Lead Automation Engineer

Lead Automation Engineer

HMH is a leading provider of drilling solutions, offering a wide range of products and services that are designed to be the safest and most efficient in the industry. Apart from our expertise in land and offshore operations, we are continuously expanding our knowledge within subsea mining, geothermal, onshore and offshore construction, as well as offshore wind industries. With offices in 16 countries across five continents, HMH maintains a strong global presence. HMH is a frontrunner in developing and providing automation and digital solutions for our drilling customers to support their endeavor to improve efficiency and environmental footprint. Equipped with its brilliant team of engineers, HMH is committed to actively exploring opportunities in other industries. For us, this means new opportunities and challenges that we need creativity and great minds to solve in our efforts to innovate our future.

Do you want to join our team? At HMH we value our employees. We offer exciting job opportunities that will give you the opportunity to grow in your role and give you the professional development you deserve. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, you will join a casual and inclusive work environment. Our environment is based on respect and having a good day at work, so you can expect to join a knowledgeable, global team who help each other to succeed.

HMH is seeking an experienced Lead Automation Engineer with a strong background in oilfield equipment, industrial controls, and field service support. This role focuses on designing, programming, and supporting advanced automated drilling equipment, leveraging deep automation engineering expertise and hands-on oilfield experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain PLC programs for automated drilling equipment.
• Create and optimize control system layouts and logic flow.
• Support ongoing product development and new feature testing.
• Participate in validation and refinement of automation solutions.
• Provide engineering insights to enhance safety, reliability, and performance.
• Troubleshoot PLC and HMI issues remotely or on site.
• Provide technical support during equipment build, installation, and commissioning.
• Travel to field or facility locations for system support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Automation, Electronic, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering from an accredited university
• Minimum 4 years of relevant technical level experience
• Experience with PLC programming (Sysmac Studio, SIMATIC WinCC, etc.)
• Understanding of industrial electrical systems and controls
• Oilfield or heavy industrial machinery experience
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and technical specifications

Desired Qualifications

• Programming experience with Omron and/or Beckhoff PLCs
• Autocad experience is strongly preferred
• Experience in version control systems such as git
• Task tracking and collaboration systems such as Azure DevOps, JIRA, Confluence, etc.
• Familiarity with hazardous-area electrical standards (ATEX, CSA, IECEx)
• Field service or commissioning experience

Additional Information: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, now or in the future, without employer sponsorship for employment visa status. Relocation assistance is not provided. Location: Houston, Tx