Lead Designer / Developer - MWD Downhole Tools

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
Customize 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
Lead 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
- Design, develop, and implement proprietary algorithms for analyzing high-frequency downhole data
- Integrate custom algorithms with existing third-party MWD software platforms
- Optimize algorithm performance for embedded MWD motherboard constraints
- Validate algorithm accuracy through simulation and field testing
Software Customization
- Develop new boards with custom signal analysis software and/or modify and enhance third-party MWD data acquisition software
- Develop firmware for data collection, processing, and storage
- Implement communication interfaces for data transmission uphole
- Create diagnostic and calibration routines
- Develop over-the-air or downhole firmware update mechanisms
Hardware Interfacing
- Interface with existing MWD motherboard architectures
- Optimize code for specific processor architectures and memory configurations
- Work with sensor arrays for multi-axis vibration and dynamics measurement
- Ensure reliable operation under extreme downhole conditions
Testing & Validation
- Develop comprehensive testing frameworks for embedded algorithms
- Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation testing
- Participate in laboratory and field testing of MWD tools
- Analyze field data to refine and improve algorithms
- Document test procedures and results

Design tools:
○ PCB design software (Altium Designer, Cadence OrCAD, Eagle)
○ Schematic capture and simulation (SPICE, LTSpice)
○ Mechanical CAD for enclosure design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
○ Finite element analysis (FEA) for thermal/mechanical stress
○ Embedded debuggers (JTAG, SWD)
○ Oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
○ Protocol analyzers Version control systems (Git, SVN)
○ Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
○ MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm development
○ 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 HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Required:
- Understanding of MWD tool architecture and functionality
- Knowledge of drilling dynamics and drilling dysfunction types:
○ Stick-slip
○ Whirl/spiraling
○ Bit bounce
○ Lateral vibration
○ Torsional oscillation
- Familiarity with downhole environmental constraints (temperature: 150-200°C, pressure: 20,000+ PSI)
- Understanding of mud pulse telemetry or wired drill pipe communication systems
- Data Acquisition & Analysis experience:
○ High-frequency vibration data capture (typically 1-10 kHz)
○ Real-time data processing with minimal latency
○ Data compression techniques for telemetry bandwidth limitations
○ Memory management in resource-constrained environments
○ Power optimization for battery-operated downhole tool

Technical Knowledge:
- Experience with analog and digital circuit design for harsh environment applications
- Experience with Multi-layer PCB design for high-density, ruggedized applications
- Knowledgeable in mechanical and environmental design fundamentals for high temperature, high pressure, shock and vibration variables
- Knowledgeable in embedded C/C++ for real-time systems
- Familiar with real-time operating systems
Knowledgeable in digital signal processing (DSP) implementation

- LWD (Logging While Drilling) experience
- Directional drilling knowledge
- Formation evaluation concepts
Industry standards (API, ISO for drilling equipment)

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.