Senior CAD Designer

Nabors Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Nabors Industries is seeking a Senior CAD Designer in Houston to lead advanced mechanical and structural modeling for new products and modifications. You will mentor junior designers, ensure ANSI Y14.5 compliance, and manage BOMs, ECNs, and assembly docs in a fast-paced engineering environment.

The role requires 8+ years of design experience in oil & gas equipment, strong SOLIDWORKS/AutoCAD skills, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field with 8+ years of design experience; or
• Associate degree in Engineering Technology with 10+ years of design experience; or
• 15+ years of progressive design/drafting experience in oil & gas drilling equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced mechanical and structural modeling using parametric 3D CAD software (SOLIDWORKS preferred).
• Develop and review detailed drawings for new products, enhancements, and field modifications in accordance with company and ANSI standards.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and assembly documentation.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T in accordance with ANSI Y14.5.
• Conduct design self-checks prior to engineering review.
• Review and approve drawings produced by other designers and drafters.
• Provide technical support to Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Field Service teams.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and technical alignment.
• Coordinate work among 2–4 designers/drafters on complex projects and manage workload distribution.
• Mentor junior CAD Designers and provide technical training.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

ANSI Y14.5

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology

Associate degree in Engineering Technology

15+ years oil & gas design/drafting experience

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

AutoCAD

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.

The Senior CAD Designer is a key technical contributor within the Engineering team, responsible for advanced mechanical and structural design for new products and modifications to existing equipment. This role collaborates closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, and customers to produce high-quality, production ready designs that meet customer requirements and industry standards.

The Senior CAD Designer leads complex design efforts, mentors junior designers, ensures adherence to drafting standards, and supports product lifecycle activities including BOM creation, ECNs, and configuration management. Experience with drilling equipment, pipe handling systems, and rotating equipment—such as top drives, drawworks, catwalks, and hydraulic or mechanical wrench systems is strongly preferred.

• Lead advanced mechanical and structural modeling using parametric 3D CAD software (SOLIDWORKS preferred).
• Develop and review detailed drawings for new products, enhancements, and field modifications in accordance with company and ANSI standards.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and assembly documentation.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T in accordance with ANSI Y14.5.
• Conduct thorough design self-checks prior to engineering review.
• Review and approve drawings produced by other designers and drafters.
• Provide technical support to Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Field Service teams.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and technical alignment.
• Coordinate work among 2–4 designers/drafters on complex projects and manage workload distribution.
• Mentor junior CAD Designers and provide technical training.
• Support product improvement, cost‑reduction, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Participate in safety meetings and promote safe engineering practices.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field with 8+ years of design experience; or
• Associate degree in Engineering Technology with 10+ years of design experience; or
• 15+ years of progressive design/drafting experience in oil & gas drilling equipment.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Able to present technical information to colleagues, customers, and vendors.

Mathematical Skills

• Competency consistent with an Engineering Technology associate degree.

Reasoning Ability

• Able to interpret written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Able to solve problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills

• SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD
• Manufacturing/Inventory software
• Microsoft Office

Certificates / Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid passport
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving: Effectively identifies and resolves issues; evaluates alternatives; uses sound judgment.
• Technical Skills: Continuously builds expertise and supports team knowledge sharing.
• Communication: Communicates clearly; listens effectively; presents confidently.
• Teamwork: Promotes team success and constructive collaboration.
• Ethics: Demonstrates integrity, respect, and alignment with organizational values.
• Organizational Support: Follows policies, meets deadlines, and supports company objectives.
• Judgment: Makes informed decisions and includes appropriate stakeholders.
• Motivation: Sets ambitious goals and achieves results.
• Planning & Organization: Manages time and resources effectively.
• Professionalism: Maintains composure, respect, and accountability.
• Quality: Ensures accuracy, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
• Safety: Observes safety procedures and proactively addresses hazards.
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to changing conditions and competing priorities.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, meets commitments, and communicates proactively.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD
• Strong mechanical design skills for machined parts, assemblies, weldments, and sheet‑metal fabrication
• Ability to draft to ANSI Y14.5
• Working knowledge of manufacturing systems
• Creative approach to design challenges
• Proficiency in GD&T application
• Understanding of industry specifications and requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

• Occasional sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling
• Occasional lifting or moving up to 45 lbs.
• Required vision includes close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment

Work Environment

• Occasional exposure to vibration, electrical hazards, wet or humid conditions, mechanical equipment, heights, airborne particles, chemicals, outdoor weather, and extreme temperatures.

Work Authorization Requirement

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.