Mpd Technology - Automation Manager

Role purposeThe MPD Automation Manager owns the full controls and electrical lifecycle of our Managed Pressure Drilling systems, from concept to rig-site support. This covers PLC and HMI software, electrical design of MPD control panels, and selection of motors, servo drives and field instrumentation.
The role ensures every MPD package (automated chokes, Coriolis flow measurement, backpressure pumps and control skids) is designed, built, tested and deployed to a consistent, safe and supportable standard. The manager leads the automation team and is the final technical authority on controls and electrical matters.
Key responsibilitiesPLC / HMI programming and software development
Own all PLC, HMI and SCADA software for MPD systems, including choke control, pressure-hold, flow-in/flow-out and kick/loss detection logic.
Develop and maintain closed-loop control (PID and model-based) for surface backpressure and automated choke manifolds.
Set and enforce coding standards, reusable function-block libraries, version control and change management.
Integrate third-party equipment and data: Coriolis meters, pressure transmitters, rig EDR/WITS/WITSML, hydraulics models and remote monitoring.
Design industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA) and apply OT cybersecurity practice.
Electrical design and drawings
Produce and approve electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, I/O lists and BOMs for all MPD control panels.
Perform load calculations, cable and protective-device sizing, grounding/bonding design and heat-dissipation calculations.
Own the drawing library and revision control;
maintain as-built documentation for every deployed unit.
Work with panel builders and the workshop to make sure panels are built to drawing and standard.
Motors, drives and component selection
Select and size electric motors, servo drives, servo motors, VFDs, gearboxes and actuators for chokes, pumps and auxiliary equipment.
Specify PLCs, I/O, power supplies, UPS, HMIs, sensors, transmitters and network hardware.
Ensure all field equipment is certified for its hazardous-area classification (ATEX / IECEx / Class I Div 1 & 2).
Manage vendor relationships, technical bid evaluation, lead times, obsolescence and spares strategy.
FAT, SAT and commissioning
Write FAT and SAT procedures, test plans and acceptance criteria.
Lead Factory Acceptance Tests internally and with clients;
record punch lists and close them out.
Oversee loop checks, I/O checks, simulation testing and commissioning at the workshop and on the rig.
Deployment and field support
Release controlled software and hardware versions to field units;
maintain the fleet configuration register.
Provide 24/7 escalation support (on-call rotation) for field automation and electrical issues, remote and on-site.
Lead root-cause analysis of automation-related NPT and incidents, and drive corrective actions.
Train field engineers and operators on MPD control systems, HMIs and troubleshooting.
Provide remote diagnostics and online support through secure remote access to field PLCs and HMIs.
Maintain a field issue log with defined response and resolution times, and track recurring faults to closure.
Own and keep current the troubleshooting guides, alarm-response procedures and field support documentation.
Standards, safety and compliance
Ensure designs comply with IEC 60079, NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 79, IEC 61131-3, IEC 61511 / IEC 62443 where applicable, API RP 92M and client specifications.
Lead HAZOP, FMEA and SIL/functional-safety reviews for control systems.
Maintain the technical documentation package: functional design specs, cause and effect matrices, manuals and certificates.
Team leadership and management
Lead, hire and develop controls engineers, electrical designers and automation technicians.
Plan workload, budgets and schedules for automation work across new builds, upgrades and R&D projects.
Work with Operations, Mechanical Engineering, QA/QC, HSE and Sales on bids, client requirements and product roadmap.
Assign automation engineers and technicians to rigs, projects and support tasks as demand changes.
Bring in contractors or temporary staff during peak activity, and manage their scope and quality.
Review and approve the team's PLC code, HMI changes and electrical drawings before release.
Set up and manage the on-call rotation so field support is covered at all times.
Maintain a skills matrix, identify training needs and arrange certifications for the team.
Set objectives and run performance reviews for direct reports.
Required qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics or Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
10+ years in industrial automation, with at least 3 years leading a controls or electrical team.
Expert PLC programming in all IEC 61131-3 languages on Rockwell (Studio 5000) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal);
HMI/SCADA development (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition or similar).
Proven electrical design with EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical or SolidWorks Electrical, from schematic to panel build.
Hands‑on sizing, selection and tuning of servo systems, VFDs and AC/DC motors for closed‑loop motion and pressure control.
Working knowledge of hazardous‑area equipment and installation (ATEX/IECEx, NEC Class/Division, Ex d / Ex p / Ex i protection).
Track record of writing and running FATs, SATs and commissioning on complex skid‑mounted systems.
Fluent in industrial networks and protocols: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA.
Preferred qualifications
Direct experience with MPD, UBD, well control or drilling‑rig control systems (automated chokes, backpressure pumps, Coriolis flow metering).
Knowledge of drilling hydraulics and MPD techniques: constant bottom‑hole pressure, pressurized mud cap drilling, dynamic influx detection.
Professional Engineer (PE / CEng) licence, CompEx certification or TÜV Functional Safety Engineer, or equivalent experience.
Experience with IEC 61511 SIS design and IEC 62443 OT cybersecurity.
Scripting or higher‑level programming (Python, C#) for data tools, simulation and test automation.
Experience with edge computing, remote monitoring and cloud data platforms for rig equipment.
Familiarity with API Spec 16C / 16D, API RP 92M / 92S and client approval processes.
Key competencies
Safety-first mindset:
treats well‑control‑critical software and hardware with the discipline it requires.
Systems thinking:
connects mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and software behaviour into one reliable system.
Ownership:
takes end‑to‑end responsibility from design through to field performance.
Leadership:
builds, mentors and holds a technical team to a high standard.
Troubleshooting under pressure:
calm, structured diagnosis during live rig operations.
Clear communication:
explains technical issues to field crews, clients and management alike.
Documentation discipline:
keeps drawings, code and records accurate and traceable.
Working conditions
Split between office, workshop/test bay and land or offshore rig sites.
Travel up to 30%, including short‑notice call‑outs for critical field support.
Takes part in an on‑call escalation rotation.
Must hold or obtain the required site certifications (e.G. BOSIET/HUET for offshore, H2S awareness, SafeLand/SafeGulf or local equivalent).
Works in hazardous areas wearing full PPE, in line with company HSE policy.
Valid passport and ability to travel internationally.
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