ELECTRICAL & AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN - WTX

The Mechatronic Field Technician II – RZR Automation & Controls independently maintains, troubleshoots, and supports the rig automation and control systems of Canrig robotic drilling equipment (RZR Rig Floor Automation) to keep drilling operations safe, reliable, and efficient. The technician resolves routine and most non-routine electrical, controls, drive, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical issues, serves as the key field resource for automation systems, provides on-the-job guidance to less experienced technicians and rig personnel, and bridges communication between operations, maintenance, customers, and engineering support.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Automation Equipment Installation & Commissioning

 

Primary Skills: Mechatronic Systems • Service Installation • System Testing • Instrument Calibration
• Rig up and rig down automation systems, including control and communication cabling, with limited supervision, and verify readiness against checklists and specifications.
• Commission, function test, and support robotic drilling equipment and automated drilling systems, resolving routine open items and escalating complex items to engineering support.
• Calibrate drilling instrumentation and automated equipment, and record settings and results so work can be reviewed, accepted, and handed over.
• Carry out equipment upgrades, system testing, and performance improvements, and document results and handover items accurately.

 

Controls, Drives & Instrumentation Diagnostics

Primary Skills: PLC Diagnostics • Drive Systems & Motor Control • Electronic Test Equipment • System Troubleshooting Techniques
• Independently troubleshoot electrical, controls, and communication faults on robotic drilling equipment, rig automation, PLCs, and field instrumentation to minimize downtime, using multimeters, amp probes, scopes, approved diagnostic software, and structured troubleshooting methods.
• Troubleshoot Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC systems, including reading logic, monitoring I/O, and making approved basic program changes and backups (basic programming knowledge), and work with Windows- and Linux-based industrial systems.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Siemens S120 drive systems, Drive-CLiQ communication networks, VFDs, and motor control systems, using Siemens Starter software for parameter review, backup, and restoration.
• Perform wiring, cabling, and system diagnostics, including testing and repair of electrical components up to 600 volts only when trained, authorized, and working under applicable electrical-safety procedures.
• Verify repairs through function tests, record results, and escalate complex, repeat, or high-risk conditions to a Level III technician or engineering support.

Hydraulic, Pneumatic & Mechanical Maintenance

 

Primary Skills: Hydraulic & Pneumatic Troubleshooting • Schematic Interpretation • Preventative Maintenance • Root Cause Analysis
• Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance, and perform corrective maintenance on robotic drilling equipment, including adjustment, component replacement, and functional verification.
• Read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics, wiring diagrams, and control logic to diagnose and repair system faults.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic components and systems up to 5,000 psi only when trained, authorized, and following energy-isolation and pressure-control requirements.
• Participate in root-cause analysis by collecting evidence, preserving failed parts when required, and documenting recurring conditions, and recommend corrective actions to engineering support.

 

Rig-Site Support, Communication & Documentation

Primary Skills: Operational Support • Job Documentation • Cross-Functional Communication • Training and Coaching
• Respond promptly to equipment failures and provide rapid troubleshooting support, working independently in the field.
• Work side by side with the rig crew to complete daily tasks, serving as the key field resource for rig automation systems.
• Communicate job status and technical findings clearly to operations, maintenance, and customer personnel, and interface with Engineering support teams to provide performance and system-improvement feedback.
• Train rig personnel on automation systems and routine operating checks, and provide on-the-job guidance to Level I technicians as assigned.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and documentation.

HSE, Quality & Operational Readiness

 

Primary Skills: Safety Protocols • Job Safety Analysis • Quality Control Analysis • Training and Development
• Comply with Nabors and Canrig safety, quality, legal, and operating requirements; participate in pre-job planning, safety meetings, hazard controls, and Stop Work Authority expectations.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow lockout/tagout, working-at-height, electrical, lifting, and pressure-safety controls applicable to the assigned task.
• Maintain required training, licenses, and safety certifications, and attend assigned technical training to build capability across RZR and related automation systems.
• Live and work on the assigned rig during 2/2 rotations and extend hours as needed during critical activities, troubleshooting events, or equipment commissioning, in accordance with duty-cycle, fatigue-management, and escalation procedures.

 

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience in rig electrical, automation, industrial controls, field service, or related electromechanical work; equivalent technical education, apprenticeship, or military technical training may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLC-based automated systems and VFDs, drives, and motor control systems, with basic PLC programming knowledge.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting from schematics, and the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong independent troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, and communication systems, and the ability to use hand tools, measuring devices, and electronic test equipment within demonstrated training and authorization.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required safety and equipment-specific certifications, and to communicate job status, technical observations, and documentation clearly in English.
• Willingness and ability to work a 2/2 rotational schedule, live on a drilling rig in West Texas, and work extended hours when operations require.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to the assigned rig location.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship, or advanced training in mechatronics, electromechanical technology, industrial maintenance, electrical systems, automation, robotics, or a related field.
• Experience working in drilling or heavy industrial environments, including rig floor automation, top drives, pipe-handling systems, or related OEM equipment.
• Hands-on experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, Siemens S120 drives, Starter software, and Drive-CLiQ networks, and with Windows and Linux industrial systems.
• Basic knowledge of oil and gas field operations and Microsoft Office applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is field-based on a drilling rig in West Texas and requires living and working on the rig during assigned 2/2 rotations. 

• The employee is exposed to outdoor conditions and a dynamic drilling operations environment, including noise, vibration, moving equipment, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic energy, weather, heights, uneven surfaces, and non-climate-controlled conditions. 

• The employee frequently stands, walks, uses hands and hand tools, communicates, and observes equipment; regularly bends, reaches, stoops, climbs stairs or ladders, and enters or works around industrial equipment; and may occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 50 pounds with appropriate assistance or material-handling equipment when needed. 

• The role requires use of required personal protective equipment and the ability to work extended hours as needed to support rig operations, particularly during critical activities, troubleshooting events, or equipment commissioning. 

• Nabors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact HR to request an accommodation.

   

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.

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.