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Sr. Controls Technical Specialist

📍 Houston, TX 🕒
Work Model
📍 Houston, TX
Employment
💼 Full-Time Direct
Recruitment Type
🛡️ Direct to HR Pipeline
🛡️
Human-Verified Opening: Inspected by Sarah Jenkins, CIPD • RemoteVault Editorial Team. Authenticated directly from Patterson-UTI Drilling's hiring pipeline • Zero recruiter markups or candidate fees. Verification Standards →

📋 Role Overview & Responsibilities

The Controls Technical Specialist will work as a part of an advanced engineering team and be a key member of the solution development team utilizing a background in PLCs, drilling controls, networking, instrumentation, electronics, and project management. They will be responsible for planning and executing a variety of PLC and control related projects to ensure they remain on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with industry accepted design, HSE and Company standards.The successful candidate will: set high standards of performance for themselves and others; be professional in written, verbal and personal actions in any situation; seek new knowledge and experiences; have an analytical mindset that can utilize factual data to develop creative and business-oriented solutions; be able to work with minimal supervision; be self- aware and adjust accordingly to different environments and audiencesThis role will work under the direction of the Manager of Controls & Automation Support. Detailed Description:Provide strong leadership and management of projects that will include working with third party contractors, Operational, Technical Services, HSE management and rig crewsManage multiple complex projects and associated work scopes simultaneously, being accountable for the efficient installation of equipment on operating drilling rigsWork directly with third party contractors, Operational, Technical Services, and HSE management and rig crews to assist with the execution of a wide variety of field upgrade projects including, but not limited to, PLC upgrades, drilling controls design/implementation, third mud pump/fourth generator additions, and high-torque top drive retrofitsSupport the solution development team and translate the functional requirements of the company into the system architecture and develop the best solutions for large scale implementationProvide technical support to field personnel as required to assist with troubleshooting PLC and control system issuesPerform red-line changes to present electrical drawings using various drafting softwareProvide in depth training to fleet wide personnel in regard to control systems and their operation.Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel included and their contributions are valuedMake decisions in a manner consistent with all Company policies, including the Company’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policy Job Requirements:Demonstrated knowledge of all disciplines in the controls project management field that pertain to the construction, operation, and maintenance of drilling rigs to include motor, engine, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical control systemsDemonstrated knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, including cost estimating and schedulingDemonstrated knowledge of code requirements pertaining to the design, construction and operation of land drilling rigsAbility to demonstrate core competencies for electronics and electrical troubleshootingAbility to create and modify electrical drawings based on design modification needsFamiliar with drilling industry standards and regulationsAbility to conduct training to an audience of technicians with varying levels of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilitiesMust be self-motivated, with the ability to oversee and motivate others and influence decisions, capable of identifying problems and recommending alternative solutionsMust be a self-starter able to take initiative, make decisions and drive for results. Must demonstrate a high level of professional integrity and demeanorStrong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to conduct effective presentations and written report preparationAble to effectively make technical decisions and manage change requestsAbility to effectively lead and manage cross functional teams, manage conflict and provide for development of staffAbility to regularly travel as needed to visit work sites and support business units; may occasionally require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office areaAbility to safely navigate work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc., during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) including proper use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE)Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondence, reports, and schedules (Word, Excel, Power Point, Project etc.). Minimum QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED equivalentExperience with SIEMENS Step 7 and CX-One programming as well as standard communications protocol (DeviceNet, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, etc.)3+ years of experience with controls/automation (preference within the drilling industry) and working knowledge of VFD, SCR, and PLCs used in the oil and gas industry or related field2+ years of project management related to VFD/PLC control systems Preferred QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in a related discipline3+ years’ of operational experience working for a drilling contractor or closely related serviceExperience with NOV/Amphion and SLB systems and controlsExperience with Yaskawa, GE, and ABB VFD systems Work EnvironmentThis position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. The position will be regularly exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. This position must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. They must be able to work closely with others assigned to the drilling rig under time-sensitive deadlines including potential emergency response situations. They must be willing to work extended schedules that will include working days; and occasionally nights, weekends and holidays. Frequent travel to other Company offices and drilling rig work sites, often in remote locations, is required during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather), and employee will be expected to properly use designated personal protective equipment (PPE).

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This position is located in Houston, TX with potential relocation and sponsorship assistance depending on candidate qualifications.

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