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.
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.
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QualificationsEducation & Experience
- 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.
Language Skills
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Able to present technical information to colleagues, customers, and vendors.
Mathematical Skills
- Competency consistent with an Engineering Technology associate degree.
Reasoning Ability
- Able to interpret written, oral, or diagram instructions.
- Able to solve problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills
- SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD
- Manufacturing/Inventory software
- Microsoft Office
Certificates / Licenses
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid passport
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
- Problem Solving: Effectively identifies and resolves issues; evaluates alternatives; uses sound judgment.
- Technical Skills: Continuously builds expertise and supports team knowledge sharing.
- Communication: Communicates clearly; listens effectively; presents confidently.
- Teamwork: Promotes team success and constructive collaboration.
- Ethics: Demonstrates integrity, respect, and alignment with organizational values.
- Organizational Support: Follows policies, meets deadlines, and supports company objectives.
- Judgment: Makes informed decisions and includes appropriate stakeholders.
- Motivation: Sets ambitious goals and achieves results.
- Planning & Organization: Manages time and resources effectively.
- Professionalism: Maintains composure, respect, and accountability.
- Quality: Ensures accuracy, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
- Safety: Observes safety procedures and proactively addresses hazards.
- Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to changing conditions and competing priorities.
- Dependability: Follows instructions, meets commitments, and communicates proactively.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- 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
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
- 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
Work Environment
- Occasional exposure to vibration, electrical hazards, wet or humid conditions, mechanical equipment, heights, airborne particles, chemicals, outdoor weather, and extreme temperatures.
Work Authorization Requirement: 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, now or in the future.
About UsNabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world. About the TeamSkills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field with 8+ years design experience; OR Associate degree with 10+ years design experience; OR 15+ years progressive design/drafting experience in oil & gas drilling equipment.
- Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship (Nabors does not provide visa sponsorship).
- Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD.
- Experience with Manufacturing/Inventory software.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Proficiency in GD&T and ability to draft to ANSI Y14.5.
- Strong mechanical design skills for machined parts, assemblies, weldments, and sheet‑metal fabrication.
- Experience with drilling equipment, pipe handling systems, and rotating equipment (top drives, drawworks, catwalks, hydraulic or mechanical wrench systems).
- Valid Driver's License.
- Valid passport.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
- Ability to lift or move up to 45 lbs and perform occasional physical activities (climbing, stooping, kneeling).
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
What We Do
Nabors Industries is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in approximately 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible energy production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world. Nabors owns and operates one of the world’s largest land-based drilling rig fleet and is a provider of offshore drilling rigs in the United States and multiple international markets. Nabors also provides directional drilling services, performance tools and innovative technologies for its own rig fleet and those of third parties. Utilizing its advanced drilling automation capabilities, Nabors’ highly skilled workforce continues to set new standards for operational excellence and transform our industry.
