Control Systems Engineer - Drilling Controls

Current Power

Powering Your Future
Current Power provides electrical equipment, automation software and field support to drilling and pressure pumping companies within the energy industry. Current Power offers a range of both custom engineered and standard renewable energy solutions. Our experienced engineering team provides complete turnkey renewable solutions for any application. These solutions can be provided individually or combined to maximize energy efficiency.

The Control Systems Engineer will primarily be responsible for the conception, design, development, and implementation of electrical automation systems on applications in various industries including drilling, marine, mining and renewables amongst others. The candidate should have knowledge of PLC and SCADA programming, electrical power systems, AC and DC drive technology, and as it relates to control and automation systems. The candidate should also possess the ability to apply mathematical and engineering principles.

This role will work under the direction of the Manager, Controls and Automation.

Detailed Description:

• Act as the main point of contact and product expert in regard to Patterson-UTI drilling rigs and the associated PLC and HMI software.
• Able to perform new product testing and deployment of code features to existing drilling control systems. Will work closely with the Patterson-UTI drilling controls group to accomplish common goals.
• Responsible for developing control algorithms, system architecture and compiling software for PLC based systems, HMI design/implementation, data logging, and communication interfaces.
• Be capable of designing, developing and applying control system theory to compile software code for new and existing systems that is tuned for optimal response.
• Provide accurate system diagrams, loop diagrams, block diagrams, and network diagrams for new or existing software systems.
• Responsible for designing and developing electrical systems including: generator controls, switchboards, AC or DC drives, motor control systems, panel boards and other components required for a functioning system according to customer specification.
• Generate design documentation, drawings, operation manuals and related material for systems code and hardware.
• Ensure electrical designs conform with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Create custom electrical schematics/wiring diagrams, bills of material, networking schematics, and any other items necessary for a system that conforms to customer specifications.
• Communicate with customer regarding scheduling, project progress, design questions, specification questions, customer changes, new project quotations and other items that may come up during the course of a project.
• Create both in-house and customer FAT test procedures as required by customer contract/in-house test requirements.
• Perform testing in accordance with FAT and in-house test procedures when needed otherwise ensure that testing is performed per procedures.
• Create field commissioning plan for equipment after leaving the facility.
• Perform commissioning of electrical equipment according to commissioning plan when required.
• Provide field support and data gathering of system performance to match theory and practice for continual process improvements.
• Provide continued support for projects after completion and field commissioning by phone in the form of troubleshooting or in person onsite when required.
• Perform as lead engineer on the solution developed and must be able to understand and translate the functional requirements into a system architecture and develop the best solution for large scale implementation.
• Generate work tasks, organize the ordering and delivery of equipment and materials, and oversee the efficient installation and commissioning of software and equipment.
• Work directly with third party contractors, Operations, Technical Services, and HSE management and rig crews to assist with the execution of a wide variety of company goals.

Job Requirements:

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and working on multiple projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines.
• Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to promptly give, and follow directions when working with others.
• Ability to safely navigate the work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather).
• Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondence, reports, and schedules (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).
• Ability to regularly travel as needed to visit work sites 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 and respond to customer inquiries.
• Physical ability to:
  
  
  
  • Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to 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 work environment with many moving objects including overhead machinery.
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree related to Engineering or Controls and Automation
• 2+ years of proven experience with PLC design and electrical systems.
• Experience with standard field bus communications protocols. (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of proven experience with electrical system and PLC design.
• Proven experience in Siemens PLC programming using Step7 software.
• Proven experience in HMI development using Siemens WinCC software.
• Proven experience with VFD drives and DC drives preferably with Siemens and GE.
• Proven experience with equipment used in the drilling industry.
• Proven experience with equipment used in the marine industry.
• Experience with Autocad Electrical.

Certifications: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: Possible future requirement

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to work in both office locations and outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including precipitations, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. The Engineer will be occasionally exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the operations are located. 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 and under deadlines including time-sensitive response situations. They must be willing to work extended schedules that will include working days; and occasionally nights, weekends and holidays.