Project Engineer Mechanics - Drilling Services

Weatherford; Dhahran Compound; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company is seeking a Senior Project Engineer Mechanics to lead development of advanced models for drilling operations. This role requires strong expertise in drilling mechanics and downhole dynamics, along with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 10 years of experience. Responsibilities include leading modeling efforts, collaborating with engineering teams, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should also have strong technical skills in programming and analysis.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Expected to mentor junior engineers.
• Familiarity with CFD and directional drilling engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of mechanical models for drilling.
• Conduct analysis of BHA integrity and fatigue.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver modeling solutions.

Skills

Drilling mechanics

Downhole mechanical systems

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Technical documentation

Leadership capabilities

Python programming

C/C++ programming

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in a technical or scientific discipline

Job description

Job Overview

The Project Engineer Mechanics is a senior technical role responsible for the development and deployment of advanced mechanics-based models supporting drilling and well construction operations. The role emphasizes drilling mechanics, structural integrity, downhole dynamics, and mechanical system behavior. This position plays a key role in advancing physics-based modeling solutions and mentoring engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of mechanical and structural models related to drilling and well construction.
• Develop and tune static and transient mechanical models including torque & drag, vibration, and downhole dynamics.
• Perform analysis related to BHA integrity, failure mechanisms, abrasion, and fatigue.
• Apply Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and explicit dynamics modeling to drilling systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, software developers, and product teams to deliver integrated modeling solutions.
• Conduct research into drilling mechanics and dynamic system behavior.
• Evaluate third-party mechanical modeling tools and assess applicability to existing products.
• Identify risks, uncertainties, and limitations in mechanical modeling approaches.
• Publish technical papers and represent the company at industry forums.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers.
• Fulfill responsibilities related to competency management and mandatory training.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety standards and policies.
• Develop physics-based models for engineering software.

Skills

• Strong expertise in drilling mechanics and downhole mechanical systems.
• Experience with torque & drag, vibration, explicit dynamics, and structural integrity modeling.
• Proven application of physics-based mechanical models in drilling operations.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Strong understanding of drilling dynamics and mechanical failure analysis.
• Strong technical documentation and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, mentoring, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple technical challenges simultaneously.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python and / or C or C++

Preferred

• Proficient in portfolio or a public GitHub repository
• Familiarity with CFD as it relates to mechanical‑hydraulic interaction.
• Knowledge of directional drilling engineering.
• Experience working in fast‑paced, performance‑driven environments.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Preferred: PhD in a technical or scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience.