Project Engineer - Artificial Lift

Weatherford; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Weatherford is seeking an experienced Project Engineer to join our Rod Lift Downhole Pumps team in Houston, TX. This hands‑on role takes ownership of projects from concept through production release, bridging design, manufacturing, and field performance for demanding oilfield environments.

You will design components, manage projects, create 3D models and drawings, and ensure compliance with API 11AX and related standards, delivering robust solutions with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in oil & gas mechanical, design, or field engineering.
• Strong fundamentals in statics, dynamics, materials, and fluid mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Lead product design and development of rod lift downhole pump components.
• Own the full product lifecycle from concept to production release.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using PTC Creo Parametric, including BOMs and GD&T.
• Select appropriate materials for oilfield environments (wear, corrosion, pressure).
• Conduct engineering analyses including tolerance stack-ups, stress calculations, FEA, and design verification testing.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with manufacturing, field service, sales, and applications teams to ensure producible, cost‑effective designs.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with schedule, budget, and quality targets.
• Maintain engineering documentation in PDM/PLM systems with revision control and traceability.
• Support failure analysis investigations and translate findings into corrective design actions.
• Ensure compliance with API 11AX and related standards.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical design

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo Parametric

SolidWorks

Windchill

ANSYS/FEA

Job description

Job Summary

Weatherford is seeking an experienced Project Engineer to join our Rod Lift Downhole Pumps team in Houston, TX. This is a hands‑on, P3‑level product engineering role where you'll take full ownership of projects from concept through production release. You'll work at the intersection of product design, manufacturing, and field performance, translating real‑world challenges from demanding environments—like high‑sand Permian Basin wells and corrosive, high‑GOR applications—into durable, reliable engineering solutions for one of the world's most widely deployed artificial lift methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead product design and development of rod lift downhole pump components including barrels, plungers, valve cages, seats, and peripheral hardware
• Own the full product lifecycle from concept, design, and prototype through testing, production release, and sustaining support
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D production drawings using PTC Creo Parametric, including BOMs and specifications with proper GD&T
• Select appropriate materials for oilfield environments (alloy steels, hard coatings, elastomers) considering wear, corrosion, and pressure conditions
• Conduct engineering analyses including tolerance stack-ups, stress calculations, FEA, and design verification testing
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with manufacturing, field service, sales, and applications teams to ensure producible, cost‑effective designs that incorporate customer feedback
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with minimal supervision, maintaining schedule, budget, and quality targets
• Maintain engineering documentation in PDM/PLM systems with proper revision control and design traceability
• Support failure analysis investigations and translate findings into corrective design actions
• Ensure compliance with API 11AX and related standards

Skills/Education Required

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field
• 5–8+ years of experience in oil & gas mechanical, design, or field engineering
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals: statics, dynamics, materials, and fluid mechanics
• Proficiency in PTC Creo Parametric or equivalent 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA)
• Ability to design precision‑machined components with proper GD&T for production
• Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and positive displacement pump hydraulics
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with ability to present technical content to diverse audiences
• Strong project management abilities with capacity to deliver on time with minimal supervision

Skills/Education Preferred

• Direct experience with sucker rod pump components: barrels, plungers, valves, and couplings
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with FEA/structural simulation tools (ANSYS or equivalent)
• Proficiency with PTC Windchill or equivalent PDM/PLM system
• Experience designing welded structures and weld‑joint specifications
• Familiarity with API 11AX and related artificial lift standards
• Experience with failure analysis methodologies (8D, fishbone, FMEA)
• Experience providing field technical support or conducting field trials
• Hands‑on experience with rod lift downhole pumps (field, manufacturing, or product design)

Travel Requirement

Up to 10% annually

About Us:

Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world‑class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.

When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger – a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other’s successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.

Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.