Director of Autonomy & Intelligent Systems

Location: Houston, TX, United States

Canrig is redefining the future of drilling by advancing from operator-directed equipment to intelligent, autonomous rig systems. As Director of Autonomy & Intelligent Systems, you will lead the strategy and execution of technologies that improve safety, efficiency, consistency, and operational performance across drilling and tubular-handling operations. This role is instrumental in creating new product differentiation, accelerating innovation, and positioning Canrig as an industry leader in autonomous drilling solutions. Your work will directly influence how customers operate their rigs, maximize productivity, and unlock the next generation of digital and automated oilfield technologies. 

The Director of Autonomy & Intelligent Systems is responsible for establishing and leading Canrig's autonomy vision, roadmap, and execution strategy across drilling and tubular-handling systems. This role serves as the organization's technical and strategic leader for autonomous machine functions, intelligent automation, AI-enabled controls, machine perception, simulation, and human-machine interaction. Working across engineering, product management, field operations, manufacturing, and executive leadership, the Director will align technology investments and product development efforts to deliver safe, reliable, and commercially scalable autonomy solutions.

Success in this role is defined by the ability to build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team, translate emerging technologies into production-ready products, and deliver measurable improvements in operational efficiency, equipment performance, and customer outcomes. The Director will drive the company's long-term autonomy strategy while ensuring that advanced controls, AI, robotics, and field operations are integrated into a cohesive platform that supports Canrig's growth, innovation objectives, and competitive advantage in the drilling industry.

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 Organization

The Director of Autonomy & Intelligent Systems leads Canrig's path from operator-directed equipment toward automated drilling, supervisory autonomy, and closed-loop rig functions. This Head-of-Autonomy role integrates controls, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine perception, human-machine interaction, simulation, and field operations into a coherent technology roadmap. This leader builds a multidisciplinary team and partners across existing engineering, product, and field organizations to deliver production-ready autonomy capabilities for drilling and tubular-handling systems.