Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Serve as an experienced, lead Mechanical Engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group. Design drilling rigs and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements, including system design, engineering for equipment upgrades, troubleshooting of existing equipment, and evaluation/selection of new equipment. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, evaluate equipment performance, and implement engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification/Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight, and final drawing approval and issuance—from conceptualization through execution.
• Perform engineering calculations, drawing review, and other engineering functions related to the above activities.
• Provide construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities.
• Lead failure analysis and participate in root cause analysis for drilling machinery.
• Provide technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting.
• Maintain current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices.
• Review research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Participate in the evaluation of new equipment; review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications. Review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees.
• Manage external engineers and support staff, including subcontractors and consultants, to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
• Assist in audits of sub-contractors.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Highly proficient in drilling equipment, systems, and components—including both equipment design and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with analysis software, preferably SolidWorks Simulation and Ansys.
• Intimately familiar with API equipment design codes and inspection/repair codes.
• Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer License in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with maintenance (including predictive), preservation, and life extension of drilling equipment.
• Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing.

Skills

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical skills.
• Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
• Holistic and interdisciplinary approach to solving problems.
• Dependable and adaptable to change.
• Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance.
• Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload with minimal direction.
• Good interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of machine design concepts and mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and thermal fluid concepts (thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics).
• Ability to establish design inputs and perform engineering calculations such as finite element analysis.
• Ability to check drawings, perform tolerance stack-up verification, prepare assembly instructions, and bill of materials.
• Able to read, interpret, and explain mechanical system drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers.
• Able to estimate and quantify real-world effects of design changes and perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed changes.
• Proficient drilling knowledge related to:
  • Drilling equipment, structures, well control, and process/utility systems.
  • Drilling operations and rig crew functions.
  • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs (API, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, ASHRAE, etc.).
  • Discipline-specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (e.g., welding, machining).
  • Rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including Systems Integrated Testing (SIT) and Integrated Acceptance Testing (IAT).

Working Conditions

This engineering position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations, equating to approximately 25% of time worked.