Project Engineer - Rod Lift

Job Overview:

Weatherford is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Rod Lift Downhole Pumps team in Houston, TX . This is a hands-on, P3-level product engineering role where you'll take full ownership of projects from concept through production release. You'll work at the intersection of product design, manufacturing, and field performance, translating real-world challenges from demanding environments-like high-sand Permian Basin wells and corrosive, high-GOR applications-into durable, reliable engineering solutions for one of the world's most widely deployed artificial lift methods.

Responsibilities:

• Lead product design and development of rod lift downhole pump components including barrels, plungers, valve cages, seats, and peripheral hardware
• Own the full product lifecycle from concept, design, and prototype through testing, production release, and sustaining support
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D production drawings using PTC Creo Parametric, including BOMs and specifications with proper GD&T
• Select appropriate materials for oilfield environments (alloy steels, hard coatings, elastomers) considering wear, corrosion, and pressure conditions
• Conduct engineering analyses including tolerance stack-ups, stress calculations, FEA, and design verification testing
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, field service, sales, and applications teams to ensure producible, cost-effective designs that incorporate customer feedback
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with minimal supervision, maintaining schedule, budget, and quality targets
• Maintain engineering documentation in PDM/PLM systems with proper revision control and design traceability
• Support failure analysis investigations and translate findings into corrective design actions
• Ensure compliance with API 11AX and related standards

Skills Required:

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals: statics, dynamics, materials, and fluid mechanics
• Proficiency in PTC Creo Parametric or equivalent 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA)
• Ability to design precision-machined components with proper GD&T for production
• Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and positive displacement pump hydraulics
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with ability to present technical content to diverse audiences
• Strong project management abilities with capacity to deliver on time with minimal supervision

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field
• 5-8+ years of experience in oil & gas mechanical, design, or field engineering
• Hands-on experience with rod lift downhole pumps (field, manufacturing, or product design)

Qualifications Preferred:

• Direct experience with sucker rod pump components: barrels, plungers, valves, and couplings
• Experience in the Permian Basin, Midcontinent , or other major rod lift producing regions
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with FEA/structural simulation tools (ANSYS or equivalent)
• Proficiency with PTC Windchill or equivalent PDM/PLM system
• Experience designing welded structures and weld-joint specifications
• Familiarity with API 11AX and related artificial lift standards
• Knowledge of NACE MR0175 / sour service material requirements
• Experience with failure analysis methodologies (8D, fishbone, FMEA)
• Familiarity with oilfield artificial lift systems broadly (ESP, gas lift, plunger lift)
• Experience providing field technical support or conducting field trials

Travel Requirement: Up to 10% annually

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