Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Drilling Equipment/ Hoisting)

About the role

The Sr Mechanical Engineer (Drilling Equipment/Hoisting) at Nabors is responsible for leading the mechanical design, analysis, and lifecycle support of drilling equipment and related systems. This role involves driving product improvements, ensuring design integrity, and supporting various teams throughout the equipment lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design, modeling, and drafting of complex components and assemblies for drilling equipment (e.g., top drives, drawworks, handling tools, rotating equipment).
• Own engineering deliverables such as calculations, FEA models, verification reports, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry standards (API, ASME, ISO) and customer specifications.
• Drive design reviews, evaluate design alternatives, and approve engineering changes.
• Define and oversee testing requirements (factory acceptance tests, load tests, qualification tests, prototype evaluations).
• Interpret test results and lead modifications based on findings.
• Provide engineering support from concept through production, installation, and field operation.
• Lead root cause analysis for equipment failures and develop corrective/preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for reliability, manufacturability, cost reduction, and serviceability.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and operations to ensure design feasibility and production readiness.
• Collaborate with field service teams to investigate issues, interpret data, and recommend technical resolutions.
• Support sales and product management with technical insights, specifications, and bid packages.

Documentation & Standards

• Develop, maintain, and improve engineering standards, templates, and best practices.
• Review and approve drawings, calculations, technical specs, and vendor documents.
• Mentor junior and mid level engineers; promote technical excellence and knowledge transfer.
• Lead or participate in R&D projects, innovation programs, and technology roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in heavy equipment, rotating machinery, or drilling systems.
• Ability to read, comprehend and write in English.
• Ability to effectively present technical information, to colleagues, customers and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering tasks and drive cross functional alignment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems: hydraulics, structural design, fatigue analysis, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept through product validation.
• Experience in electromechanical systems and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
• Advance user of AutoCAD, Solidworks, Solidworks Simulation, ANSYS.
• Experience with industry standards (API, ASME, ISO).
• Valid Driver License.
• Valid passport.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Strong field experience or equipment commissioning background.
• Experience of drilling engineering principles, drilling practices and drilling rigs.
• Knowledge of oilfield regulatory requirements.

Behavioral Competencies

• Technical leadership and problem-solving.
• Systems-level thinking.
• Clear communication of complex technical concepts.
• Project and time management.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Ownership and accountability.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to vibration, risk of electrical shock, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high and precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions and extreme cold and heat.
• 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.