Lab Technician - Managed Pressure Drilling Flow Loop

Weatherford; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Weatherford in Houston is seeking a Flow Loop Mechanical Lab Technician to support engineering by operating specialized flow loop systems and HPHT testing that simulate drilling operations. You will test MPD equipment performance, gather data, and assist with instrument calibration and maintenance.

The role requires hands-on mechanical and electrical aptitude, 2–5+ years experience, and ability to work in indoor/outdoor environments. A strong focus on safety and 5S housekeeping is expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• 2–5+ years in electrical/mechanical assembly or flow loop operations.
• Experience with testing MPD systems or related equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate MPD flow loop systems to simulate drilling conditions.
• Set up and execute test programs for MPD systems and tools.
• Conduct validation and functional testing of instrumentation and control systems.
• Collect and monitor real‑time test data using data acquisition systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot equipment and sensors.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical troubleshooting

Instrumentation knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

PLCs

LabVIEW

Siemens-based systems

Canary Labs

Job description

Job Description

The Flow Loop Mechanical Lab Technician (MPD) supports engineering and product line teams by conducting development testing by operating specialized flow loop systems, high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) systems, and other test systems that simulate operating conditions for various oil field tools. This role focuses on evaluating managed pressure drilling (MPD) equipment performance, testing fluid behavior under dynamically controlled pressure conditions representative of real drilling operations and maintenance test facility.

Responsibilities

• Testing Operations: operate and monitor MPD flow loop systems designed to simulate drilling conditions (surface back pressure (SBP), standpipe pressure (SPP), and pressure control scenarios).
• Set up, assemble, and execute test programs for Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) systems, oilfield drilling and completion tools, and various downhole completion tools.
• Conduct validation testing of MPD equipment (chokes, flow meters, pressure sensors, control systems) and functional testing of instrumentation and control systems.
• Perform high pressure/High Temperature testing using specialized flow loop systems.
• Assist engineering with troubleshooting and evaluation of potential failure modes.
• Operate and support the Test Rig and assist in setup of drilling and intervention tools on the WFT test rig.
• Support engineering with test execution, troubleshooting, and performance evaluations.
• Collect, record, and monitor real‑time test data using various data acquisition systems (PLCs, LabVIEW, Siemens-based systems, Canary Labs).
• Assist in analyzing pressure dynamics and system behavior during testing; export and compile test data for logs, reports, and technical summaries.
• Inspect, calibrate, and maintain high pressure flow loops, pumps, valves, and instrumentation; troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation issues.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on equipment to ensure proper operation and maximize equipment longevity.
• Perform and/or assist with assembly, modification, and upgrades of test systems.
• Ensure tools, test equipment, and materials are maintained and stored properly.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and housekeeping (including 5S/lean practices); manage test equipment inventory and material handling (Forklifts, Hoists, Mobile Crane Unit, etc.).
• Perform routine equipment checks before and after testing; support continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
• Perform various other duties and activities assigned by supervisor within the physical constraints of the job.

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 2‑5+ years of related experience in electrical/mechanical assembly, flow loop operations, or API R&D Design Validation Testing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude with knowledge of electrical, AC/DC circuits, and electro/mechanical devices.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting; proficiency with measuring instruments/devices (tapes, gauges, micrometers, calipers) and basic hand tools (wrenches, sledgehammers, screwdrivers).
• Familiarity with instrumentation and measurement devices (flow, pressure, temperature).
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Strong English communication skills (written, verbal, reading comprehension).
• Time management skills.
• Ability to lift approximately 25‑50 lbs and work in indoor/outdoor environments and varying conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

Technical

• Associate degree or technical certification in Petroleum Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process/Instrumentation Technology or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in the oil and gas industry or industrial environment; operations/field experience in oil and gas.
• Drilling, well control, high‑pressure systems or MPD related environments; experience with MPD systems or drilling simulators; downhole tools experience.
• Understanding of Managed Pressure Drilling principles; familiarity with flow test equipment.
• Pumps (centrifugal, hydraulic, triplex, etc).
• Flow hoses and connections (flanged, hammer union, etc).
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, wiring schematics, hydraulic/flow schematics, mechanical drawings and assembly instructions.
• Knowledge of high pressure/high temperature testing.