Project Engineer - Rod Lift

Job Overview:

Weatherford is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Rod Lift Downhole Pumps team in Houston, TX. This is a hands-on, P3-level product engineering role where you''ll take full ownership of projects from concept through production release. You''ll work at the intersection of product design, manufacturing, and field performance, translating real-world challenges from demanding environments-like high-sand Permian Basin wells and corrosive, high-GOR applications-into durable, reliable engineering solutions for one of the world''s most widely deployed artificial lift methods.

Responsibilities:

• Lead product design and development of rod lift downhole pump components including barrels, plungers, valve cages, seats, and peripheral hardware

• Own the full product lifecycle from concept, design, and prototype through testing, production release, and sustaining support

• Create detailed 3D models and 2D production drawings using PTC Creo Parametric, including BOMs and specifications with proper GD&T

• Select appropriate materials for oilfield environments (alloy steels, hard coatings, elastomers) considering wear, corrosion, and pressure conditions

• Conduct engineering analyses including tolerance stack-ups, stress calculations, FEA, and design verification testing

• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, field service, sales, and applications teams to ensure producible, cost-effective designs that incorporate customer feedback

• Manage multiple concurrent projects with minimal supervision, maintaining schedule, budget, and quality targets

• Maintain engineering documentation in PDM/PLM systems with proper revision control and design traceability

• Support failure analysis investigations and translate findings into corrective design actions

• Ensure compliance with API 11AX and related standards

Skills Required:

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals: statics, dynamics, materials, and fluid mechanics

• Proficiency in PTC Creo Parametric or equivalent 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA)

• Ability to design precision-machined components with proper GD&T for production

• Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and positive displacement pump hydraulics

• Clear written and verbal communication skills with ability to present technical content to diverse audiences

• Strong project management abilities with capacity to deliver on time with minimal supervision

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

• 5-8+ years of experience in oil & gas mechanical, design, or field engineering

• Hands-on experience with rod lift downhole pumps (field, manufacturing, or product design)

Qualifications Preferred:

• Direct experience with sucker rod pump components: barrels, plungers, valves, and couplings

• Experience in the Permian Basin, Midcontinent, or other major rod lift producing regions

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Professional Engineer (PE) license

• Experience with FEA/structural simulation tools (ANSYS or equivalent)

• Proficiency with PTC Windchill or equivalent PDM/PLM system

• Experience designing welded structures and weld-joint specifications

• Familiarity with API 11AX and related artificial lift standards

• Knowledge of NACE MR0175 / sour service material requirements

• Experience with failure analysis methodologies (8D, fishbone, FMEA)

• Familiarity with oilfield artificial lift systems broadly (ESP, gas lift, plunger lift)

• Experience providing field technical support or conducting field trials

Travel Requirement: Up to 10% annually

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