Control Systems and Automation Engineer - Managed Pressure Drilling

Job Summary

Weatherford International is seeking an experienced Control Systems and Automation Engineer to join the Controls Systems and Automation Engineering team at the Centre of Excellence in Houston. This role serves as a senior technical individual contributor and design lead for Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) control systems, providing deep technical ownership and leadership. The Control Systems and Automation Engineer will be responsible for the architecture, design, development, validation, and deployment of complex control systems, including PLC/RTU systems, HMI’s, control panels, and other safety-critical applications. The role will support new product development and sustaining engineering efforts and collaborate with global MPD teams to support Weatherford's product development strategy.

Responsibilities  

• Lead design, architecture, development, and validation of MPD control systems and automation solutions.  
• Develop and test PLC and HMI applications for Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200/S7-1500 using TIA Portal.  
• Conduct technical design reviews, FMEA, risk assessments, validation plans, qualification activities, and system integration.  
• Act as technical interface across hardware, software, electrical, electronics, firmware, automation, and mechanical teams.  
• Partner with Product Line, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Test Labs, and Field Operations.  
• Support commissioning, testing, deployment, troubleshooting, and performance evaluations.  
• Analyze field performance data and drive continuous improvement.  
• Ensure compliance with API, IECEx, ATEX, SIL, IEC 60079, and company standards.  
• Promote HSE, safety, ethics, and compliance standards.  

Skills / Education Required  

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Control Systems, Automation, or a related discipline.  
• 8+ years of Control Systems Engineering experience within Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Industrial Automation, or Motion Control.  
• Strong hands-on experience with Siemens S7-1200/S7-1500 PLCs, TIA Portal, HMI development (WinCC/J-Mobile), and industrial automation systems.  
• Proficient in Ladder Logic, SCL, FBD, and Graph programming, with experience in control system architecture and design.  
• Experience with industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Profinet/Profibus, and OPC UA.  
• Knowledge of instrumentation, sensors, actuators, 4-20mA circuits, and electrical design tools such as EPLAN, E3 Series, and AutoCAD Electrical.  
• Experience designing and supporting SIL-rated, hazardous-area control systems compliant with API, IECEx, ATEX, IEC 60079, UL, CSA, NORSOK, and related standards.  
• Familiarity with IT/OT integration, SCADA systems, industrial networking (TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls), and Windows/Linux environments.  
• Experience with commissioning, validation testing, troubleshooting, FMEA, risk assessments, and root cause analysis.  
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.  

Skill/Education Preferred  

• Master’s degree preferred.  
• IADC WellSharp and IWCF certifications are advantageous.  
• Technical publications and industry participation are a plus.  
• Experience with offshore and onshore control systems and safety applications preferred.  
• TwinCAT, LabVIEW, and Creo experience preferred.  
• Programming knowledge of JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, and Visual Basic preferred.  
• Siemens certifications are advantageous.    

About Us:
Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.
When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger – a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other’s successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.
Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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