R&D (Research & Development) Mechanical Engineer

Job Overview

Weatherford are seeking a talented and motivated Mechanical Engineer to join the Research & Development Engineering team in Aberdeen focusing on Completion Equipment for Oil and Gas.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the mechanical design, development, analysis, testing and qualification of innovative products and technologies for the energy industry. The role will involve taking engineering concepts from initial design through development, prototyping, laboratory testing, qualification and ultimately into production and field deployment.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary R&D team, the Mechanical Engineer will collaborate closely with engineers and specialists across mechanical, electrical, electronics, software, manufacturing, materials and operations disciplines.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering problems and wants to see their designs progress from concept through to real-world application in challenging oilfield environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative mechanical designs for new products, tools and equipment used in oil and gas applications.
• Translate customer and operational requirements into robust engineering designs and technical specifications.
• Produce detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, assemblies and design documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations and mechanical analyses to demonstrate design integrity and performance.
• Apply principles of mechanical engineering, including strength of materials, stress analysis, pressure-containing design, fatigue, vibration, thermal effects, tolerancing and mechanical systems design.
• Support the development of prototypes and experimental hardware from initial concept through to functional testing.
• Plan and execute engineering tests to validate product performance, reliability and durability.
• Analyse test results and use engineering judgement to identify design improvements.
• Participate in design reviews, technical reviews and formal design verification and qualification activities.
• Work closely with manufacturing and suppliers to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective and suitable for manufacture.
• Responsible for the project cost planning and control and project level.
• Responsible for product cost outcomes.
• Responsible for the planning and assessment of cost implications of design changes or new designs, informing projected costs to line management
• On time, on budget delivery for all assigned projects.
• Responsible for reporting of monthly planned v actual progress of assigned projects.
• Support failure investigations, root-cause analysis and corrective design activities.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, engineering reports, specifications and design records.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable company standards, industry standards, regulatory requirements and customer specifications.
• Consider manufacturability, reliability, maintainability, cost and field-service requirements throughout the design process.
• Support the transition of successful R&D products into manufacturing and operational environments.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, field operations and other engineering functions when required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of existing products and technologies.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing techniques and engineering practices relevant to the energy industry.
• Work in accordance with Weatherford's safety, quality, environmental and ethical standards.
• R&D and Product Development.
• The role will have significant involvement throughout the product development lifecycle, including:
• Concept → Design → Analysis → Prototype → Test → Qualification → Manufacture → Field Deployment
• The engineer will be expected to demonstrate a practical, hands-on approach to engineering and to combine theoretical knowledge with experimental and problem-solving skills.
• Particular emphasis will be placed on developing equipment capable of operating reliably in demanding oilfield environments, where products may be exposed to high loads, pressure, temperature, vibration, corrosive environments and repeated mechanical cycling.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Relevant professional experience in mechanical design, product development, R&D, equipment design or a similar engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and design practices.
• Experience with 3D CAD modelling and engineering drawing production.
• Experience developing mechanical components, assemblies or engineered products from concept through to manufacture.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and interpret technical analysis.
• Experience with engineering testing, verification or validation would be advantageous.
• Good understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, tolerancing and design for manufacture.
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering standards, specifications and technical requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
• Oil and gas or oilfield service equipment.
• Downhole tools, completions or well intervention equipment.
• Pressure-containing equipment.
• High-load mechanical systems.
• Fatigue and fracture mechanics.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Computational or analytical engineering methods.
• Product qualification and verification.
• Prototype development and experimental testing.
• Failure investigation and root-cause analysis.
• Materials selection and metallurgy.
• Corrosion and material degradation.
• Design for manufacture and assembly.
• CNC machining and other precision manufacturing processes.
• API, ASME, ISO or other relevant engineering standards.
• Experience working in a regulated engineering environment.

Technical Skills Required

The successful candidate should have a strong working knowledge of:

• Mechanical component and system design
• 3D CAD and engineering drawings
• Engineering materials and manufacturing processes
• Engineering calculations and design verification
• Mechanical testing and validation
• Tolerance and dimensional control
• Design for manufacture and assembly
• Risk assessment and design review
• Root-cause and failure analysis
• Engineering documentation and configuration control
• Experience with FEA, simulation or other engineering analysis software would be highly desirable.

Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.

When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger – a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other’s successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.

Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.