The Electrical Engineer III is a senior-level individual contributor responsible for leading the design, analysis, and support of electrical power systems and machine controls for drilling equipment. This role requires deep technical expertise in both power distribution and control systems, with responsibility for owning major technical deliverables, guiding junior engineers, and supporting complex field issues. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop new systems, participate in commissioning, startup and system validation activities, upgrade existing designs, and ensure safe, reliable, and high performance operation.
- Design, develop and analyze LV/MV electrical power distribution systems for drilling equipment (Switchgear, MCCs, Transformers, OCPD’s, VFD).
- Design, develop control hardware architecture for drilling equipment such as Top Drives, Drawworks, Mud Pumps, and other ancillary hoisting systems.
- Review and approve engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Develop electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, panel layouts, wiring diagrams and other engineering documentation.
- Coordinate with mechanical and controls engineers to ensure integrated system design.
- Specify and configure PLC, PAC, and HMI/SCADA hardware and software (Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
- Develop and validate control logic, interlocks, and communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, etc.).
- Perform or support load calculations, short-circuit, and protection coordination studies.
- Ensure compliance with NFPA, OSHA, NEC, IEC, IEEE, API, ABS, and hazardous location requirement practices including (UL Class I, Div 1/2, IECEx/ATEX Zone 1/2).
- Create and review engineering specifications, datasheets, and test procedures.
- Serve as the technical lead for assigned projects, owning quality, accuracy, and schedule of electrical/controls deliverables.
- Support project managers with technical risk identification, engineering estimates, and planning.
- Conduct engineering design reviews and mentor junior engineers and designers.
- Support FAT/SAT, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities, both remotely and onsite.
- Provide Level III support for complex system failures and lead root cause failure analysis efforts.
- Collaborate with field service teams to drive operational excellence and reliability improvements.
#LI-JA1
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Typically 7–10+ years experience in electrical engineering with focus on drilling equipment or heavy industrial rotating machinery.
- Demonstrated expertise in power distribution, motor controls, drive systems, and industrial control systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
BEHAVORIAL COMPENTENCIES
- Technical Leadership – Serves as a subject matter expert; guides others in best practices and sound engineering principles.
- System-Level Thinking – Understands interactions across mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems; anticipates impact of design decisions.
- Decisive Problem Solving – Uses structured analytical methods to solve complex issues efficiently and effectively.
- Communication Excellence – Clearly conveys technical concepts to engineering peers, field teams, and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Collaboration & Influence – Works across teams to align on solutions, resolve conflicts, and drive projects forward.
- Customer Orientation – Engages proactively with customers and field personnel to understand needs and deliver high‑quality support.
- Ownership & Accountability – Takes responsibility for engineering quality, project outcomes, and long‑term reliability of delivered systems.
TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES
- Advanced understanding of LV/MV electrical power systems, protective devices, bonding and grounding techniques, LOTO procedures, as related industrial safety.
- Expertise with AC/DC drives, MCCs, motor control systems, and high‑power rotating equipment.
- Strong proficiency with PLC/PAC platforms, HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial communication protocols.
- Ability to independently produce and check complex schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and I/O documentation.
- Experience conducting or reviewing power system studies (ETAP/SKM experience preferred).
- Knowledge of hazardous area classifications (Class I/Div 1–2, IECEx, ATEX).
- Familiarity with drilling rig equipment, industrial machinery, or heavy rotating equipment integration.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar engineering tools.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Primarily office or engineering environment with periodic visits to manufacturing sites, test bays, or customer facilities.
- Ability to travel 10–20% for commissioning, troubleshooting, and project support.
- Must be able to work safely in industrial environments, including navigating uneven surfaces, climbing stairs/ladders, and wearing PPE.
- Occasional exposure to:
- Elevated noise levels
- Outdoor weather conditions
- Industrial hazards typical of drilling or heavy equipment sites
- Must be able to lift up to 25lbs occasionally (components, tools, laptop equipment).
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.
