Project Engineer - Artificial Lift

Job Summary

Weatherford is seeking an experienced Project 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/Education Required

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

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

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

Skills/Education Preferred

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

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

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

Experience providing field technical support or conducting field trials

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

Travel Requirement

Up to 10% annually

About Us:

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.

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