Drilling Automation Engineer

Company Profile:

CNPC USA is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company and serves as the North American headquarters.  Our goal is to provide innovation, research, and development of new technologies for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a highly driven and technically skilled Drilling Automation Engineer to design and implement advanced algorithms and predictive models that enhance drilling performance, reduce failure risk, and improve overall operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in automation, data science, and drilling operations, with a passion for solving complex engineering problems through intelligent systems.

Responsibilities:

• Develop predictive algorithms and machine learning models to minimize tool and equipment failures during drilling operations.
• Design and implement real-time optimization models to enhance rate of penetration (ROP), reduce non-productive time (NPT), and improve drilling efficiency.
• Build intelligent algorithms to enhance directional drilling accuracy and improve, well trajectory performance.
• Create early warning and downhole incident detection systems, leveraging real-time sensor data and historical trends to proactively identify anomalies.
• Collaborate closely with drilling engineers, software developers, and field operations teams to ensure effective deployment of automation solutions on live rigs.
• Integrate developed models into surface and downhole applications across a variety of digital platforms.
• Interface with rig control systems, operator platforms, and service company tools to ensure compatibility and seamless operation.
• Document model development, validation, and deployment processes in line with industry standards and internal QA/QC protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5 to 7 years’ experience with a solid understanding of drilling automation systems, control logic, and wellsite operations.
• Hands-on experience in developing and deploying software solutions for surface and/or downhole drilling applications.
• Familiarity with drilling automation platforms used by major operators, contractors, and service companies (e.g., NOV, Nabors, Halliburton, Schlumberger, ExxonMobil, etc.).
• Proficiency in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) principles and applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or other relevant tools/languages.
• Experience working with real-time drilling data (e.g., WITS/WITSML, rig telemetry systems).
• Knowledge of drilling dynamics, directional drilling principles, and rig systems is a strong plus.

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience building and training machine learning models with large sensor datasets.
• Experience with cloud computing environments and digital twin platforms.
• Familiarity with time-series data analysis, signal processing, and anomaly detection techniques.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is a sedentary role; however, some filing, bending and the ability to lift 20lbs is required.

Travel:

This position requires some overnight international and domestic travel. Local travel between other CNPC USA locations and testing facilities is required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, however, does act as a mentor and point of contact for less experienced engineers. 

CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.