Engineering Advisor- Robotics, Controls, and Automation

Job Description

Position Summary

The Robotics, Controls, and Automation Engineering Advisor is a senior technical leader responsible for defining the robotics strategy, architecture, and implementation roadmap for automated and autonomous systems deployed across land and offshore drilling operations. This role focuses heavily on robotic manipulation, perception-driven automation, safety-rated robotic systems, and advanced motion-control architectures that enable next-generation autonomous drill floors and robotic pipe-handling systems.

The Advisor provides deep cross-domain expertise-robotics, mechatronics, controls, AI-enabled autonomy, and OT/IT systems-to deliver reliable, safe, and high-performance robotic solutions that improve operational safety, reduce personnel exposure, and drive automation maturity across the enterprise.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Robotics Strategy & Architecture
  - Lead the development of the robotics and autonomous systems strategy for drilling operations, including long-term architecture, platform selection, and technology roadmaps.
  - Define robotic system architectures involving manipulators, multi-axis motion platforms, end-effectors, perception systems, and autonomous behaviors.
  - Champion the evolution from traditional automation to high-reliability robotic systems enabling personnel-free drill floors.
• Robotic System Development
  - Oversee design, integration, and validation of multi-axis robotic systems including pipe-handling robots, column-based manipulators, robotic catwalks, hoisting robots, and automated drill floor equipment.
  - Provide senior technical guidance on kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, coordinated multi-axis control, and force/torque-controlled manipulation.
  - Lead system development involving safety-rated motion control, functional safety, and compliance with SIL/PL requirements.
• Controls, Autonomy & Software
  - Architect and guide the implementation of control systems spanning PLCs, IPCs, real-time controllers, robot controllers, and SCADA systems.
  - Direct the development of autonomy layers, including sensor fusion, AI-driven decision-making, supervisory autonomy, and closed-loop robotic control.
  - Support the integration of perception technologies (LiDAR, 3D vision, radar, proximity sensors) for autonomous pipe detection, pose estimation, and environment awareness.
  - Oversee OT/IT data flows, edge computing deployments, safety interlocks, and cybersecurity for robotic control systems.
• Technology Deployment & Operations
  - Ensure reliability, safety, uptime, and maintainability of robotic systems in harsh drilling environments.
  - Lead field deployment, commissioning, and troubleshooting of robotics platforms on operational rigs.
  - Establish robotic system test frameworks, simulation environments, HIL testing, and validation procedures.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  - Mentor and develop engineering teams in robotics, mechatronics, embedded systems, and controls.
  - Collaborate with drilling operations, wellsite teams, product engineering, IT/OT, cybersecurity, and field support to ensure seamless robotic system adoption and performance.
  - Drive a culture of innovation, safety, system thinking, and "right-first-time" engineering.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, or related discipline.
• 15+ years in advanced automation, robotics, or mechatronics engineering, with significant experience in oil and gas drilling systems preferred.
• Expertise in robotic manipulation, multi-axis motion control, kinematics/dynamics, and real-time control architectures.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff), robot controllers, IPC/SBC architectures, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with autonomous drilling platforms (e.g., SmartROS, DrillOps™, Precise™, NOVOS™) and robotic pipe handling systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial functional safety (IEC 61508, ISO 13849), cybersecurity standards for ICS, and hazardous-area engineering.
• Professional certifications (ISA CAP, PMP, API RP, TÜV Functional Safety) preferred.

Key Competencies

• Robotics systems engineering and high-level architecture design
• Motion control, kinematics, real-time control software
• Strategic technical leadership and roadmap planning
• Cross-discipline communication and stakeholder alignment
• Systems thinking and complex problem-solving
• Safety-critical system development and risk management

Work Environment & Travel

• Primarily office-based with periodic travel to test sites, operational drilling rigs, manufacturing and integration facilities.
• Occasional travel to remote or offshore locations for commissioning, diagnostics, and system validation.

About Us

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.