The Field Engineering Robotics Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing rig automation and control systems for Robotic Drilling Equipment (RZR Rig Floor Automation Module) to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient drilling operations.
This role is dedicated to a single rig and requires living and working on the rig during assigned rotations. The technician will serve as the key field resource supporting automation systems and bridging communication between operations, maintenance, customers, and engineering.
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.
- Experience in rig electrical, automation, or industrial control systems
- Basic knowledge of PLC programming and automated systems
- Experience with VFDs, drives, and motor control systems
- Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting using schematics
- Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, and communication systems
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and technical documentation
- Experience working in drilling or heavy industrial environments preferred
- Willingness to work a rotational schedule and live on a drilling rig
- (Preferred) associate degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Robotics, or other related competencies.
- Strong problem-solving and diagnostic capabilities
- Ability to work independently in a field environment
- Effective communication with operations, maintenance, customers, and engineering teams
- Focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency
- Ability to train and support rig personnel on automation systems
Work Environment
- Field-based position located on a drilling rig in West Texas
- Requires living and working on the rig during assigned 2/2 rotations
- Exposure to outdoor conditions and dynamic drilling operations environment
- Ability to work extended hours as needed to support rig operations, particularly during critical activities, troubleshooting events, or equipment commissioning
- Maintain and troubleshoot robotic drilling equipment, rig automation, control systems, PLCs, and field instrumentation
- Commission and support automated drilling systems and robotic drilling equipment
- Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance on robotic drilling equipment
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and communication issues to minimize downtime
- Perform wiring, cabling, and system diagnostics on rig automation robotic drilling equipment
- Rig up and rig down automation systems, including connection of control and communication cabling
- Calibrate drilling instrumentation and automated equipment
- Diagnose and resolve issues with drive systems and control networks
- Read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics to support system diagnostics and repairs
- Support equipment upgrades, system testing, and performance improvements
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and documentation
- Respond to equipment failures and provide rapid troubleshooting support
- Ensure compliance with company safety standards, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Work side by side with Rig Crew to complete daily tasks
- Interface with Engineering support teams to ensure performance and system improvement feedback
- Support and troubleshoot Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC systems (basic programming knowledge)
- Configure and maintain Siemens S120 drive systems
- Utilize Siemens Starter software (basic competency)
- Troubleshoot Siemens Drive-Cliq communication networks
- Work with Windows and Linux-based industrial systems
- Interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics, wiring diagrams, and control logic
- Maintain and troubleshoot robotic drilling equipment, rig automation, control systems, PLCs, and field instrumentation
- Commission and support automated drilling systems and robotic drilling equipment
- Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance on robotic drilling equipment
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and communication issues to minimize downtime
- Perform wiring, cabling, and system diagnostics on rig automation robotic drilling equipment
- Rig up and rig down automation systems, including connection of control and communication cabling
- Calibrate drilling instrumentation and automated equipment
- Diagnose and resolve issues with drive systems and control networks
- Read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics to support system diagnostics and repairs
- Support equipment upgrades, system testing, and performance improvements
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and documentation
- Respond to equipment failures and provide rapid troubleshooting support
- Ensure compliance with company safety standards, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Work side by side with Rig Crew to complete daily tasks
- Interface with Engineering support teams to ensure performance and system improvement feedback
- Support and troubleshoot Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC systems (basic programming knowledge)
- Configure and maintain Siemens S120 drive systems
- Utilize Siemens Starter software (basic competency)
- Troubleshoot Siemens Drive-Cliq communication networks
- Work with Windows and Linux-based industrial systems
- Interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics, wiring diagrams, and control logic