Senior CAD Designer

Nabors•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior CAD Designer is a key technical contributor within the Engineering team, responsible for advanced mechanical and structural design for new products and modifications to existing equipment. This role collaborates closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, and customers to produce high-quality, production ready designs that meet customer requirements and industry standards. The Senior CAD Designer leads complex design efforts, mentors junior designers, ensures adherence to drafting standards, and supports product lifecycle activities including BOM creation, ECNs, and configuration management. Experience with drilling equipment, pipe handling systems, and rotating equipment—such as top drives, drawworks, catwalks, and hydraulic or mechanical wrench systems—is strongly preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field with 8+ years of design experience; or Associate degree in Engineering Technology with 10+ years of design experience; or 15+ years of progressive design/drafting experience in oil & gas drilling equipment.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English. Able to present technical information to colleagues, customers, and vendors.
Competency consistent with an Engineering Technology associate degree.
Able to interpret written, oral, or diagram instructions. Able to solve problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations.
SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD
Manufacturing/Inventory software
Microsoft Office
Valid Driver’s License
Valid passport
Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Effectively identifies and resolves issues; evaluates alternatives; uses sound judgment.
Continuously builds expertise and supports team knowledge sharing.
Communicates clearly; listens effectively; presents confidently.
Promotes team success and constructive collaboration.
Demonstrates integrity, respect, and alignment with organizational values.
Follows policies, meets deadlines, and supports company objectives.
Makes informed decisions and includes appropriate stakeholders.
Sets ambitious goals and achieves results.
Manages time and resources effectively.
Maintains composure, respect, and accountability.
Ensures accuracy, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
Observes safety procedures and proactively addresses hazards.
Adjusts effectively to changing conditions and competing priorities.
Follows instructions, meets commitments, and communicates proactively.
Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD
Strong mechanical design skills for machined parts, assemblies, weldments, and sheet‑metal fabrication
Ability to draft to ANSI Y14.5
Working knowledge of manufacturing systems
Creative approach to design challenges
Proficiency in GD&T application
Understanding of industry specifications and requirements
Occasional sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling
Occasional lifting or moving up to 45 lbs.
Required vision includes close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment

Nice To Haves

Experience with drilling equipment, pipe handling systems, and rotating equipment—such as top drives, drawworks, catwalks, and hydraulic or mechanical wrench systems—is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead advanced mechanical and structural modeling using parametric 3D CAD software (SOLIDWORKS preferred).
Develop and review detailed drawings for new products, enhancements, and field modifications in accordance with company and ANSI standards.
Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and assembly documentation.
Perform tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T in accordance with ANSI Y14.5.
Conduct thorough design self-checks prior to engineering review.
Review and approve drawings produced by other designers and drafters.
Provide technical support to Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Field Service teams.
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and technical alignment.
Coordinate work among 2–4 designers/drafters on complex projects and manage workload distribution.
Mentor junior CAD Designers and provide technical training.
Support product improvement, cost‑reduction, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
Participate in safety meetings and promote safe engineering practices.
Travel domestically and internationally as required.
Perform additional duties as assigned.