Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Patterson-UTI•Houston, TX

198d

About The Position

Patterson-UTI’s Drilling Automation team is a growing group of energetic, passionate individuals working to improve our operations through automation. Engineers in our Technology Group are responsible for the conception, design, development, and maintenance of drilling rig control system(s) software and hardware. The preferred candidate should have an established fundamental knowledge of control system principles, exceptional problem-solving skills, experience with Variable Frequency Drives, industrial communication protocols, and drilling rig equipment. They will be responsible for developing new products, sustaining current rig software applications, and fixing issues that are reported with the systems. Some example projects that we are developing, testing, and deploying include: 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 The successful candidate will set high standards of performance for themselves and their projects. Present professional demeanor in written and verbal communications while developing innovative solutions. Demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and adapt to business needs. This role will work under the direction of the Senior Manager of Controls & Automation. 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.

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
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.)
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
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
Experience with industrial communications protocols (ex: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.)
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably (but not limited to) Electrical / Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs (ex: Siemens, Omron, etc.)
Demonstrated experience in HMI development (ex: Wonderware, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

developing control algorithms
PLC software
HMI design/development
system architecture design
implementation of industrial communication protocols
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
understand/translate the functional requirements into a system architecture
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.
documenting revision management processes and controls.