AUTOMATION ENGINEER II

The Rig Automation Technology Engineer II, within Rig Automation Technology – NCS Engineering & Technical, supports the development, integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of new and existing drilling rig automation technologies.

The position serves as a technical link between engineering development and field execution, working closely with Controls & Automation, EMS Technical Support, Rig Engineering, Rig Operations, and third-party suppliers to deliver safe, reliable, and field-proven solutions.

• Perform basic engineering calculations and technical evaluations to assess the safety, suitability, and feasibility of designs and applications.
• Support the integration, testing, commissioning, deployment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of drilling rig automation systems.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional requirements, FMECA, test procedures, commissioning reports, troubleshooting guides, field reports, and as-built records.
• Review drawings, specifications, manuals, and technical data to support evaluation of feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams and third-party suppliers to support field execution, testing, troubleshooting, quality, and project deliverables.
• Expand technical knowledge through hands-on engineering assignments, field exposure, testing, and commissioning activities.

• Preferably Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum three years of oil and gas industry experience, with working knowledge of drilling rig components and drilling operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks and ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for a drilling contractor or organization directly involved in drilling operations.
• Hands-on experience with drilling rig equipment, automation systems, commissioning, deployment, or troubleshooting.
• Basic understanding of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and familiarity with Studio 5000 for diagnostics, logic review, and basic troubleshooting.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, field-focused approach.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, reliability, and commitment to completing assigned work.
• Organized and dependable in managing priorities, meetings, follow-up actions, and project commitments.
• Demonstrates initiative to participate in field testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and development activities.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, operations, field, and supplier teams.

Technical Competencies

• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations related to mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and drilling rig systems.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulics, electrical systems, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and integrated rig automation systems.
• Willingness to expand learning to PLC-based control systems, Allen-Bradley platforms, and machine-vision technologies.
• Ability to support systematic troubleshooting and identify practical improvements to equipment and automation systems.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to domestic and international rig-up yards, test yards, and operating drilling rigs, approximately 25% of time worked.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated rig structures, including the rig floor and racking board, while wearing required PPE and fall-protection equipment.
• Ability to work in office, yard, and drilling-rig environments and safely access equipment for testing, commissioning, inspection, and troubleshooting.

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Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.