Principal Engineer - Electrical

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:
PRINCIPAL ENGINEER – ELECTRICAL (WCP)

POSITION CATEGORY:
RD&E

REPORTS TO (JOB TITLE):
SR. ENGINEERING MANAGER

DUAL REPORT:
NA

Job Purpose

This is a senior‑level Engineering position that will lead electrical and electro‑mechanical design, development, and optimization efforts for Well Completion Products (WCP), driving technical innovation and ensuring the highest standards in project execution.

Provides expert judgment and analysis for the design, development, integration, and implementation of electrical and electronic systems used in downhole completion tools and related surface interfaces. Resolves highly complex technical issues, conducts advanced research, and recommends alterations to development and design to improve quality, performance, and reliability of products and procedures.

As a key technical authority, the incumbent will play an instrumental role in guiding projects from concept through qualification and deployment, working closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, reliable, and commercially viable WCP solutions. Extensive judgment is routinely required in project execution, system integration, and technology selection. Possesses either broad‑based experience in electrical engineering, electronics, and systems integration or deep subject‑matter expertise in downhole electrical technologies, or both.

Roles & Responsibilities

SAFETY, SECURITY & COMPLIANCE

• Maintains the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring all activities are carried out ethically and in compliance with Company Security, Compliance & HSE policies, Management System, applicable laws, regulations, standards, and industry best practices, and complies with Weatherford’s Rules to Live By.
• Places Quality, Health & Safety, Security, and environmental protection as core values, never intentionally placing employees, processes, customers, or communities at risk.
• Seeks continual improvement in Health, Safety, Security & Environmental performance, incorporating responsible care, process vulnerability assessments, and best business practices.
• Demonstrates effective safety leadership for all engineering activities and associated personnel.

QUALITY

• Maintains strong familiarity with Weatherford Quality policies and actively contributes to compliance and continuous improvement of the Management System.
• Ensures service and product quality are immediate priorities across all engineering and development activities.

OPERATIONS

• Performs complex engineering activities related to the design, development, testing, and qualification of electrical and electro‑mechanical systems used in Well Completion Products.
• Leads electrical system architecture, circuit design, power management, sensor integration, and communication interfaces for downhole and surface-connected WCP tools.
• Interprets and implements customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and product documentation for electrical systems.
• Provides expert technical leadership on electrical design, technology selection, and system optimization initiatives.
• Develops and implements innovative electrical solutions addressing challenges related to downhole environments (high pressure, high temperature, EMI, vibration, fluid exposure) and operational reliability.
• Coordinates all technical development activities including project planning, electrical design, prototyping, testing, qualification, and production release.
• Acts as a recognized technical authority for electrical engineering within the WCP product line.
• Supports engineering activities within the Product Development Process, including design reviews, risk assessments, and technical gate approvals.
• Drives research, development, and implementation of advanced electrical technologies, materials, and methodologies relevant to completion systems.
• Conducts feasibility studies, electrical risk assessments, and cost‑benefit analyses for new product and technology concepts.
• Applies advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of electronics, power systems, control systems, and signal integrity in product design.
• Utilizes computer‑based engineering tools (schematic capture, PCB design, simulation, and analysis software) to develop and validate designs.
• Anticipates electrical failure modes and recommends robust mitigation strategies based on experience and field feedback.
• Develops and communicates electrical design standards, guidelines, and best practices for the department.
• Performs comprehensive analysis of critical electrical components and systems to eliminate potential failure modes.
• Demonstrates the ability to converge on technically sound and commercially viable solutions with minimal supervision.
• Collaborates with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams on component selection, supplier qualification, and product integration.
• Works closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and HSE to ensure cohesive execution and product readiness.
• Identifies technical risks and implements mitigation plans to ensure smooth project execution and robust product performance.
• Mentors and develops junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Maintains detailed engineering documentation including schematics, design calculations, test procedures, qualification reports, and technical change records.

COMMUNICATION

• Maintains effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, providing clear technical direction and status updates.

FINANCIAL

• Demonstrates financial responsibility in project execution, ensuring costs are within approved budgets and aligned with company policies.

PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT

• Actively manages personal professional development and supports team capability growth through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

VISION & LEADERSHIP

• Demonstrates leadership, ethical behavior, and adherence to Weatherford standards at all times.

Experience & Education

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in electrical or electronic engineering, including product design and technical leadership roles
• Advanced working knowledge of electrical design tools, PCB design, simulation, and embedded/electronic systems
• Advanced working knowledge of industry standards (API, ISO, IEC, IEEE as applicable)

PREFERRED

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Electrical / Electronics Engineering
• 15+ years of related experience
• Experience in oil & gas / well completion systems
• Experience with downhole electronics, sensors, controls, telemetry, or electro‑mechanical systems

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

REQUIRED

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Knowledge of applicable safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements
• Self‑starter with strong research capability and innovation mindset

PREFERRED

• Participation in technical societies or standards committees
• Publications or technical presentations at industry forums

Travel Requirement

This role may require domestic and international travel of 10–25%