MWD Technology Development Lead

Job Summary:

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated MWD Technology Development Lead to manage development projects supporting next-generation downhole measurement while drilling technologies. This role contributes to the design, analysis, validation, and commercialization of advanced MWD tools and subsystems that must operate reliably in harsh downhole environments, including high temperature, shock, vibration, and pressure conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement high-temperature MWD system architecture, ensuring scalability, performance, and durability in extreme downhole environments.
• Design, analyze, and validate electronics systems and subsystems for MWD tools and related technologies.
• Apply engineering tools and simulation software to evaluate performance, reliability, and environmental survivability of electronics assemblies.
• Oversee tool testing and qualification, including lab validation, environmental testing, and reliability assessments, to ensure tool readiness for field deployment.
• Support field trials and initial deployments, working closely with field personnel and customers to ensure successful operation and gather performance feedback.
• Drive commercialization efforts, ensuring technical readiness and documentation for market release, while supporting product training and customer onboarding.
• Maintain close communication with MWD vendors, technology partners, and industry experts to evaluate component sourcing and leverage external capabilities.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to strategic planning for MWD technology development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in R&D, or product development.
• Proven experience in developing or engineering high-temperature MWD or LWD systems, preferably with tools rated above 175°C.
• Solid understanding of MWD components and technologies, including sensors, telemetry systems, and downhole electronics.
• Experience integrating and validating complex downhole tools through structured testing and qualification processes.
• Familiarity with MWD suppliers, component vendors, and manufacturing resources in the oilfield services industry.
• Knowledge of drilling operations and rig-site practices; prior field experience is highly desirable.
• Strong project leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with commercial MWD platforms and downhole telemetry (mud pulse, EM, etc.).
• Familiarity with downhole vibration, shock, and thermal modeling.
• Exposure to tool failure analysis and root-cause investigation in real-world drilling environments.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Travel:

This position requires some overnight international and domestic travel. Local travel between other company locations and testing facilities is required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position carries limited supervisory responsibilities, primarily focused on technical leadership, mentorship, and work coordination. This position is expected to:

• Provide technical direction and guidance to junior and mid-level engineers, particularly in high-temperature MWD/LWD electronics development.
• Review and approve technical designs, test plans, and engineering deliverables.
• Support task planning, work prioritization, and technical resource coordination within assigned projects.
• Contribute to performance feedback, skills development, and technical capability building of team members.
• Perform limited administrative responsibilities related to project execution, documentation, reporting, and compliance with internal engineering and quality processes.