1

Lab Automation Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data ... Perform regular support activities such as lab and shop floor set-up, integration testing, factory ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems ... Experience with hands-on lab testing and technical documentation (e.g., lab report generation)

Senior Controls Engineer

Houston, TX

$80K - $106K/yr

IC&E Engineering Manager Position Summary: This position is primarily responsible for the design ... Perform lab testing for new/potential automation equipment as needed * Participate in project ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $106K/yr

IC&E Engineering Manager Position Summary: This position is primarily responsible for the design ... Perform lab testing for new/potential automation equipment as needed * Participate in project ...

Head of Lab Technology Platforms

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $127K/yr

Support quality assurance and validation processes for new instruments and automation systems ... Lead a technical team of bioinformaticians and programmers. * Cross-Functional and fast-paced ...

Electrical Engineer

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Support and maintain plant automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, and distributed control systems ... Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.

Principal DevOps Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$50.25 - $69/hr

This role will establish scalable, secure, and standardized automation frameworks across lab, factory, and production environments, enabling repeatable global deployments. The Principal DevOps ...

Laboratory Technician - Engineering

Conroe, TX · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Work as a laboratory technician with emphasis on chemical and material lab expertise. Use technical ... Nice to have: exposure to AI-enabled analysis, automation, or data tools. Qualifications/Experience

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Automation Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$15

$44

$67

How much do lab automation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab automation engineer in Houston, TX is $44.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.33 and $56.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lab Automation Engineer do?

A Lab Automation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems used in laboratory environments to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility of experiments. They work with robotics, software, and laboratory instruments to streamline workflows for research, diagnostics, or manufacturing processes. Their responsibilities often include programming automation scripts, integrating hardware and software, troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with scientists to optimize lab operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Lab Automation Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or life sciences, experience with laboratory workflows, and proficiency in programming and automation. Familiarity with tools such as liquid handling robots, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), scripting languages (like Python or VBA), and certifications like Six Sigma or CLIA can be highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for designing efficient automated systems, maintaining equipment, and ensuring seamless lab operations in complex, collaborative environments.

What are some common challenges Lab Automation Engineers face in their daily work?

Lab Automation Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting integration issues between new automation equipment and existing lab systems, as well as optimizing protocols for maximum efficiency. Adjusting to rapidly evolving technology and managing the customization of automated solutions for diverse experiments are also common aspects of the role. Collaboration with scientists, IT specialists, and quality control teams is essential to ensure that automation meets both technical and regulatory requirements. Successfully navigating these challenges requires adaptability, communication, and a solution-oriented mindset.

What job categories do people searching Lab Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Lab Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Lab Automation Engineer job openings:
Automation Engineer III

Automation Engineer III

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


Canrig Drilling Technology is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for design support, implementation, deployment (I&C) and support for control systems for land-based drilling rigs. This role requires a strong understanding of drilling rig equipment and process, PLC hardware and programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks and communications, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD's) and Power Systems, and HMI development to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations
Responsibilities
  • Design and Implementation: Support the development and implementation of advanced control systems for land-based drilling rigs and drilling rig equipment, including participation in customer and vendor facing meetings, and internal design and status reviews.
  • System Support: Perform regular support activities such as lab and shop floor set-up, integration testing, factory and customer acceptance testing.
  • Technical Support: Participate in and perform troubleshooting of drilling rig and associated equipment control systems to minimize downtime and optimize performance. Provide technical support and guidance to internal field technicians and drilling operations and support teams.
  • Safety Protocols: Ensure all control systems comply with industry safety standards and regulations.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with Canrig and Nabors engineering teams, and Nabors and 3rd party operations teams to integrate new technologies and improve existing systems.
  • Documentation: Prepare and maintain technical documentation for control systems and procedures, such as product documentation, functional requirements documents, software release documents, commissioning documents, etc.
  • Training: Train and mentor junior engineers on control system design, implementation, and maintenance. Train and support field technicians on the deployment, set-up, and commissioning of drilling rig and drilling equipment control systems.

#LI- JA1
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and maintaining control systems for drilling rigs.
  • Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley preferred, but also Siemens)
  • Experience with SCADA systems and HMI development
  • Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (ABB and GE Converteam preferred)
  • Experience and understanding of Industrial PCs, Servers, networking and communications protocols
  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
  • Hands-on approach to solving problems
  • Knowledge of industry safety standards and regulations
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
  • "Can Do" attitude

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience with controlling heavy rotating equipment using induction motors
  • Experience in the drilling industry

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong Field Troubleshooting skills
  • Effective communication skills both verbal & written, both 1-1 and group situations
  • Situational Leadership
  • Time management

TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES
  • PLC : C++, RSlogix 5000, SLC 500, Omrom, Wago.
  • HMI: Factory Talk View. Understanding for Rockwell software suite.
  • Understanding of Hydraulics/ Pneumatics, AC drives and controls a plus (ABB/ Converteam/ Yaskawa)
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including OPC, MODBUS, Ethernet IP, and Profibus required.
  • Software design and development experience.
  • Ability to read electrical schematics.
  • Understanding of various communication protocols Profibus, Modbus, OPC, Ethernet IP, etc.
  • Strong hands-on hardware troubleshooting and software debugging skills.
  • Basic knowledge of Cisco switches and configurations.
  • Project management and presentation skills.
  • Ability to extract and document requirements from user problem description.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS
  • While this position is primarily based in a professional office environment
  • Travel to yards and rigs is essential and required
  • 25% travel is expected
  • The position supports drilling rigs that work 24/7 and will routinely require phone availability outside regular work hours

Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
About Us
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.
About the Team
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.

What Nabors Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom