Looking forward to a new challenge, whether in the oil & gas industry, or something totally new.

Principal engineer responsible for designing and testing downhole plug elements using low-melting-point alloys. Performed pressure testing to 10,000 psi. Led alloy development and simulation (CFD/structural FEA/thermal analysis). Served as in-house consultant for failure analysis. Implemented a ceramic coating for heater tube IDs to prevent thermite from melting through the tube wall. Designed/conducted tests to determine plug pushout strength and evaluate effect of liquid metal embrittlement of plug alloys on steel. Developed algorithms to predict plug expansion and resulting pressure-holding ability.

Led development/implementation of microcrystalline and amorphous coatings/alloys (thermal spray and welded) in oilfield and aerospace products. Designed/built/implemented fatigue, adhesion, and high temperature bearing testing equipment.

Conducted an assessment of the 5 platforms in the legacy mud motor fleet. Wrote programs to analyze/optimize driveshaft/bearing assembly and double shouldered connections. Used these programs, plus BHA analysis, in the design of a short-bit-to-bend motor. Led the design/development of a high performance 5" motor (including titanium flex shaft) for the Bakken play. Led Operations in the assembly and disassembly of these projects during prototype testing. Led patent evaluation and strategy. Conducted failure analysis and served as subject matter expert for mud motor product line.

Led a group of mechanical engineers in the design and testing of a laser-assisted drilling system, including downhole tools, bottom hole assembly, and lab/field test equipment.

Led the engineering departments for Neyrfor (turbodrills), PathFinder PDM (mud motors), and Dyna-Drill (mud motor rotor/stator design/manufacturing) product lines. Also supervised Product Management and metallurgy groups which supported these product lines.

Managed Sustaining, Development, and Metallurgical engineering efforts for mud-driven turbodrills (turbine drilling motors).

Responsible for researching, evaluating, and developing new technologies and products outside the scope of then-existing Smith Bits product lines. Conducted BHA (bottom hole assembly) analysis, patent analysis and strategy, and failure analysis for underreamer, percussion, and turbodrill product lines.

Led design & development and lab & field testing of air and fluid (mud) hammers and hammer bits.

Managed technical staff of 30+/- in design/development of Dyna-Drill mud motors, adjustable stabilizers, and coiled tubing drilling BHA. Functions included Sustaining/Development, elastomer research, FEA, Engineering Test Lab, and Technical Services.

Formed & led a small team in the development of TRACS, a remotely-controlled adjustable-gauge stabilizer used for inclination control in directional wells.

Set product line goals, priorities, and strategy, first for milled tooth rock bits, then for positive displacement mud motors.

Tracked and reported performance of standard and new products. Field-tested new products. Involved in milled tooth, TCI, and PDC bits.