Mechanical Design Engineer – Drill Bit Technology

Location: The Woodlands, TX
Duration: Long-Term Contract (12+ Month Project)
Schedule: Approximately 40 hours/week (30+ hours considered)
Work Arrangement: Onsite during onboarding/training, hybrid flexibility available afterward

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of advanced drill bit technologies for a high-profile engineering project. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a collaborative and experienced team focused on improving product performance, implementing material design changes, and developing next-generation drilling solutions.

The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical design expertise, hands-on 3D CAD modeling experience, and a background in engineering analysis tools such as FEA and CFD. Candidates with drill bit industry experience, particularly in PDC, Tricone, or Kymera technologies, are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and develop current and next-generation drill bit technologies
• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing packages
• Utilize CAD and product data management systems to support product development
• Collaborate with Product Line Management, Operations, Manufacturing, and Technology teams
• Apply engineering principles and analytical tools to solve complex design challenges
• Conduct design evaluations and provide engineering recommendations
• Support standardization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with HSE, Quality, Legal, and company engineering standards
• Participate in product development reviews and technical discussions

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Associate degree considered with significant relevant experience
• 5+ years of Mechanical Design Engineering experience
• Strong 3D CAD modeling and design experience
• Experience with engineering analysis tools, including:
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Knowledge of mechanical component design and engineering methodologies
• Ability to apply analytical and problem-solving techniques to engineering challenges

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the drill bit industry
• Experience with:
  • PDC Drill Bits
  • Tricone Drill Bits
  • Kymera Drill Bits
• Siemens NX experience
• Teamcenter PLM experience
• Product lifecycle management (PLM) systems experience
• Oil & Gas product design experience

Work Environment

• Tight-knit, collaborative engineering team
• Team consists of experienced professionals with diverse engineering backgrounds
• Family-oriented culture with strong technical mentorship
• Flexible scheduling options after successful onboarding and training
• Opportunity to contribute directly to critical product development initiatives

Location Requirements

• Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of The Woodlands, TX
• Onsite presence required for onboarding and training (approximately 2–3 weeks)
• Hybrid flexibility available following onboarding
• Candidates able to work onsite multiple days per week are strongly preferred

Interview Process

• One interview round
• Interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the engineering team
• In-person preferred, virtual option available

Why Apply?

• Long-term engineering project with potential extension opportunities
• Exposure to industry-leading drill bit technologies
• Collaborative and experienced engineering team
• Flexible work environment following onboarding
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on innovative product development initiatives

Interested candidates should apply with an updated resume highlighting Mechanical Design Engineering, 3D CAD modeling, FEA/CFD analysis experience, and any drill bit or downhole tool design experience.