Principal Engineer

Job Title

Serve 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.

Job Description

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.

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.

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 activities

Leads failure analysis and participates in root cause analysis for drilling machinery

Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting

Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices

Review 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 committees

Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.

Assists in audits of sub-contractors

Qualifications

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 is required

Highly proficient in drilling equipment, systems, and components – including both equipment design & troubleshooting

Proficient with analysis software, preferably SolidWorks Simulation and Ansys, etc.

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, 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 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 to individual performers

Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal direction

Good interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills

Must be a 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 & quantify real world effects of design changes and perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed changes

The 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 conditions

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

Equal 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.