Research and Development Engineer

Packers Plus Energy Services Inc; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. seeks a curious R&D Engineer in Edmonton to advance tool design through FEA/CFD analysis and hands-on testing. You will interpret results, communicate insights, and help improve products.

The role blends simulation with 20–30% R&D development and fixture design, operating in a fast‑paced, innovation‑driven environment. The ideal candidate has 4+ years on downhole tools, strong FEA/CFD expertise, and solid communication skills to collaborate with manufacturing

Qualifications

• Abaqus/Ansys FEA experience with nonlinear analysis and material modeling.
• SolidWorks Flow Simulation or CFD experience.
• Experience with design verification, qualification testing, or root-cause/failure analysis.
• 4+ years’ experience with downhole tools or related applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced SolidWorks skills for part modelling and drawings.
• Knowledge of machining practices and tolerencing.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced FEA simulations to evaluate stresses, deformation and failure mechanisms.
• Develop and analyze CFD simulations to study fluid flow and pressure drop.
• Investigate design failures via simulations, calculations and physical testing.
• Communicate technical findings to engineers and manufacturing teams.
• Support development and improvement of completion tools and components.
• Design test fixtures and equipment for engineering testing.
• Provide recommendations to improve design and processes for efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports and engineering recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with Packers Plus standards.

Job description

We are looking for a curious and enthusiastic Research & Development Engineer to join our engineering team in Edmonton.

This is a hands‑on engineering role for someone who enjoys going beyond simply determining whether a design works and wants to understand why it works, why it fails, and how it can be improved.

The primary focus of the position will be computer simulation and analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys diving deep into an engineering problem, developing a sound understanding of the underlying physics, building an appropriate simulation, interpreting the results critically, and communicating their conclusions to others.

While simulation will be the primary focus of the role, approximately 20-30% of the position will involve R&D development, troubleshooting, physical testing, fixture design, and occasional mechanical/tool design.

Our engineering group is fast‑paced team and driven by innovation, operational excellence, and customer intimacy. We work closely with manufacturing and operations to develop, improve, and support oilfield completion tools.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Perform advanced FEA simulations to evaluate stresses, strains, deformation, contact, failure mechanisms, and product performance.
• Develop and analyze CFD simulations to investigate fluid flow, pressure drop, velocities, forces, hydraulic behaviour.
• Investigate design failures and unexpected performance through simulation, calculations, physical testing, and root‑cause analysis.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Support the development and improvement of new and existing completion tools and components.
• Design test fixtures and other equipment required to perform engineering testing.
• Support troubleshooting of field, manufacturing, and testing issues.
• Provide recommendations on design and processes, based on sound engineering principles, to continually improve efficiencies in new product design
• Prepare technical reports, analysis documentation, test reports, and engineering recommendations.
• Research industry advances in technology, materials, and standards to ensure innovation in new product design
• Provide engineering guidance and recommendations to various departments on manufacturing, assembly, testing, and operational standards of new and existing tool designs
• Revise and maintain drawings and models as necessary to ensure they continue to meet Packers Plus standards
• Review technical documents for accuracy and completeness
• Compliance with Packers Plus Health and Safety Program
• Compliance to API-Q1 and ISO standards.

Position Requirements

Experience and Skills

• Abaqus/Ansys FEA experience, nonlinear analysis, ductile and hyperelastic material modeling
• SolidWorks Flow Simulation or other CFD experience.
• Experience with design verification, qualification testing, or root‑cause/failure analysis.
• 4+ years’ experience with downhole tools, design and applications an asset.
• Manage multiple engineering projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of technical quality.
• Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced SolidWorks experience including part modelling, assemblies, design table and manufacturing drawings
• Experience with product qualification testing, design validation, and failure analysis
• Knowledge of machining practices including turning, milling, threading, tolerancing, surface finishes and tooling considerations
• Excellent interpersonal, communication planning, problem‑solving, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Experience in Research & Development (R&D) processes

Education and Training

• Minimum 2-year Diploma or Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum or other related field) or equivalent experience
• APEGA/ASET membership is an asset
• Knowledge of ISO/API Q1 standards

Physical and Safety Requirements

• May require lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs.

• Position is Safety Sensitive and subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol test

• Subject to post-incident and reasonable-cause drug & alcohol testing

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk using computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse

Competencies

• Customer Intimacy
• Operational Excellence
• People & Culture
• Innovation

Role Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Technical/Functional Knowledge
• Curiosity
• Project Management
• Action Oriented
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Creativity
• Technical/Functional Job Skill/Knowledge