Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical architecture and design of MWD/LWD downhole tools, with an initial primary focus on high-speed mud pulser assemblies, from requirements definition through implementation and field release.
• Design the pulser mechanism to achieve target pulse rate, amplitude, and signal quality for high-speed telemetry.
• Collaborate closely with the Electronics Engineer, Firmware Engineer, and MWD Development Lead to define mechanical, electrical, and control interfaces and ensure end-to-end tool performance.
• Define mechanical packaging for downhole electronics and sensors, including chassis, mounting, shock/vibration isolation, and thermal paths within the tool collar.
• Design pressure barriers, sealing systems, and pressure-compensated or oil-filled sections for high-pressure, high-temperature downhole service.
• Perform structural, modal, fatigue, and tolerance-stack analyses (hand calculations and FEA) to ensure survivability under shock, vibration, and cyclic loading.
• Perform or direct flow/hydraulic analysis (CFD) of the pulser and flow path to optimize signal generation, minimize erosion, and manage pressure drop.
• Select materials and surface treatments for erosion, wear, corrosion, and high-temperature resistance in drilling-fluid environments.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, GD&T, and bills of materials; drive design-for-manufacturability and design-for-reliability.
• Build and test prototypes, including flow-loop, shaker/shock, pressure, and temperature testing; analyze results and iterate the design.
• Define and execute mechanical verification, qualification, reliability, and environmental test programs.
• Support manufacturing, assembly, vendor management, field deployment, and product sustainment, including investigation and root-cause analysis of mechanical failures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline; Master’s degree or above is preferred.
• 8+ years of mechanical design and development experience, with demonstrated experience at a lead or principal level.
• Direct, hands-on experience developing high-speed mud pulser (MWD) telemetry tools and/or other MWD/LWD or downhole drilling products.
• Strong systems perspective, with a proven ability to integrate mechanical design with electronics, and overall tool requirements in a cross-functional team.
• Expertise in mechanical design of high-pressure, high-temperature assemblies, including sealing, pressure barriers, and rotating or actuated mechanisms.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or NX), GD&T, and engineering drawing practices.
• Strong analytical capability in structural, modal, fatigue, and tolerance analysis, including FEA; familiarity with CFD/flow analysis is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing products for harsh environments, ideally including downhole, oilfield, aerospace, defense, or industrial ruggedized systems.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and laboratory testing, including flow-loop, shock/vibration, pressure, and temperature testing.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capability for electromechanical systems.

Preferred Experience

Work Environment

Physical Demands

Travel

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, it serves as a technical lead, mentor, and point of contact for less-experienced engineers.
• CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
• Disclaimer: The job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.