Senior Project Engineer - Drilling Services

Weatherford; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Weatherford in Houston is seeking a senior mechanical engineer to lead design and optimization of downhole tools and related systems. You will drive technical innovation, guide projects from concept to completion, and mentor junior engineers across cross-functional teams.

You will apply advanced CAD and simulation tools, perform feasibility studies, risk analyses, and cost-benefit assessments while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical/Materials Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of engineering experience with design, development, and leadership.
• Experience with downhole tools or electromechanical drilling services tools preferred.
• CAD and simulation tools proficiency.
• Repair processes and materials knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform development, testing, and validation of designs for downhole tools and components.
• Develop repair processes and documentation for components.
• Lead design and optimization projects focused on processes and systems.
• Provide expert engineering direction and mentor junior engineers.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet safety, regulatory, and customer specs.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering

Tools

CAD

Simulation tools

Job description

Job Purpose

This is a senior level Engineering position that will lead engineering design and optimization efforts, driving technical innovation and ensuring the highest standards in project execution. Provides expert judgment and analysis for the design, development and implementation of technical products and systems. Resolves highly complex technical issues. Recommends alterations to development and design to improve quality of products and/or procedures. As a key technical authority, incumbent will play an instrumental role in guiding projects from conception through completion, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that meet both operational and business objectives. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Extensive exercise of judgment is routinely required on details of project management and scheduling. Possesses either broad based experience in research, development, and engineering or very specific subject matter expertise or both.

Job Description

This is a senior level Engineering position that will lead engineering design and optimization efforts, driving technical innovation and ensuring the highest standards in project execution. Provides expert judgment and analysis for the design, development and implementation of technical products and systems. Resolves highly complex technical issues. Recommends alterations to development and design to improve quality of products and/or procedures. As a key technical authority, incumbent will play an instrumental role in guiding projects from conception through completion, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that meet both operational and business objectives. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Extensive exercise of judgment is routinely required on details of project management and scheduling. Possesses either broad based experience in research, development, and engineering or very specific subject matter expertise or both.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex activities relating to the development, testing, and validation of designs for downhole tools and their constituent subassemblies and components.
• Develops systems and documentation for efficient and effective repair of downhole components, including inspection criteria and methods, repair processes (e.g. machining, welding, coating/surface treatment, mechanical assembly), and processes for inspecting repaired components.
• Performs product development activities including interpretation and implementation of customer specifications and documentation requirements.
• Provides expert engineering direction, leading design and optimization projects focused on the development and enhancement of processes and systems.
• Develops and implements innovative engineering solutions to address challenges related to reliability in severe drilling conditions, efficiency and consistency in tool assembly and repair, manufacturing lead time and cost, and cost of service delivery.
• Coordinates all activities associated with technical developments including but not limited to project planning, design, execution, and testing phases, ensuring alignment with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Acts as a technical expert providing guidance on complex projects as a recognized expert within the team.
• Assists others with all engineering activities to include working within the Product Development Process.
• Drives research, development, and implementation of advanced technologies and methodologies.
• Conducts feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the viability of proposed engineering projects.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the theoretical calculations as they apply to the design of the product.
• May utilize computer driven engineering software to create engineering drawings and perform complex simulations and analyses.
• Anticipates possible failure modes on products and recommends solutions based on experience.
• Proactively develops and communicates design guidelines for the department.
• Performs comprehensive analysis of critical components to eliminate possible failure modes.
• Routinely demonstrates the ability to converge on a solution in a commercially viable amount of time in the absence of extensive guidance.
• Collaborates with Repair and Maintenance, Operations, and Manufacturing for modification of existing products, component selection, and component integration to support business priorities.
• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders, including Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and HSE, to deliver cohesive and efficient project outcomes.
• Identifies potential risks and implements mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions and ensure smooth execution.
• Mentors and develops junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
• Maintains thorough documentation of project specifications, engineering drawings, engineering calculations, test results, and other critical project data.

Qualifications

• B.Ss. or higher degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering or other engineering degree and equivalent experience
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering, with a strong background in design development, validation, project management, and technical leadership.
• Experience in sustaining or new product development of electromechanical drilling services tools (MWD, LWD, RSS)
• Advanced working knowledge of engineering tools including CAD and simulation tools
• Experience in developing designs, processes and specifications for repair of downhole components and welding/hardfacing processes is preferred
• Extensive knowledge of alloys and other materials used in DS tools, including non-magnetic stainless steel alloys, corrosion-resistant alloys, and high temperature elastomers and thermoplastics is preferred

Skills

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Self-starter. Curious. Ability to research independently and integrate knowledge from various sources into working solutions

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.

We are focused on technology development, digital solutions, and defining our footprint in the new energy space. Our ability to provide integrated solutions across our segments will be critical to growth in our core operations and the energy transition.

Energy producers face unique challenges every day, so it is our job to create solutions that enhance safety, streamline operations, and sustain uptime to meet or exceed their targets. We operate across the global energy landscape employing some of the best diverse talent in the industry. At Weatherford, we understand the value each individual brings to the table. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are immensely proud of our workforce. We invite you to join our passionate, talented, world-class team.

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.

Join Us

Weatherford is producing energy for today and tomorrow- with global opportunities as unlimited as your sense of adventure. Join us to make an impact on our customers, the industry, and the world.

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.