Senior Mechanical Engineer (Drilling)

Company: Nabors
Location: Houston
Posted on: April 7, 2026

Job Description:

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. 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. The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for leading the mechanical design, analysis, and lifecycle support of drilling equipment and related systems. The engineer will drive product improvements, ensure design integrity, and support manufacturing, supply chain, operations, and field service teams throughout the equipment lifecycle. Product Design & Engineering Leadership Lead the mechanical design, modeling, and drafting of complex components and assemblies for drilling equipment (e.g., top drives, drawworks, handling tools, rotating equipment). Own engineering deliverables such as calculations, FEA models, verification reports, BOMs, and technical documentation. Ensure designs comply with applicable industry standards (API, ASME, ISO) and customer specifications. Drive design reviews, evaluate design alternatives, and approve engineering changes. Define and oversee testing requirements (factory acceptance tests, load tests, qualification tests, prototype evaluations). Interpret test results and lead modifications based on findings. Provide engineering support from concept through production, installation, and field operation. Lead root cause analysis for equipment failures and develop corrective/preventive actions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives for reliability, manufacturability, cost reduction, and serviceability.  Cross Functional Collaboration Work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and operations to ensure design feasibility and production readiness. Collaborate with field service teams to investigate issues, interpret data, and recommend technical resolutions. Support sales and product management with technical insights, specifications, and bid packages.  Documentation & Standards Develop, maintain, and improve engineering standards, templates, and best practices. Review and approve drawings, calculations, technical specs, and vendor documents.  Mentorship & Leadership Mentor junior and mid level engineers; promote technical excellence and knowledge transfer. Lead or participate in R&D projects, innovation programs, and technology roadmaps. Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. 7 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in heavy equipment, rotating machinery, or drilling systems. Ability to read, comprehend and write in English. Ability to effectively present technical information, to colleagues, customers and vendors. Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering tasks and drive cross functional alignment. Strong understanding of mechanical systems: hydraulics, structural design, fatigue analysis, materials, and manufacturing processes. Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept through product validation. Experience in electromechanical systems and hydraulic/pneumatic systems. Advance user of AutoCAD, Solidworks, Solidworks Simulation, ANSYS Experience with industry standards (API, ASME, ISO). Valid Driver License. Valid passport. Domestic and international travel may be required.  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) license. Strong field experience or equipment commissioning background. Experience of drilling engineering principles, drilling practices and drilling rigs. Knowledge of oilfield regulatory requirements.  BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES Technical leadership and problem-solving. Systems-level thinking. Clear communication of complex technical concepts. Project and time management. Continuous improvement mindset. Ownership and accountability.  PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIORNMENT 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 accommodation 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 accommodation 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. •response_id=2f0bc508237f222512664298edc19a90&view" alt=" " width="1" height="1"/>

Keywords: Nabors, Texas City , Senior Mechanical Engineer (Drilling), Engineering , Houston, Texas