Principal Mechanical Engineer

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. 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.

To 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 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

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• 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 COMPENTENCIES

• 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 COMPENTENCIES

• 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 proces