Job Description

Overview

Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry, operating in about 20 countries. The Mechanical Engineer I role supports the design, analysis, documentation, manufacturing, and lifecycle of capital equipment used on land drilling rigs, contributing to the development and continuous improvement of mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and maintain mechanical designs, layouts, models, drawings, bills of materials, and engineering documentation for drilling rig equipment.
  • Support product development activities from concept through detailed design, prototype support, manufacturing release, and field implementation.
  • Perform basic engineering calculations and analyses related to strength of materials, structural loading, and machine design.
  • Use 3D CAD and engineering tools to create models, drawings, assemblies, and design revisions.
  • Assist with finite element analysis, hand calculations, design reviews, and validation activities under guidance.
  • Investigate design, manufacturing, assembly, and field issues; document findings; and support corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturability, cost, and service performance.
  • Support the selection and specification of materials and components.
  • Review supplier and shop feedback to identify opportunities for standardization and cost reduction.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering change requests, technical reports, and design verification records.
  • Participate in design reviews, failure reviews, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Perform work in accordance with applicable company procedures and industry standards.

Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Zero to two years of relevant experience in mechanical design or equipment engineering.
  • Working knowledge of core mechanical engineering principles.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Basic understanding of fabricated structures and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of managing assigned tasks.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Information

  • Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
  • Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Houston, TX currently run a median of $27/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $22–$37/hr across 86 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 341 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 193 different employers. 94 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,256 other active welding openings from 597 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

Nabors Industries currently has 1 other opening live in Texas, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Austin Industries (29), Welding Shop in Austin, TX (27), and Zachry Group (23). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Midlothian at $38/hr, Irving at $38/hr, and Pasadena at $37/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. MECHANICAL ENGINEER I figures were last recalculated when this page was built.