Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer
Location: Bristol (3 Days Per Week On-Site)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 (Depending on Experience)
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in the design, analysis, testing, and validation of rotary steerable drilling tool functionality and performance.
This position is best suited to an engineer with a strong analytical mindset—someone who enjoys working on calculations, verification, and test planning rather than detailed CAD design.
You will partner with a Mechanical Design Engineer, who will handle the creation of detailed models and drawings, while your primary focus will be on analytical substantiation, design review, and final drawing approval.
You’ll work closely with cross-disciplinary teams in engineering, simulation, and testing. While you will have support from a Test Engineer or Graduate Mechanical Engineer, this position also involves hands-on participation in testing activities when needed.
Experience Required:
Minimum of six years’ experience in mechanical design and analysis, specifically within downhole drilling environments (e.g., RSS, MWD, or similar).
Strong understanding of materials, coatings, and their performance characteristics.
Proven ability to deliver design substantiation through calculations and analytical validation methods.
Competence in conducting static Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Skilled in specifying, reviewing, and interpreting results from dynamic FEA and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies.
Solid grasp of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacture principles.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 tools.
Background in the oilfield or downhole tool industry, with experience in rotary steerable systems, MWD, or similar applications.
Familiarity with 3D CAD software, ideally PTC Creo, for design review rather than detailed modelling.
Hands-on experience in designing and executing validation tests for electro-mechanical systems. Job Responsibilities:
Lead the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical systems for downhole drilling tools.
Perform detailed engineering calculations to substantiate designs and ensure structural integrity.
Define and manage test requirements, overseeing testing activities to confirm performance and reliability.
Review and approve engineering drawings, documentation, and design deliverables.
Design and evaluate test setups, fixtures, and experimental procedures to support verification and validation efforts.
Collaborate with simulation engineers on dynamic FEA and CFD studies, providing technical input and critical review.
Support manufacturing and supply chain teams by resolving technical issues and providing clear engineering guidance.
Generate comprehensive technical documentation, including design reports, specifications, and test records.
Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, software, and controls) to deliver fully integrated solutions.
Maintain a structured, proactive approach to task management, ensuring priorities and deadlines are consistently met.
Undertake additional engineering duties as required to support project goals.
NOTE: All candidates must have Right to Work in the UK without VISA Sponsorship