Mechanical Engineer - Machine Design
National Oilwell Varco, San Antonio, TX, United States
The Fiber Glass Custom Machine Design Engineer II role focuses on developing custom, one-off equipment, including CNC winders and electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically driven machinery. Responsibilities include the design, fabrication, installation, startup, and troubleshooting of specialized equipment. Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD is required for producing detailed shop fabrication drawings with precise engineering tolerances and manufacturability considerations. Experience with automation, PLC systems, hydraulics, and design for manufacturability (DFM), including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection is considered a strong asset.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Contributes to the engineering custom machine designs based on technical specifications to optimize equipment performance and manufacturing processes
Collaborate with product design engineering to define technical specifications that best utilize equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques
Prototype new processes and/or equipment to support product manufacturing
Translate performance requirements into detailed specifications for processes, equipment development, or engineering projects
Analyze and optimize industrial processes to maximize equipment efficiency, including layout and equipment placement
Recommend process and equipment improvements, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices
Collaborate with electrical engineers to manage specifications and integration for equipment automation
Work with product design engineering to ensure alignment between product requirements and equipment design specifications
Design test equipment and develop procedures for evaluating product performance and reliability
Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source components and manage fabrication, machining, and assembly of equipment
Prepare comprehensive technical packages, including detailed mechanical drawings, B&M drawings, PDFs, bills of materials, technical data sheets, design specifications, and calculations for tenders, for review by senior staff
Estimate costs and prepare or submit bids for engineering, construction, and installation projects
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of machines and equipment, ensuring compliance with design and performance specifications
Contribute to laboratory prototyping and manufacturing activities as required
Investigate equipment failures or operational issues to diagnose root causes and recommend design modifications or corrective actions for review by senior staff
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports
Perform other related duties as assigned
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrates strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand and apply standard engineering design principles while developing advanced analytical skills
Capable of recommending solutions for moderately complex issues, subject to review by senior staff
Solves cross-disciplinary problems and conducts root-cause failure analysis
Strong ability to interpret data and provide recommendations for review by senior staff
Availability for overnight and international travel required
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline required (Master’s preferred)
Position is onsite in San Antonio, TX
Experience in composite manufacturing is a plus
Minimum 5 years of experience in the custom equipment design field
Able to execute defined portions of a project or subsystem
Works under the general supervision of a senior or lead engineer
Creates detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs with proper tolerances and manufacturability using AutoCAD and SolidWorks, reviewed by senior staff
Able to prepare documentation for vendor interactions, including specifications, cost, and schedule discussions
Experience working with shop fabrication and machining processes
Exposure to and familiarity with hydraulic system design
Experience with automation, PLC systems and design for manufacturability (DFM)—including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection
Performs structural and thermal calculations
Skilled in tolerance analysis and problem solving
Experience with composite, plastic, and sheet metal product design preferred
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Dependability/Attendance- Follows through on responsibilities and communicates proactively when issues arise that may affect work progress.
Problem Solving/Judgement- Identifies engineering issues and applies standard methods to evaluate and resolve problems. Uses sound judgment to recommend solutions, escalating more complex matters appropriately to senior engineers or project leaders.
Active Listening- Asks clarifying questions to ensure understanding and incorporates guidance into design work with minimal rework.
Critical Thinking- Demonstrates the ability to think independently while following established engineering practices.
Complex Problem Solving- Capable of addressing moderately complex challenges by breaking problems into components and applying known engineering principles. Recognizes when issues exceed standard approaches and seeks input from senior engineers.
Self-manage with limited supervision from senior staff- Manages personal workload, priorities, and deadlines effectively with limited oversight. Takes ownership of assigned tasks, contributes to project planning, and shows emerging leadership by coordinating small work segments or supporting the project lead.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports
Strong mechanical aptitude
Be able to create detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs with proper tolerances and manufacturability using AutoCAD and SolidWorks 2D and 3D CAD Design
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
Plastic or Sheet Metal Design a plus
Structural and thermal calculations
Exposure/experience working with shop fabrication and machining
Exposure to and familiarity with hydraulic design
Exposure with automation, PLC systems and design for manufacturability (DFM), including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection
Design for manufacturing
Tolerance Analysis
Problem-solving skills
Familiarity with nonmetallic/composite product design is preferred
Possess technical aptitude and ability to understand engineering, design, and product performance issues
NOV offers a competitive benefits package starting first date of employment that includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K savings plan, paid time‑off, and starting at 3 weeks of vacation! For more specifics, please visit our benefits page https://usbenefits.nov.com/
About Us
Every day, the oil and gas industry’s best minds put more than 150 years of experience to work to help our customers achieve lasting success.
We Power the Industry that Powers the World
Throughout every region in the world and across every area of drilling and production, our family of companies has provided the technical expertise, advanced equipment, and operational support necessary for success—now and in the future.
Global Family
We are a global family of thousands of individuals, working as one team to create a lasting impact for ourselves, our customers, and the communities where we live and work.
Purposeful Innovation
Through purposeful business innovation, product creation, and service delivery, we are driven to power the industry that powers the world better.
Service Above All
This drives us to anticipate our customers’ needs and work with them to deliver the finest products and services on time and on budget.
About the Team
Corporate
Our family of companies is supported by our global Corporate teams, providing expert knowledge from functions including Human Resources, Information Technology, Compliance, Finance, QHSE, Marketing and Legal centers of expertise. We are structured to provide guidance and service above all to all our business operations.
