Rock Mechanics Engineer

ReedHycalog is a leading oilfield drill-bit manufacturer committed to innovation and technology advancement. This role sits within the PDC team focused on shaped cutter and insert technology. The successful candidate will provide insight for the development of computational analysis of novel PDC cutter geometries like ridged, conical, chamfered, and textured, predicting their behavior in a wide range of rocks.

You will work hands-on in the lab and shoulder-to-shoulder with design, test, and field teams as a physics and analytics advisor for cutter/bit performance. Support development of computational software for shaped cutter technologies using FEA/DEM analysis to model cutter-rock interaction, stress/strain, and failure. Build parametric/optimization studies and design-of-experiments to evaluate shaped cutter geometry and bit-level loading.

Develop test protocols, execute single-cutter and linear-cutting rig tests, design fixtures, capture high-speed/force data, and convert raw data into decision-quality metrics. Analyze failure and wear modes using optical/SEM microscopy, profilometry, hardness/wear tests, and related materials-lab equipment. Engage with varied technical contacts across R&D, operations, suppliers, and customers.

Survey external technologies and literature, generate invention disclosures, and partner with IP counsel on patent filings. Translate physics insights into practical cutter/bit designs with product design teams. Mine field data to quantify value, recommend cutter design or operating changes, and lead root-cause analyses for cutter/bit failures.