Lead Designer / Developer - MWD Downhole Tools

Job Description We are seeking an accomplished Embedded Hardware and Software Designer/Developer with specialized expertise in Measurement While Drilling (MWD) downhole tool systems. This role focuses on driving innovation in advanced data acquisition and sensor technology for extreme downhole environments. Primary Responsibilities (a) MWD Data Acquisition Software Enhancement u2003Customize and advance MWD data acquisition software by integrating proprietary algorithms designed for high-frequency data analysis and drilling dysfunction detection. This includes architecting novel downhole-deployable circuit boards and optimizing solutions for deployment on existing MWD motherboard platforms. (b) Next-Generation Downhole Sensor Development u2003Lead the complete lifecycle development of an innovative, ruggedized near-bit and at-bit sensor system engineered to capture high-frequency drilling dynamics in extreme downhole environments. Ideal Candidate: Profile The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven leadership in the end-to-end development of at-bit or near-bit measurement tools, encompassing requirements definition, detailed design, rigorous qualification testing, manufacturing scale-up, and successful field deployment. Relevant experience includes work within oilfield services, downhole instrumentation, drilling technology, or adjacent industries involving harsh-environment sensing applications. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of downhole technology innovation, developing transformative solutions that directly enhance drilling efficiency, operational safety, and performance in oil and gas operations. Key Responsibilities Algorithm Development & Integration u2003- Design, develop, and implement proprietary algorithms for analyzing high-frequency downhole data u2003- Integrate custom algorithms with existing third-party MWD software platforms u2003- Optimize algorithm performance for embedded MWD motherboard constraints u2003- Validate algorithm accuracy through simulation and field testing Software Customization u2003- Develop new boards with custom signal analysis software and/or modify and enhance third-party MWD data acquisition software u2003- Develop firmware for data collection, processing, and storage u2003- Implement communication interfaces for data transmission uphole u2003- Create diagnostic and calibration routines u2003- Develop over-the-air or downhole firmware update mechanisms Hardware Interfacing u2003- Interface with existing MWD motherboard architectures u2003- Optimize code for specific processor architectures and memory configurations u2003- Work with sensor arrays for multi-axis vibration and dynamics measurement u2003- Ensure reliable operation under extreme downhole conditions Testing & Validation u2003- Develop comprehensive testing frameworks for embedded algorithms u2003- Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation testing u2003- Participate in laboratory and field testing of MWD tools u2003- Analyze field data to refine and improve algorithms u2003- Document test procedures and results Design tools: u2003u2003u25cb PCB design software (Altium Designer, Cadence OrCAD, Eagle) u2003u2003u25cb Schematic capture and simulation (SPICE, LTSpice) u2003u2003u25cb Mechanical CAD for enclosure design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) u2003u2003u25cb Finite element analysis (FEA) for thermal/mechanical stress u2003u2003u25cb Embedded debuggers (JTAG, SWD) u2003u2003u25cb Oscilloscopes and logic analyzers u2003u2003u25cb Protocol analyzers Version control systems (Git, SVN) u2003u2003u25cb Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines u2003u2003u25cb MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm development u2003u2003u25cb Python/NumPy/SciPy for data analysis Drilling dynamics simulation tools Thermal and stress analysis software Based on knowledge and years of experience, this position offers an hourly pay rate of $90-140/hr. We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: Skills and Requirements Required: u2003- Understanding of MWD tool architecture and functionality u2003- Knowledge of drilling dynamics and drilling dysfunction types: u2003u2003u25cb Stick-slip u2003u2003u25cb Whirl/spiraling u2003u2003u25cb Bit bounce u2003u2003u25cb Lateral vibration u2003u2003u25cb Torsional oscillation u2003- Familiarity with downhole environmental constraints (temperature: 150-200u00b0C, pressure: 20,000+ PSI) u2003- Understanding of mud pulse telemetry or wired drill pipe communication systems u2003- Data Acquisition & Analysis experience: u2003u2003u25cb High-frequency vibration data capture (typically 1-10 kHz) u2003u2003u25cb Real-time data processing with minimal latency u2003u2003u25cb Data compression techniques for telemetry bandwidth limitations u2003u2003u25cb Memory management in resource-constrained environments u2003u2003u25cb Power optimization for battery-operated downhole tool u2003 Technical Knowledge: u2003- Experience with analog and digital circuit design for harsh environment applications u2003- Experience with Multi-layer PCB design for high-density, ruggedized applications u2003- Knowledgeable in mechanical and environmental design fundamentals for high temperature, high pressure, shock and vibration variables u2003- Knowledgeable in embedded C/C++ for real-time systems u2003- Familiar with real-time operating systems Knowledgeable in digital signal processing (DSP) implementation - LWD (Logging While Drilling) experience u2003- Directional drilling knowledge u2003- Formation evaluation concepts Industry standards (API, ISO for drilling equipment)

Created: 2026-03-06