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Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

INSPYR Solutions · Houston, TX

Level
Senior
Team
Controls
Travel
25%
Degree
Required
Experience asked
7+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at INSPYR Solutions (industrial) in Houston, TX.

They ask for
7+ years · degree required
Tools it names
PLC, Automation
Day to day
about 25% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $90k–$132k.

Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 78 controls engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 77 other live controls postings in Texas.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $90k–$132k, from 9 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (7+ vs 4+)

Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ PLC 83%
  • ✓ Automation 76%
  • Robotics 37%
  • EHS / safety 27%
  • Root cause 22%
  • Python 22%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 7+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Lifts up to 50 lbs

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at INSPYR Solutions

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • The posting says about 25% travel. Between which sites?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from INSPYR SolutionsAs posted on their careers site.Show

Requirements

US Citizens, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the US.

Top Skills Required

  • ✓Strong hands-on technical experience in the development of PLCs and HMIs, preferably from Siemens

Requirements

  • ✓Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
  • ✓Experience with industrial communications protocols (ex: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, CANBUS, OPC UA, etc.)
  • ✓Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related field, preferably (but not limited to) Electrical / Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls and Automation
  • ✓7+ years of proven programming experience with PLCs (ex: Siemens, Omron, etc.)
  • ✓Demonstrated experience in HMI development (ex: Wonderware, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Advanced expertise in developing PLC code in ladder logic, structured text, statement list, SFC, etc.
  • ✓Experience with PLC programming related to drilling controls and automation
  • ✓Experience with battery management systems
  • ✓Experience working in a multi-developer environment
  • ✓Working knowledge of equipment used in the drilling industry

requirements

into a system architecture and develop the best solution for large scale implementation

  • ✓Provide accurate system, loop, block, and network diagrams for new or existing systems
  • ✓Generate design documentation, drawings, operation manuals and related material for system code and hardware
  • ✓Generate work tasks, organize the ordering and delivery of equipment and materials, and oversee the efficient installation and commissioning of software and equipment
  • ✓Work directly with third party contractors, Operations, Technical Services, HSE management, and rig crews to assist with the execution of a wide variety of company goals including, but not limited to, drilling control systems, R&D projects, etc.
  • ✓Provide technical support to field personnel as required to assist with troubleshooting PLC and control system issues
  • ✓Follow a formal process for software change control to ensure that changes are introduced in a controlled and coordinated manner. This process will also include documenting revision management processes and controls.

Job

Requirements

  • ✓Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and working on multiple projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines
  • ✓Demonstrate clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to promptly give and follow directions when working with others
  • ✓Demonstrate forward thinking and problem-solving skills to deliver quality products that enhance the company's vision and drilling portfolio
  • ✓Ability to safely navigate the rig up yard and shop work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
  • ✓Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites including regular walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during various weather conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)
  • ✓Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondence, reports, and schedules (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • ✓Physical ability to:
  • ✓Lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • ✓Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl occasionally during visits to the field and operational work areas
  • ✓Listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and or machinery problems
  • ✓Stay alert and focused including during occasional extended work periods
  • ✓Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around
Show full description ↓

Title: Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Location: Houston, TX (Onsite Daily)

Duration: Permanent, Direct-Hire

Work

Job Description

Our client's Automation team is a growing group of energetic, passionate individuals working to improve their operations through automation. Engineers in their Technology Group are responsible for the conception, design, development, and maintenance of drilling rig control system(s) software and hardware. The preferred candidate should have an established fundamental knowledge of control system principles, exceptional problem-solving skills, experience with Variable Frequency Drives, industrial communication protocols, and drilling rig equipment. They will be responsible for developing new products, sustaining current rig software applications, and fixing issues that are reported with the systems.

Some example projects that they are developing, testing, and deploying include:

  • •Designing drilling advisory systems to improve drilling efficiency
  • •Automation of repetitive multistep mechanical tasks in the drilling process such as connections, reaming, and tripping
  • •Integration of third-party applications into the control system such as battery energy storage and managed pressure drilling systems

The successful candidate will set high standards of performance for themselves and their projects. Present professional demeanor in written and verbal communications while developing innovative solutions. Demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and adapt to business needs.

This role will work under the direction of the Senior Manager of Controls & Automation.

Detailed Description

  • •Apply exceptional understanding of engineering fundamentals with attention to detail and problem solving skills to complete deliverables of multi-disciplinary backgrounds
  • •Responsible for developing control algorithms, PLC software, HMI design/development, system architecture design, and implementation of industrial communication protocols
  • •Be proficient in designing, developing, and applying control system theory to develop software for new and existing systems
  • •Design and develop drilling applications to improve efficiency and automate drilling processes
  • •Be able to understand/translate the functional

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