Job Info
Job Identification 40165
Job Category Design
Posting Date 03/09/2026, 03:35 PM
Job Schedule Full time
Job Shift Day
Locations 2425 SW 36th Street, San Antonio, TX, 78237, US
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Contributes to the engineering custom machine designs based on technical specifications to optimize equipment performance and manufacturing processes
Collaborate with product design engineering to define technical specifications that best utilize equipment capabilities and manufacturing techniques
Prototype new processes and/or equipment to support product manufacturing
Translate performance requirements into detailed specifications for processes, equipment development, or engineering projects
Analyze and optimize industrial processes to maximize equipment efficiency, including layout and equipment placement
Recommend process and equipment improvements, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices
Collaborate with electrical engineers to manage specifications and integration for equipment automation
Work with product design engineering to ensure alignment between product requirements and equipment design specifications
Design test equipment and develop procedures for evaluating product performance and reliability
Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source components and manage fabrication, machining, and assembly of equipment
Prepare comprehensive technical packages, including detailed mechanical drawings, B&M drawings, PDFs, bills of materials, technical data sheets, design specifications, and calculations for tenders, for review by senior staff
Estimate costs and prepare or submit bids for engineering, construction, and installation projects
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of machines and equipment, ensuring compliance with design and performance specifications
Contribute to laboratory prototyping and manufacturing activities as required
Investigate equipment failures or operational issues to diagnose root causes and recommend design modifications or corrective actions for review by senior staff
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports
Perform other related duties as assigned
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Demonstrates strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand and apply standard engineering design principles while developing advanced analytical skills
Capable of recommending solutions for moderately complex issues, subject to review by senior staff
Solves cross-disciplinary problems and conducts root-cause failure analysis
Strong ability to interpret data and provide recommendations for review by senior staff
Availability for overnight and international travel required
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline required (Master’s preferred)
Position is onsite in San Antonio, TX
Experience in composite manufacturing is a plus
Minimum 5 years of experience in the custom equipment design field
Able to execute defined portions of a project or subsystem
Works under the general supervision of a senior or lead engineer
Creates detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs with proper tolerances and manufacturability using AutoCAD and SolidWorks, reviewed by senior staff
Able to prepare documentation for vendor interactions, including specifications, cost, and schedule discussions
Experience working with shop fabrication and machining processes
Exposure to and familiarity with hydraulic system design
Experience with automation, PLC systems and design for manufacturability (DFM)—including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection
Performs structural and thermal calculations
Skilled in tolerance analysis and problem solving
Experience with composite, plastic, and sheet metal product design preferred
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
Dependability/Attendance- Follows through on responsibilities and communicates proactively when issues arise that may affect work progress.
Problem Solving/Judgement- Identifies engineering issues and applies standard methods to evaluate and resolve problems. Uses sound judgment to recommend solutions, escalating more complex matters appropriately to senior engineers or project leaders.
Active Listening- Asks clarifying questions to ensure understanding and incorporates guidance into design work with minimal rework.
Critical Thinking- Demonstrates the ability to think independently while following established engineering practices.
Complex Problem Solving- Capable of addressing moderately complex challenges by breaking problems into components and applying known engineering principles. Recognizes when issues exceed standard approaches and seeks input from senior engineers.
Self-manage with limited supervision from senior staff- Manages personal workload, priorities, and deadlines effectively with limited oversight. Takes ownership of assigned tasks, contributes to project planning, and shows emerging leadership by coordinating small work segments or supporting the project lead.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports
Strong mechanical aptitude
Be able to create detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs with proper tolerances and manufacturability using AutoCAD and SolidWorks 2D and 3D CAD Design
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
Plastic or Sheet Metal Design a plus
Structural and thermal calculations
Exposure/experience working with shop fabrication and machining
Exposure to and familiarity with hydraulic design
Exposure with automation, PLC systems and design for manufacturability (DFM), including motor sizing, gearbox and shaft sizing, and bearing selection
Design for manufacturing
Tolerance Analysis
Problem-solving skills
Familiarity with nonmetallic/composite product design is preferred
Possess technical aptitude and ability to understand engineering, design, and product performance issues
NOV offers a competitive benefits package starting first date of employment that includes: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K savings plan, paid time‑off, and starting at 3 weeks of vacation! For more specifics, please visit our benefits page https://usbenefits.nov.com/
About Us
Every day, the oil and gas industry’s best minds put more than 150 years of experience to work to help our customers achieve lasting success.
We Power the Industry that Powers the World
Throughout every region in the world and across every area of drilling and production, our family of companies has provided the technical expertise, advanced equipment, and operational support necessary for success—now and in the future.
Global Family
We are a global family of thousands of individuals, working as one team to create a lasting impact for ourselves, our customers, and the communities where we live and work.
Purposeful Innovation
Through purposeful business innovation, product creation, and service delivery, we are driven to power the industry that powers the world better.
Service Above All
This drives us to anticipate our customers’ needs and work with them to deliver the finest products and services on time and on budget.
About the Team
Corporate
Our family of companies is supported by our global Corporate teams, providing expert knowledge from functions including Human Resources, Information Technology, Compliance, Finance, QHSE, Marketing and Legal centers of expertise. We are structured to provide guidance and service above all to all our business operations.
Job Info
Job Identification 40165
Job Category Design
Posting Date 03/09/2026, 03:35 PM
Job Schedule Full time
Job Shift Day
Locations 2425 SW 36th Street, San Antonio, TX, 78237, US
#J-18808-Ljbffr