Company Profile:
CNPC USA is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company and serves as the North American headquarters. Our goal is to provide innovation, research, and development of new technologies for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior MWD Engineer to lead the development and implementation of a high-temperature Measurement While Drilling (MWD) system. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping the next generation of MWD technology, with a focus on system architecture, module integration, testing, and commercialization. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, hands-on development experience, especially in firmware development, and a deep understanding of the challenges associated with high-temperature downhole environments.
Responsibilities:
•Design and implement high-temperature MWD system architecture, ensuring scalability, performance, and durability in extreme downhole environments.
•Key technology development, including high temperature circuit design and control, firmware development, etc.
•Lead system integration efforts, collaborating with internal R&D teams to incorporate existing modules with newly developed in-house technologies.
•Oversee tool testing and qualification, including lab validation, environmental testing, and reliability assessments, to ensure tool readiness for field deployment.
•Support field trials and initial deployments, working closely with field personnel and customers to ensure successful operation and gather performance feedback.
•Drive commercialization efforts, ensuring technical readiness and documentation for market release, while supporting product training and customer onboarding.
•Maintain close communication with MWD vendors, technology partners, and industry experts to evaluate component sourcing and leverage external capabilities.
•Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to strategic planning for MWD technology development.
•Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
•Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related discipline.
•10 to 15 years’ experience and solid understanding of MWD components and technologies, including sensors, telemetry systems, and downhole electronics.
•Proven experience in developing or engineering high-temperature MWD or LWD systems, preferably with tools rated above 175°C.
•Experience integrating and validating complex downhole tools through structured testing and qualification processes.
•Familiarity with MWD suppliers, component vendors, and manufacturing resources in the oilfield services industry.
•Knowledge of drilling operations and rig-site practices; prior field experience is highly desirable.
•Strong project leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Experience:
•Experience with commercial MWD platforms and downhole telemetry (mud pulse, EM, etc.).
•Familiarity with downhole vibration, shock, and thermal modeling.
•Exposure to tool failure analysis and root-cause investigation in real-world drilling environments.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is a sedentary role; however, some filing, bending and the ability to lift 20lbs is required.
Travel:
This position requires some overnight international and domestic travel. Local travel between other CNPC USA locations and testing facilities is required.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, however, does act as a mentor and point of contact for less experienced engineers.
CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.