Electrical and Controls Engineer

NOV•Conroe, TX

About The Position

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Controls System Architecture & Design Lead the design and development of PLC, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems for solids control and waste management equipment. Define control system architecture, I/O structure, network topology, and system integration strategies. Develop and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, control narratives, and cause & effect matrices. Perform electrical system analysis including load studies, protection coordination, and power distribution design. Ensure compliance with applicable standards (NEC, IEC, IEEE, ATEX, UL, CSA, etc.), including hazardous area requirements. Software Engineering & Verification Lead PLC and HMI programming activities, including structured software design and documentation (SDS, FDS). Oversee software verification and validation activities, including simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing where applicable. Apply best practices in structured software development and configuration control. Troubleshoot complex electrical, electronic, and controls-related issues and implement sustainable corrective actions. Project Execution & Technical Leadership Support and lead control systems Front End Engineering Design (FEED) activities. Provide technical leadership during commissioning, startup, and after-sales support. Serve as technical authority for controls-related customer inquiries and field issues. Mentor junior engineers and provide discipline leadership within cross-functional project teams. Manage multiple concurrent projects while meeting schedule and quality expectations. Sustaining & Continuous Improvement Support lifecycle management of control systems, including upgrades and performance optimization. Identify and implement improvements to enhance system reliability, safety, and maintainability. Stay current with emerging automation technologies, communication protocols, and industry advancements relevant to drilling and solids handling systems.

Requirements

Advanced expertise in PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (Beckhoff experience preferred).
Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CAN, WITS, Foundation Fieldbus, etc.).
Proficiency in programming or scripting languages such as Python and C++.
Understanding of control system software lifecycle, verification, and validation methodologies.
Ability to interpret and develop technical documentation (P&IDs, electrical and hydraulic schematics, FDS, SDS, C&E).
Knowledge of hydraulic power units and hydraulic control systems integration.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting capability.
Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Engineering degree in Controls, Software, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
5–7+ years of experience in PLC and HMI/SCADA programming and detailed control system software engineering.
4+ years of experience in control systems Front End Engineering Design (FEED).
3+ years of experience leading commissioning, startup, and operational support activities.
Experience designing and commissioning control systems for hazardous area applications (ATEX, IEC or similar).
Working knowledge of applicable IEC and IEEE standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the Oil & Gas drilling industry.
Experience with Solids Control and Waste Management equipment and processes.
Familiarity with drilling fluids systems, geothermal applications, thermal treatment technologies, and solids handling systems.
Professional Engineer (PE), Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of PLC, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems for solids control and waste management equipment.
Define control system architecture, I/O structure, network topology, and system integration strategies.
Develop and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, control narratives, and cause & effect matrices.
Perform electrical system analysis including load studies, protection coordination, and power distribution design.
Ensure compliance with applicable standards (NEC, IEC, IEEE, ATEX, UL, CSA, etc.), including hazardous area requirements.
Lead PLC and HMI programming activities, including structured software design and documentation (SDS, FDS).
Oversee software verification and validation activities, including simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing where applicable.
Apply best practices in structured software development and configuration control.
Troubleshoot complex electrical, electronic, and controls-related issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Support and lead control systems Front End Engineering Design (FEED) activities.
Provide technical leadership during commissioning, startup, and after-sales support.
Serve as technical authority for controls-related customer inquiries and field issues.
Mentor junior engineers and provide discipline leadership within cross-functional project teams.
Manage multiple concurrent projects while meeting schedule and quality expectations.
Support lifecycle management of control systems, including upgrades and performance optimization.
Identify and implement improvements to enhance system reliability, safety, and maintainability.
Stay current with emerging automation technologies, communication protocols, and industry advancements relevant to drilling and solids handling systems.