Principal Engineer

Job-ID: 1001520Location: Houston, TX, United StatesSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-10-12Closes: 2026-11-14Serve as an experienced, lead Mechanical engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling rigs and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Responsible for drilling equipment 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, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.Qualifications10+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services companyBachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university is requiredHighly proficient in drilling equipment, systems, and components – including both equipment design & troubleshootingProficient with analysis software, preferably SolidWorks Simulation and Ansys, etc.Intimately familiar with API equipment design codes and inspection/repair codesProficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or SolidworksPreferred Qualifications Professional Engineer License in Mechanical EngineeringExperience with maintenance (including predictive), preservation, life extension of drilling equipment. Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIESStrong analytical skillsConflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. Dependable and adaptable to changeEncouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performersReliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal directionGood interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communication skillsMust be a team player with a positive attitudeTECHNICAL COMPENTENCIESKnowledge 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 engineersAble to estimate & quantify real world effects of design changes and perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed changesThe individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items: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 including but not limited to API, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, ASHRAE, etc.Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).physical requirements / working conditionsEngineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked. ResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.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.Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activitiesLeads failure analysis and participates in root cause analysis for drilling machineryProvides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshootingMaintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practicesReview research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data supporting team and project needs to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications Participates in the evaluation of new equipment. Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committeesManage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.Assists in audits of sub-contractors#LI-JA1About the organizationEqual Opportunity Employer Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct. About the companyNabors 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.