Project Engineer, Senior - Mechanical design

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Since 1920, Helmerich and Payne has been the industry’s most trusted partner in drilling productivity and reliability. As the world changes, so does our approach. We are changing the landscape of drilling by using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions to build upon a century of success, all while continuing to deliver better outcomes for our customers.

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Location: Tulsa Office

Work Type: Onsite

#LI-Onsite

At a Glance:

As a member of the FlexRig Development & Special Projects team, the Project Engineer, Senior - Mechanical Design will lead and execute the development of mechanical systems, equipment, and physical modifications that improve the safety, capability, reliability, and performance of H&P’s FlexRig fleet. The engineer will carry work from early concept and requirements definition through analysis, detailed design, drawing release, fabrication, testing, field deployment, and post-deployment support. The role works closely with mechanical, structural, electrical, controls, software, drafting, operations, construction, supply chain, vendors, and field personnel to turn high-level business and operational needs into tangible solutions.

As a senior level engineer, this position requires strong self-direction, strong mechanical judgment, disciplined engineering documentation, exceptional communication to both internal and external customers, and ownership of task of carrying an ambiguous technical problem to solution.

What you will do:

• Lead mechanical design and development efforts for new rig equipment, automation-enabling hardware, machine components, structural interfaces, and modifications to existing FlexRig systems.
• Translate strategic, safety, customer, operational, and field needs into clear design requirements, concepts, technical work scopes, and executable engineering plans.
• Develop concepts, layouts, mechanisms, weldments, assemblies, and equipment interfaces using sound machine-design principles and practical knowledge of drilling-rig operations.
• Perform and document engineering analysis, including load paths, stress calculations, tolerance studies, clearance and interference checks, weight control, fit-up reviews, and finite element analysis when appropriate.
• Design and integrate mechanical systems involving hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and controls interfaces, working across disciplines to ensure the complete system functions safely and reliably.
• Prepare, review, mark up, and approve engineering drawings, assembly drawings, modification drawings, bills of material, design calculations, technical reports, work instructions, and supporting release documentation.
• Coordinate engineering work with drafting resources and maintain drawing and index control through established drawing-release processes.
• Work directly with fabrication and assembly facilities, machine shops, welders, inspectors, suppliers, and third-party manufacturers to resolve manufacturability, fit-up, material, quality, and schedule issues.
• Support prototype builds, factory acceptance testing, commissioning, rig moves, installations, and field deployments; identify issues quickly and convert lessons learned into design and documentation improvements.
• Provide responsive technical support for field problems, equipment failures, design deficiencies, drawing gaps, and repair or modification needs while maintaining appropriate engineering rigor and safety focus.
• Develop and maintain deployment drawing packages, test plans, inspection requirements, technical advisories, design-basis records, and other documentation needed by operations, maintenance, construction, and field-support teams.
• Partner with operations and field personnel to understand how equipment is installed, operated, maintained, transported, and repaired, then incorporate that feedback into practical designs.
• Evaluate alternatives for value, reliability, serviceability, standardization, lifecycle support, lead time, and total implementation risk rather than optimizing only for first cost.
• Lead technical reviews, communicate recommendations and tradeoffs, and provide credible schedule, cost, resource, and risk input to project and engineering leadership as needed
• Manage multiple concurrent assignments with changing priorities while maintaining clear ownership, stakeholder communication, and follow-through.

What you need:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university. Or similar engineering degree with relevant professional experience.
• At least 7 years of mechanical design, machine design, equipment development, structural-mechanical integration, or comparable engineering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex mechanical work from concept through design, release, fabrication, testing, and implementation.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and production drawing practices; experience with Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Vault, or comparable systems is preferred.
• Ability to perform and organize engineering calculations and use analysis tools appropriately; familiarity with finite element analysis.
• Working knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining, materials, tolerancing, fasteners, mechanical power transmission, and design for manufacture and assembly.
• Experience integrating mechanical equipment with hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, instrumentation, or controls systems.
• Strong technical writing, verbal communication, organization, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with management, customers, engineering, drafting, vendors, construction, operations, maintenance, executives, and oilfield personnel alike.
• Demonstrates initiative, ownership, sound engineering judgment, teamwork, and the ability to lead
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically to system assemblies, facilities, test sites, vendor locations, and active rig locations, including occasional overnight stays.
• Experience with land drilling rigs, mobile industrial equipment, heavy machinery, oilfield equipment, robotic systems, or equipment deployed in harsh environments.
• Professional Engineer licensure or active progress toward licensure.
• Familiarity with applicable API specifications and recommended practices, AISC guidance, ASME standards, AGMA guidance, ASTM standards, and the Machinery’s Handbook.
• Experience with product development, research and development, prototype testing, commissioning, root-cause analysis, or field deployment support.
• Experience preparing or reviewing lifting, transport, installation, inspection, modification, or repair documentation.
• Project leadership experience involving multiple disciplines, external vendors, uncertain requirements, and competing priorities.
• Experience mentoring engineers, designers, interns, or early-career technical staff.
• Designs are safe, practical, manufacturable, maintainable, and suited for the realities of drilling-rig operation and field deployment.
• Engineering packages are complete and controlled, with accurate drawings, calculations, bills of material, assumptions, interfaces, and revision history.
• Technical issues are surfaced early, communicated clearly, and driven to closure with the right stakeholders and documented decisions.
• Field and construction teams receive usable information at the point of need, reducing rework, installation uncertainty, and reliance on tribal knowledge.
• Lessons learned from fabrication, testing, deployment, and operations are converted into standardized, repeatable improvements for future systems and rig upgrades.
• Less-experienced team members become more capable through coaching, design review, and meaningful ownership of engineering work.
• Travel will be 10-15% as needed.

What we offer:

At H&P, our commitment to our people is at the forefront, and that includes benefits that provide employees a sense of health and financial security. We know that life continues outside of employment and actively caring of our people is our priority.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
• 401k match
• Paid Leave Plans
• Parental & Adoption Benefits
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Flex-scheduling available for qualifying positions to achieve work-life integration

The job level and associated compensation for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role’s requirements. Final compensation for this role may vary depending on individual factors.

H&P is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!