Controls & Modeling Engineer (Senior - Principal) Sperry Drilling

About Sperry Drilling

Sperry Drilling delivers industry-leading Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD), Logging-While-Drilling (LWD), and Rotary Steerable System (RSS) technologies that help operators drill safer, faster, and more precisely. Through advanced downhole tools, real-time data acquisition, and reliability-driven engineering, Sperry enables customers to maximize well placement, efficiency, and reservoir understanding in every drilling environment.

About the Role

The Controls & Modeling Engineer supports research and development of advanced automation, control, and intelligent systems technologies within the Advanced Controls COE.

This role focuses on applying advanced controls, robotics, dynamic modeling, data analytics, and machine learning techniques to solve complex engineering challenges and develop next-generation technologies for field operations.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to strategic R&D initiatives with direct commercial impact while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, software, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development in advanced controls, dynamic modeling, robotics, and data analytics for complex engineering applications.

• Design, prototype, and implement advanced control systems and automation technologies.

• Develop intelligent systems and algorithms to support automation, optimization, and operational decision-making.

• Apply modern control theory techniques, including adaptive, nonlinear, robust, optimal, and model predictive control methods.

• Develop and apply machine learning and data analytics solutions for operational and engineering challenges.

• Support development of dynamic models, simulations, and system identification methodologies.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support technology transfer and deployment into field applications.

• Contribute to identification and evaluation of high-value technology opportunities.

• Publish technical work through patents, journals, conferences, and internal innovation programs.

• Support development of software tools, workflows, and visualization methods for engineering and operational use.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with focus on controls, robotics, machine learning, mechatronics, or data analytics
OR equivalent advanced research experience.

• Strong background in advanced control theory and practical control system implementation.

• Experience with robotics, dynamic modeling, automation systems, or intelligent systems development.

• Knowledge of machine learning, data analytics, or optimization techniques.

• Experience solving practical engineering problems from concept through implementation.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience with machine learning methods such as neural networks, SVM, Bayesian methods, or genetic algorithms.

• Experience with robotics systems, path planning, mechatronics, or high-DoF control systems.

• Experience working with large datasets, cloud platforms, or data infrastructure tools (e.g., Azure).

• Experience with data visualization or analytics platforms such as Power BI, Spotfire, Tableau, or R.

• Strong publication and patent record.

• Experience developing controls or automation technologies for industrial or oilfield applications.

Candidates exceeding minimum requirements may be considered for higher-level positions based on experience, additional qualifications, and business needs. Career progression ranges Controls & Modeling Engineer Senior to Controls & Modeling Engineer Principal. 

World Class Benefits

At Halliburton, we’re committed to supporting you and your family with a comprehensive and affordable benefits package that covers your physical, emotional, financial, and parental needs — now and in the future. When you join our team, you’ll gain access to a wide range of programs designed to help you thrive at work and at home.

Click here to review a summary of the benefits available once you join.

Core Competencies

Advanced Control Systems | Control Theory & System Identification | Robotics & Autonomous Systems | High DoF Systems & Path Planning | Modeling & Simulation | Control + Machine Learning | Data Analytics + Engineering | Neural Networks & Bayesian Methods | MATLAB/Simulink & Python | Dynamic Systems & Optimization | Robotics + Control | Theory + Practical Deployment | Field Implementation Experience | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Innovation & Technology Development