Rock Mechanics Engineer

PDC Cutter Development 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 focus on providing insight for the development of computational analysis of novel PDC cutter geometries (e.g., ridged, conical, chamfered, textured) and that predict 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 acting as a physics and analytics advisor for cutter/bit performance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Modeling & Simulation
  • Support the development of a computational software for shaped cutter technologies
  • Parameterize shaped cutters and provide quantitative characterization of features
  • Use computational methods (FEA/DEM analysis as needed) 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.
• Lab Testing & Validation
  • Develop test protocols; execute single-cutter and linear-cutting rig tests; design fixtures and instrumentation; 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.
• Concept Creation & IP
  • Survey external technologies and literature; generate invention disclosures; partner with IP counsel on patent filings.
  • Translate physics insights into practical cutter/bit designs with product design teams.
• Field Performance & Troubleshooting
  • Mine field data to quantify value; recommend cutter design or operating changes; lead root-cause analyses for cutter/bit failures.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Engage with varied technical contacts across R&D, operations, suppliers, and customers; clearly communicate results through reports, models, and presentations.

Education & Experience Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Rock Mechanics, or similar field.
• Proficiency with computational tools such as ANSYS, MATLAB, and Python ; strong CAD skills are helpful.
• Fundamental knowledge of fracture mechanics, strength of materials, thermal properties/heat transfer, fluid/particle mechanics, and brittle rock failure physics.
• 2–10 years of relevant industrial or research experience (leveling flexible: Research/Senior/Staff).
• Direct experience with drill bits, cutting tools, superhard materials, or PDC manufacturing (substrates, HPHT, leaching) is preferred.