Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX
Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Houston, Texas are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in the Energy Corridor, Greenspoint, and the Texas Medical Center district, across oil and gas, aerospace, petrochemical, and industrial manufacturing. Employers hiring right now include Valmet, GPD, and Baker Hughes. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 102+ Mechanical Design Engineer jobs
POSITION SUMMARY
The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving mechanical systems for drill fluid handling and pressure containing equipment and related products. This role involves applying engineering principles to create innovative solutions that meet performance, safety, and reliability standards while adhering to industry regulations and company objectives.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Works independently to assist in the design and development of drilling tools and equipment required to meet customer’s needs or market demands.
- Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo).
- Perform engineering calculations and analyses (stress, fatigue, thermal, etc.) to ensure product integrity.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Develop and prepare engineering documentation for drawings, schematic drawings, material specification, or other data required.
- Works independently to assist or conduct problem studies leading to recommendations for upgrading/improving existing equipment in field or lab.
- Works independently to perform product testing functions in a test lab facility and/or field locations.
- Provide technical support for production and field operations as needed.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards (API, ISO) and company quality
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance and reduce costs.
- Perform other assignments as directed.
- Undertake all duties in a safe and efficient manner, promoting safe working practices, complying with all company policies including but not limited to the Forum Energy Technologies Code of Conduct and OSHA Safety rules.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience
- 5-8 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in oil & gas or drilling equipment. Familiarity or experience with drilling products such as top drive systems, triplex fluid end systems and/or high-pressure mud gate valves.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Develop an advanced understanding of all phases of field operations and equipment, with particular attention to the individuals’ field of expertise
- Maintain proficiency in the individual’s field of expertise through the study of related literature and of new concepts and/or equipment developed by others
- Advanced knowledge of engineering standards (API, ASME, NACE), including codes and regulations affecting design development. Ability to perform engineering analyses and interpret results.
- Experience with product design review submittal process with ABS, DNV, ATEX, Lloyds, etc., a plus.
- Able to communicate with internal and external customers in a professional manner
- Maintain skill in operating a personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, database and computer-aided-design software; calculator, etc.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers, drafting instruments and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job included close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed mostly in office settings where the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, near areas with equipment under pressure, in high or precarious places, exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration where the noise level can be moderate to high. Adherence with Forum’s HSE Policies is mandatory and appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
TRAVEL
Occasional (10%-20%) domestic and international travel may be required. Working hours during traveling can mean early starts and late finishes.
About FET
FET (Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.) is a global company, serving the crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy industries. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with quality manufacturing, efficient distribution, and service facilities conveniently located to support the major energy-producing regions of the world. Forum’s products and services range from the underwater reservoir to the refinery, from the sea floor to the above ground transportation line. We pride ourselves on giving you a comprehensive offering of solutions to maximize your operations and improve your bottom line. Our customers are our partners and we work with them to solve their ever-changing challenges.
FET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FET does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions and practices at FET are subject to the foregoing non-discrimination provisions and are based solely on merit, competence, performance, and business needs at the time.
FET participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. FET participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU..
As part of our hiring process, we may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to help review and assess applications based on job-related criteria. All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team and hiring managers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving mechanical systems for drill fluid handling and pressure containing equipment and related products. This role involves applying engineering principles to create innovative solutions that meet performance, safety, and reliability standards while adhering to industry regulations and company objectives.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Works independently to assist in the design and development of drilling tools and equipment required to meet customer’s needs or market demands.
- Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo).
- Perform engineering calculations and analyses (stress, fatigue, thermal, etc.) to ensure product integrity.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Develop and prepare engineering documentation for drawings, schematic drawings, material specification, or other data required.
- Works independently to assist or conduct problem studies leading to recommendations for upgrading/improving existing equipment in field or lab.
- Works independently to perform product testing functions in a test lab facility and/or field locations.
- Provide technical support for production and field operations as needed.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards (API, ISO) and company quality
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance and reduce costs.
- Perform other assignments as directed.
- Undertake all duties in a safe and efficient manner, promoting safe working practices, complying with all company policies including but not limited to the Forum Energy Technologies Code of Conduct and OSHA Safety rules.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience
- 5-8 years of mechanical design experience, preferably in oil & gas or drilling equipment. Familiarity or experience with drilling products such as top drive systems, triplex fluid end systems and/or high-pressure mud gate valves.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Develop an advanced understanding of all phases of field operations and equipment, with particular attention to the individuals’ field of expertise
- Maintain proficiency in the individual’s field of expertise through the study of related literature and of new concepts and/or equipment developed by others
- Advanced knowledge of engineering standards (API, ASME, NACE), including codes and regulations affecting design development. Ability to perform engineering analyses and interpret results.
- Experience with product design review submittal process with ABS, DNV, ATEX, Lloyds, etc., a plus.
- Able to communicate with internal and external customers in a professional manner
- Maintain skill in operating a personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, database and computer-aided-design software; calculator, etc.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers, drafting instruments and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job included close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed mostly in office settings where the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, near areas with equipment under pressure, in high or precarious places, exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration where the noise level can be moderate to high. Adherence with Forum’s HSE Policies is mandatory and appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
TRAVEL
Occasional (10%-20%) domestic and international travel may be required. Working hours during traveling can mean early starts and late finishes.
About FET
FET (Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.) is a global company, serving the crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy industries. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with quality manufacturing, efficient distribution, and service facilities conveniently located to support the major energy-producing regions of the world. Forum’s products and services range from the underwater reservoir to the refinery, from the sea floor to the above ground transportation line. We pride ourselves on giving you a comprehensive offering of solutions to maximize your operations and improve your bottom line. Our customers are our partners and we work with them to solve their ever-changing challenges.
FET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FET does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions and practices at FET are subject to the foregoing non-discrimination provisions and are based solely on merit, competence, performance, and business needs at the time.
FET participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. FET participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU..
As part of our hiring process, we may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to help review and assess applications based on job-related criteria. All hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team and hiring managers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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Find JobsMechanical Design Engineer Job Market in Houston
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Houston: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mechanical design engineer job in Houston?
Focus your search on Houston's energy, petrochemical, and aerospace corridors, where demand for mechanical design engineers is consistently highest. Employers in the Energy Corridor and along the Ship Channel hire heavily for roles involving pressure vessels, rotating equipment, and piping systems. Hands-on experience with CAD platforms, ASME standards, and any upstream or downstream oil and gas exposure gives candidates a clear edge in this market.
Which companies hire mechanical design engineers in Houston?
Companies currently hiring mechanical design engineers in Houston include Valmet, GPD, and Baker Hughes, per current listings on MigrateMate as of September 2026. Houston's employer base runs deep in energy majors, EPC firms, and aerospace contractors, with a strong secondary cluster in industrial equipment and medical device manufacturing.
Are there remote mechanical design engineer jobs in Houston?
Yes, though opportunities are limited since mechanical design work often requires hands-on lab, shop, or field access. About 35% of mechanical design engineer openings tied to Houston are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote work most common for documentation, analysis, and CAD-heavy design phases rather than prototyping or equipment commissioning.
How can I get a mechanical design engineer job in Houston with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Houston is through co-op or internship programs at energy companies, EPC contractors, or aerospace firms that recruit from Texas universities. Entry-level roles like junior mechanical designer, CAD technician, or design drafter are common stepping stones locally. Proficiency in SolidWorks or AutoCAD and any coursework in pressure systems or thermodynamics strengthens a candidate's profile with Houston employers specifically.
Which industries hire the most mechanical design engineers in Houston?
The sectors hiring the most mechanical design engineers in Houston are Manufacturing and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Houston's role as a global hub for energy production, refining, and petrochemical processing drives consistent demand across these sectors, with aerospace and industrial manufacturing adding a significant secondary base.
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