Project Engineer Mechanics - Drilling Services

-; Dhahran Compound; On-site; SAR 374,000 - 488,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Dhahran Compound is seeking an experienced Project Engineer Mechanics. This senior technical role involves developing advanced mechanical models for drilling operations and mentoring engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of industry experience and a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Strong expertise in drilling mechanics and Finite Element Analysis is crucial, along with leadership and programming skills in Python or C/C++. The position emphasizes collaboration and research in drilling dynamics.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Preferred: PhD with 5 years of industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of mechanical and structural models.
• Develop and tune mechanical models for drilling operations.
• Perform analysis related to BHA integrity and failure mechanisms.
• Apply Finite Element Analysis to drilling systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions.
• Conduct research into drilling mechanics and dynamics.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers.

Skills

Drilling mechanics expertise

Downhole mechanical systems

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Technical documentation skills

Leadership capabilities

Programming in Python, C, or C++

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 behaviour. This position plays a key role in advancing physics-based modelling 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 modelling to drilling systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, software developers, and product teams to deliver integrated modelling solutions.
• Conduct research into drilling mechanics and dynamic system behaviour.
• Evaluate third‑party mechanical modelling tools and assess applicability to existing products.
• Identify risks, uncertainties, and limitations in mechanical modelling approaches.
• Publish technical papers and represent the company at industry forums.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers.
• Fulfil 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 modelling.
• 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.