven methods for automation, operational decision support, autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, and model-based performance improvement. Close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, software, digital, and operations is expected.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline with emphasis on controls, dynamic systems, automation, machine learning, or intelligent systems; or equivalent R&D experience.
• Experience with agentic AI, LLM-based workflows, orchestration frameworks, or tool-using AI agents applied to scientific, industrial, or engineering use cases.
• Deep knowledge of control theory, including modern control, optimal control, Model Predictive Control (MPC), and system dynamics.
• Knowledge of robotics, mechatronics, high‑DoF systems, path planning, and dynamic modeling.
• Strong technical communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to build data pipelines, workflows, and analytical tools for AI/ML tool chain which includes data cleaning, feature extraction, optimization, and insight generation.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, C#, Java, or similar languages.
• Create dashboards and use data visualization tools such as Python, or JavaScript Typescript frameworks.
• Ability to design, analyze, and troubleshoot control systems, sensors, actuators, pumps, VFDs, and automation hardware.
• Strong capability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, P&IDs, flow charts, and cause‑and‑effect diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate agentic AI systems that combine reasoning, tools, data, and simulation assets to enable advanced technical analysis, automation, and human-in-the-loop decision making.
• Integrate large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented systems, and AI agents with controls, modeling, and optimization frameworks.
• Develop machine learning, data analytics, and hybrid physics-AI approaches to improve system performance, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Develop software tools, workflows, orchestration pipelines, and visualization capabilities to support AI-enabled engineering and operations.
• Conduct research and development in advanced controls, robotics, dynamic modeling, and automation for complex engineering systems.
• Design & apply advanced control techniques including adaptive, nonlinear, robust, optimal, and model predictive control (MPC).
• Develop and validate dynamic models, simulations, and system identification methodologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, software, data science, and operations.
• Contribute to technical innovation through patents, publications, conferences, and internal programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable benefits package that covers your physical, emotional, financial, and parental needs
• Wide range of programs designed to help you thrive at work and at home

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree