R&D Project Engineer

Vallourec; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vallourec in Houston seeks an R&D Project Engineer to design and support new mechanical products for drilling and completing oil & gas wells, including premium connections for tubing and casing. The role involves managing R&D projects, developing connection designs, conducting FEA, and prototyping/testing programs.

You will develop product specifications, author technical papers, and provide operational support across departments to enable commercialization and continuous improvement in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in design or manufacturing experience with oilfield mechanical products.
• Knowledgeable in Drilling and Completion operations and applications a plus.
• Experience with CAD, preferably Solidworks.
• Ability to read, write and speak well in English and possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand and execute instructions through strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be able to pass applicable testing as required.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Manage and document Research and Development Projects.
• Connection Design: Develop and document connection designs.
• FEA Analysis: Perform and document FEA on connection designs.
• Prototyping and Evaluation Testing: Develop testing programs and evaluate test results.
• Product Specification: Develop product specifications.
• Technical Presentations and Papers: Author and present technical materials for internal and external distribution.
• Operational Support: Support other departments in connection to product commercialization activities.
• Industry Involvement: Engage with professional/industrial organizations and company objectives.

Skills

English communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD

Job description

At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The R&D Project Engineer is responsible for the design and technical support of new mechanical products used for drilling and completing Oil & Gas wells (i.e. premium connections, including tubing and casing. Vallourec is the world leader for premium connection solutions for the oil and gas industry with numerous production facilities, three leading edge technology Research & Development centers and a network of over 160 licensees worldwide.

Your Role at a Glance

• Project Management: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities for managing and documenting Research and Development Projects.


• Connection Design: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities for developing and documenting connection designs.


• FEA Analysis: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities for performing and documenting FEA on connection designs.


• Prototyping and Evaluation Testing: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities for developing testing programs and for evaluating and documenting the test results.


• Product Specification: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities for developing product specifications.


• Technical Presentations and Papers: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities for authoring and presenting technical presentations and papers for internal and external distribution.


• Operational Support: Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities in support of other VAM USA departments. In general, the support will be in connection to product commercialization activities; however, other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Engineering Group Leader and/or R&D General Manager.


• Industry: Project engineers are encouraged toparticipatein professional and industrial organizations. Project engineers may be assigned responsibilities in support of companyobjectivesin these organizations.

What Sets You Apart

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.


• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in design or manufacturing experience with oilfield mechanical products.


• Knowledgeable in Drilling and Completion operations andapplicationsa plus.


• Experience with CAD, preferablySolidworks.


• Ability to read, write and speak well in English andpossessstrong analytical and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to understand and execute instructions through strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Must be able to pass applicable testing as required.

What Powers Your Performance

Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:

• Communicate clearly and constructively


• Collaborate effectively and contribute to team success


• Adapt to change with a proactive mindset


• Take accountability and initiative


• Demonstrate reliability and pride in performance


• Prioritize safety in every action


• Embrace feedback and continuous learning


• Maintain strong attention to detail


• Challenge the status quo and drive improvement


• Support and develop others through shared learning

How We Support Your Success

We’re committed to helping you thrive—on the job and beyond. That’s why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage


• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability


• Profit Sharing: Up to 4%


• 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period


• Paid Parental Leave (including adoption)


• Paid Holidays: 10 days + 1 floating holiday


• Paid Vacation Time


• Performance-Based Bonus Program


• Tuition Reimbursement

Safety isn’t negotiable, it’s who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don’t cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it’s a promise we make to every colleague, every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.