Technical Lead - Robotics Systems Integration

The Technical Lead - Robotics Systems Integration is responsible for the technical leadership, design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of automation systems supporting Patterson-UTI's land drilling fleet.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for developing the automation system architecture that enables automated equipment and robotic systems to operate seamlessly with existing drilling machinery, including the drawworks, top drive, mud pumps, catwalk, iron roughneck, pipe handling equipment, and other rig systems.

Working closely with Product Management, Controls Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, Technical Services, HSE, and third-party equipment vendors, this role converts drilling workflows into scalable automation solutions through PLC software development, controls architecture, machine sequencing, and multi-machine coordination.

The successful candidate will remain actively involved in software architecture, PLC programming, systems integration, troubleshooting, testing, and field commissioning while leading a team of Senior Controls Systems Engineers and Controls Systems Engineers.

This position reports to the Senior Manager - Controls Software Engineering.

Automation Systems Architecture

• Lead the design of automation system architectures supporting rig automation and automated equipment integration.

• Design scalable distributed control architectures coordinating multiple drilling machines.

• Define controller responsibilities across PLCs, HMIs, robot controllers, and supervisory control systems.

• Develop equipment interfaces, task interfaces, communication architectures, and controller interaction strategies.

• Design command arbitration, control authority, synchronization, equipment ownership, and machine handshakes.

• Develop Functional Specifications, Interface Control Documents, Sequence of Operations, and system architecture documentation.

• Standardize automation architectures for fleet-wide deployment.

PLC Software Development & Software Architecture

• Provide hands-on technical leadership for PLC software development and automation system integration.

• Participate in software design, PLC programming, debugging, testing, code reviews, commissioning, and field support.

• Define PLC software architecture, controller partitioning, communication strategies, and data ownership.

• Develop reusable PLC software frameworks, software libraries, coding standards, and architecture guidelines.

• Review software implementations for compliance with engineering standards.

• Support Controls Systems Engineers throughout implementation and deployment.

Machine Coordination & Workflow Development

• Convert drilling workflows into coordinated automation sequences.

• Develop machine tasks, task interfaces, state machines, workflow logic, and Sequence of Operations.

• Define operating modes, machine states, permissives, interlocks, alarms, and diagnostics.

• Design multi-machine coordination, command arbitration, and control authority.

• Develop fault handling and recovery strategies.

Equipment & Systems Integration

• Lead integration of automated equipment with Patterson-UTI drilling systems.

• Define communication interfaces between automated equipment, drilling equipment, safety systems, and supervisory controllers.

• Support integration of the drawworks, top drive, mud pumps, catwalk, iron roughneck, and pipe handling equipment.

• Identify equipment limitations and define required hardware, controls, instrumentation, or software modifications.

• Coordinate integration activities across engineering disciplines and vendors.

• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and deployment planning.

Technical Leadership

• Lead and develop a team of Senior Controls Systems Engineers and Controls Systems Engineers.

• Assign engineering work and provide day-to-day technical leadership.

• Review PLC software, software architecture, machine sequencing, and control strategies.

• Mentor engineers in PLC programming, systems integration, and automation architecture.

• Establish engineering standards, software development practices, and design review processes.

• Serve as the technical authority for rig automation architecture and multi-machine control systems.

Testing, Commissioning & Field Support

• Develop integration test plans.

• Support simulation, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and field deployment.

• Troubleshoot controls, software, communications, and integration issues.

• Validate workflow execution, equipment interfaces, and system performance.

• Capture lessons learned and improve future automation platforms.

Continuous Improvement & Platform Development

• Develop reusable automation architectures, PLC software libraries, and engineering standards.

• Standardize machine interfaces and automation design practices.

• Improve software quality, engineering efficiency, and maintainability.

• Support the long-term rig automation technology roadmap.

  Job Requirements

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams while remaining actively involved in technical execution.

• Strong PLC software development, industrial automation, distributed control systems, and machine control knowledge.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Manage multiple engineering projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Travel regularly to Patterson-UTI facilities, vendor locations, customer sites, and drilling rigs.

• Safely work in office, shop, manufacturing, and field environments using required PPE.

• Lead and develop a team of Senior Controls Systems Engineers and Controls Systems Engineers.

• Manage engineering priorities, project assignments, and technical execution.

• Conduct performance evaluations and mentor engineers.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture.

• Physical ability to:

  • Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to the field and operational work areas

  • Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and or machinery problems

  • Stay alert and focused including during occasional extended work periods

  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around the work environment with many moving objects including overhead machinery

  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times

  • Ability to regularly travel as needed to visit worksites and support business units; may require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area

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

• Demonstrated ability in the following leadership competencies:

• Builds and Maintains Effective Relationships

• Develops Self and Others

• Builds Effective Teams

• Courageous Leadership

• Managing Vision and Purpose

• Business Acumen

• Drive for Results

• Customer Focus

• Decision Quality

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

• 7+ years designing and developing PLC-based industrial automation systems.

• 5+ years leading automation or controls engineering projects.

• Expert knowledge of PLC programming, industrial automation, and machine control systems.

• Experience with distributed control systems, PLC software architecture, state machines, machine sequencing, multi-machine coordination, command arbitration, and industrial communication protocols.

• Experience with drilling rig control systems and drilling equipment.

• Experience developing and integrating industrial automation systems.

• Experience integrating robotic equipment into industrial control systems.

• Experience with coordinated motion control applications.

• Knowledge of Functional Safety principles and industrial machine safety.

• Platforms: Siemens TIA Portal, WinCC, Ignition, Rockwell Automation, or equivalent PLC/HMI platforms.

• Industrial communication protocols.

• Distributed control systems.

• Robotics integration.

• Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and field deployment.

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to be able to work in a time sensitive, high visibility role and regularly travel as needed to support business units and to visit work sites. It may also require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) during variable hours. Variable work hours include hours worked on the weekend, on holidays, and hours to travel within and outside of the assigned region. The Engineer must work with an emphasis on planning, multitasking, and prioritization to maximize efficiency of the team. Must be able to work closely with others and manage customer interaction in a professional manner. Ability to safely navigate work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, working at heights, etc., during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) and while utilizing designated personal protective equipment (PPE).