Robotics/Mechanical/Field Engineer

Pay: $55,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Location: The Woodlands / Magnolia, TX
Travel Required: Extended trips (up to ~2 weeks at a time)
Industry: Pipeline Integrity / Robotic Crawler Inspection
Citizenship Requirement: Must be a U.S. citizen

About Balboa I&M

Balboa Inspection & Maintenance specializes in robotic inline inspection of pipelines considered “unpiggable” by conventional tools. Our purpose-built robotic crawlers are deployed into tank-to-manifold lines, wharf lines, short runs, dead-legs, and other challenging geometries where failure matters. We integrate:

  • Ultra high-resolution circumferential MFL

  • Normal Beam EMAT thickness mapping

  • Laser surface mapping

We design, build, and operate our own robotic platforms and support high-consequence operators in oil, gas, chemical, and nuclear environments.

Role Summary (Read Before Applying)

If you want a comfortable desk job, look elsewhere.

This is a hands-on, travel-heavy, field-focused engineering role. You’ll learn our robots inside and out — how to deploy them, operate them, maintain them, and fix them under pressure. The number one job is successfully completing inspections, which means keeping the robot moving no matter what breaks.

Designing new parts and engineering improvements happens when failure forces innovation, not quietly in a conference room. When something breaks, you fix it. When something needs redesigning, you design it. When the job is on the line, you own the solution.

What You’ll Actually Do

  • Operate robotic crawlers inside pipelines on live field inspection jobs

  • Diagnose and repair mechanical/electrical issues quickly and confidently

  • Travel for extended periods (up to ~2-week trips)

  • Assemble, maintain, and test inspection robots between deployments

  • Work directly with customers on-site

  • Document results and recommend improvements

  • Assist with design and fabrication of new robotic systems and upgrades

Required Qualifications

  • U.S. citizen (mandatory)

  • BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent experience

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills

  • Comfort with tools, electronics, wiring, motors, actuators, sensors

  • Ability to lift heavy loads and work in industrial environments (Ladders, stairs, etc)

  • Able to travel for extended field operations

  • Calm under pressure, independent problem-solver

Nice-to-Have

  • SolidWorks experience

  • Machine shop / fabrication / welding experience

  • Field service or industrial maintenance background

  • Robotics, NDE, EMAT, MFL, or PLC experience

Opportunities for Growth & Promotion

We’re a new, small, growing company. There is no rigid hierarchy here — you build the team under you as you prove yourself. Performance matters more than time served, and growth is earned, not awarded.

As you master field operations and the robotic platforms, growth paths may include:

Career Tracks

  • Robotic Systems Development — designing and building the next-generation tools in-house

  • Field Team Leadership — manage engineering crews in the field

  • Sales / Business Development — once knowledgeable, transition to selling to operators and engineering firms

  • Marketing & Technical Content — converting field knowledge into real-world case studies & messaging

The Type of Person Who Will Succeed

  • Prefers solving real problems in the field rather than sitting at a desk

  • Thrives under pressure and responsibility

  • Enjoys travel and hard work with real consequences

  • Takes pride in being the person who can fix what others can’t

  • Wants to grow quickly and take ownership

If sitting in an office all day sounds painful — but keeping robots alive sounds like an adventure — then this is your role.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive salary based on ability and experience

  • Travel per diem + opportunity for field performance bonuses

  • Healthcare package & PTO

How to Apply

Email your resume to sales@balboa-im.com and ensure the subject line reads “Application - Robotics Engineer”. In the Body of the email be sure to include the phrase “I read the whole Job Description” This is your first test on attention to detail. ;-)

Final Words

This work is demanding. It’s unpredictable. It requires grit, capability, and commitment.
But if you want real responsibility, real engineering, real challenge, and real growth — we want to talk.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance

  • Health insurance

  • Paid time off

Education:

  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Magnolia, TX 77354: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person