Automation Engineer

AEPartners is searching for a full-time position for our client in the Houston, TX area for Controls and Automation Engineer who has a proven ability in the design and maintenance of drilling rig control systems software and hardware. The successful candidate should have a good understanding of drilling control system, drilling rig electrical system and equipment, and VFD drives. This position will be a part the engineering team and will also work closely with our manufacturing and field service team to support the growth of our client’s organization.

Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

· Maintaining current drilling control system, as well as developing new control algorithms / software for Siemens PLC / HMI based systems.

· Produce design documentation, drawings, and operation manuals for software and hardware updates to existing systems, as well as new systems.

· Specify equipment and material for procurement, oversee the shop fabrication, field installation and perform the commissioning of software and equipment.

· Work with sub-contractors and rig crews when needed.

· Provide technical field support to assist with troubleshooting of control systems.

Qualifications

· 2-year technical degree or greater in Electrical / Controls and Automation Engineering.

· Minimum 5-10 years of relevant experience in the oil & gas drilling industry working with instrumentation, electrical and controls systems.

· Minimum 3 years of experience with PLC and HMI programming related to drilling controls and automation.

· Working knowledge of VFD drives (GE Converteam, ABB, Yaskawa, Unico, etc.), and related equipment used in the drilling industry.

· Working knowledge of generator controls preferably EASYGEN, IPS, etc.

· Knowledge of standard industrial communications protocols. (Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, MODBUS, OPC, WITS, etc.).

· Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Managing multiple tasks / projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

· Strong problem solving and decision-making capabilities.

· Proactive team player with clear written and verbal communication skills.

· Use of Microsoft Office to develop system manuals, customer correspondence, project reports, and schedules.

· Ability to regularly travel as needed to visit remote rig sites which will require overnight stays outside the Houston TX area.

· Ability to work on weekends and be on call after hours as needed.