Join a team developing the next generation of drilling technology. The Mechanical Engineer II helps turn bold ideas into rugged, high-performance equipment by designing innovative mechanisms, robotic and autonomous systems, precision motion systems, and new mechanical solutions for demanding oilfield applications. This role combines hands-on problem solving with research and development: breaking complex mechanisms back to first principles, defining loads and motions, evaluating concepts, and using engineering analysis to prove that designs will perform safely and reliably. Engineers follow their projects through the complete product lifecycle - from concept development and detailed design through manufacturing, assembly, testing, field deployment, and continuous improvement - gaining direct ownership of how their ideas perform in the real world. Working with experienced engineers, controls teams, Manufacturing, Quality, customers, and vendors, this position offers the opportunity to improve existing products, originate new concepts, contribute to patentable innovations, and grow toward independent ownership of major design challenges.
Essential functions are organized by the core skill domains required for this role. Each function describes a measurable outcome that draws on the identified skills. Mechanical Design & 3D Modeling Primary Skills: Mechanical Design • 3D Parametric Modeling • Design Creativity • Drafting Principles
- Develop concept layouts and detailed 3D parametric models for advanced drilling equipment, robotic mechanisms, and precision motion systems.
- Generate and evaluate new mechanism concepts, as well as creative upgrades to existing products, balancing performance, reliability, safety, manufacturability, and cost.
- Translate selected concepts into clear drawings and design definitions, and check work prepared by designers and drafters for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to drafting standards.
Engineering Analysis & Verification Primary Skills: Engineering Calculations • Finite Element Analysis • Strength of Materials • Tolerance Analysis
- Reduce unfamiliar mechanical problems to first principles by defining load paths, forces, moments, motion, energy, speed, acceleration, and other governing requirements.
- Use hand calculations, MathCAD, kinematic studies, and finite element analysis as appropriate to compare concepts and verify performance, strength, stiffness, life, and safety.
- Document assumptions, test predictions against physical results, and complete tolerance stack-ups so that parts and assemblies fit, move, and function as intended.
Product Documentation & Manufacturing Release Primary Skills: Bill of Materials Management • Assembly Instruction Development • Manufacturing Software • Technical Documentation
- Prepare bills of material and assembly instructions in the manufacturing/inventory system so that products can be built accurately and consistently.
- Keep design documentation current and accurate as designs are modified, released, and revised.
- Follow assigned projects through the full product lifecycle, supporting manufacturing and assembly, resolving build issues, participating in testing and validation, and assisting with successful field deployment.
Cross-Functional & Vendor Support Primary Skills: Technical Communication • Vendor Management • Cross-functional Teamwork • Customer Orientation
- Provide technical support to Quality, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams.
- Interface with vendors and provide technical support on drawings, specifications, and manufacturing questions.
- Present technical information clearly to colleagues, customers, and vendors in written, oral, and diagram form.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance Primary Skills: Safety Awareness • Regulatory Compliance • Oilfield Standards Knowledge
- Participate in company safety meetings and promote safety awareness in design and testing activities.
- Apply applicable oilfield regulatory requirements and company engineering standards to assigned design work.
NON-ESSENTIAL (ADDITIONAL) FUNCTIONS
- Support research, prototyping, product testing, field trials, and customer visits to learn quickly and turn operating feedback into better designs.
- Contribute original ideas, invention disclosures, and technical documentation that may support company intellectual property and patent applications.
- Contribute to design standards, templates, and lessons-learned documentation.
- Perform other related duties consistent with the purpose and level of the role.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
- 2–4 years of relevant engineering experience.
- Working proficiency with 3D parametric CAD software (AutoCAD, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, or Inventor), MathCAD, and simulation/FEA tools (SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS).
- Working knowledge of manufacturing/inventory software and spreadsheet and word processing software.
- Ability to read, comprehend, and write in English, and to present technical information effectively to colleagues, customers, and vendors.
- Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Valid driver license and valid passport required; domestic and international travel may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineering expertise in machine design, strength of materials, metallurgy, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid power.
- Knowledge of drilling engineering principles, drilling practices, and drilling rigs.
- Experience with MathCAD and FEA (SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS).
- Knowledge of drafting principles and of manufacturing software.
- Experience designing automated machinery, robotic mechanisms, precision motion systems, or other high-performance industrial equipment.
- Knowledge of oilfield regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated design creativity.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit, stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, hear and smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to vibration, risk of electrical shock, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high and precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions and extreme cold and heat. Any shop, yard, or rig-site visit requires compliance with applicable safety requirements and use of designated personal protective equipment. Nabors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities; contact HR to request an accommodation.
Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
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.
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
