Controls and Automation Engineer

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.

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 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 (ex: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.).
• 3+ years of proven experience with PLC programming and HMI development for Controls and Automation Engineer.
• 7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs for Sr. Controls and Automation Engineer.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in Omron/Siemens PLC programming.
• Proficiency in developing PLC code in ladder logic, structured text, statement list, SFC, etc.
• Experience in HMI development using Wonderware or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of VFD drives.
• Experience working in a multi-developer environment.
• Working knowledge of equipment used in the drilling industry.