Job Description

Patterson-UTI Drilling Company has one of the largest and most technologically advanced fleets of drilling rigs in the United States and is actively interviewing in the Engineering Department.

The Senior Project Engineer – Engineering & Design will plan, engineer, and execute complex capital and upgrade projects across Technical Services, Operations, and Maintenance. This role will serve as a technical authority responsible not only for project execution, but also for engineering design integrity, drafting standards, structural and piping calculations, and compliance with API, ASME, AWS, and AISC standards.

This individual will lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts including structural, mechanical, hydraulic, and high-pressure piping systems while ensuring quality, cost control, and schedule adherence. The role requires a collaborative, solution-oriented professional capable of independently managing engineering deliverables from concept through fabrication, field implementation, and closeout.

Detailed Description:

• Manage designated projects with varying scope, including structural rig upgrades, inspection programs, and fabrication efforts.
• Perform and review engineering calculations, including structural analysis, pipe stress, hydraulic cylinder sizing, BOP hoist ratings, padeye SWL calculations, and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Oversee fabrication support activities, including dimensional inspections, weld procedure compliance, NDT documentation review, and pressure testing validation.
• Develop Bills of Materials (BOMs) aligned with project material specifications and certification requirements.
• Ensure compliance with API, ASME B31.3, AWS D1.1, and other applicable industry codes and standards.
• Effectively and efficiently coordinate material logistics to multiple areas with proper communication to regional locations.
• Manage full project lifecycle, including scope development, AFE preparation, budgeting, scheduling (Gantt charts/WBS), procurement coordination, cost tracking, and closeout documentation.
• Take a proactive approach to understanding current market upgrade solutions as well as identifying future opportunities based on expected customer needs.
• Serve as technical liaison between internal departments, fabrication vendors, third-party inspectors, and field operations.

• Track real-time status of project deployment and provide regular reports to internal and external Company stakeholders.

• Provide ongoing field support throughout project execution, including extended on-site presence during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and startup to ensure alignment with engineering design and project objectives.

• Develop work instructions and field upgrade documentation.

• Identify and implement design improvements based on lessons learned and operational feedback.

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and drafting personnel.

Job Requirements:

• Ability to independently manage multiple engineering-intensive projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
• Strong technical drafting and design oversight capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in structural analysis, high-pressure piping design, and drilling rig equipment systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Inventor, and structural/FEA software.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies including budgeting, cost tracking, and scheduling tools.
• Possess working knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering as it applies to drilling rigs, including mechanical, structural, hydraulic, and electrical control systems.
• Ability to regularly travel with very short notice, as needed, to visit work sites and support business units; may occasionally require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area
• Ability to proficiently use MS Office Suite to develop presentations, correspondences, reports, and schedules (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.)
• Ability to draft work instruction documents for field upgrades
• Ability to travel internationally as needed
• Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel included and their contributions are valued
• Make employment decisions in a manner consistent with all Company policies, including the Company’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policy
• Promptly address and resolve concerns and disputes among team members, with the goal of building a stronger, more cohesive work group

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• 8+ years of engineering experience in the drilling industry.
• 3+ years of demonstrated experience managing capital engineering projects ($500K–$10MM+).
• 3+ years of experience performing structural calculations in accordance with API standards.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and 3D modeling software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering.
• Extensive experience in drilling rig design, reactivation, and upgrade projects.
• Experience with FEA modeling and stress analysis software.
• Knowledge of mechanical, structural, hydraulic, and electrical control systems.
• Professional Engineering or Engineer in Training Certification.

Additional Details:

This position requires work in a high-visibility, technically demanding role supporting multiple business units. Travel may include extended trips to remote locations and variable work hours, including weekends and holidays as required.

This role requires consistent field engagement throughout the full lifecycle of assigned projects, including extended time on-site during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and closeout phases. The engineer is expected to provide hands-on engineering support in the field to ensure design intent, quality standards, and operational requirements are fully achieved.

The role requires strong prioritization, planning, and leadership skills to maximize engineering team efficiency while maintaining safety, quality, and operational excellence.

The New Standard for Drilling Performance
Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling’s comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.