Geomechanics Research Engineer

What role you will play in our team

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Engineer with strong expertise in Geomechanics to support advanced technology development for oil and gas applications. Candidates will bring deep technical knowledge, creativity, and a passion for solving complex subsurface challenges through numerical modeling and integration of experimental and observational data. The position is based at the Exxon Mobil Campus in Spring, Texas.

• Perform state-of-the-art research in Geomechanics, including numerical modeling and integration with laboratory, log, and field data.
• Explore new concepts, develop innovative workflows, and advance fundamental understanding of subsurface mechanical behavior.
• Create, refine, and implement new tools, recommendations, procedures, and software solutions with minimal supervision.
• Adapt and integrate geomechanics technologies into operational workflows to support completions, injection, production, and reservoir management.
• Manage and execute research initiatives through effective project planning, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and technical leadership.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality technical presentations and reports for internal leadership and external audiences (e.g., conferences, collaborators).
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Global Business Line, external academic institutions, and others in technology organizations within Exxon Mobil.

Skills and Qualifications

Candidates must possess experience in mechanics of porous media, constitutive models of rock and phenomenological models for rock strength, poroelasticity, poroplasticity, rock physics, multi‑scale analytical and numerical modeling, advanced numerical simulation and experimental geomechanics. Candidates are also expected to have
1) outstanding oral and written communication skills;
2) a strong work ethic with the ability to work independently as well as in a research team; and
3) good project management skills.

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Engineering Mechanics.
• In‑depth knowledge of numerical methods used in geomechanical modeling, including finite‑element methods.
• Application of mathematical models, numerical methods, laboratory experiments and statistics for the purpose of predicting the mechanical behavior of solid, fluid and multiphysics systems at various scales under static or dynamic conditions.
• Analysis types include Newtonian and non‑Newtonian fluid flow, flow in porous media, elastic, inelastic and creep deformation, heat transfer, damage and contact mechanics, structural stability and coupled fluid‑structure interactions.
• Relevant analysis examples include subsurface geomechanics, hydraulic fracturing, fault contact / slip, design of casing and completions (injectors, producers, sand control).

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate familiarity, experience using, or the ability to learn and work with specific geomechanical modeling tools such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, Reveal, VISAGE, Elfen, and HPC environments.
• Familiarity with Mechanical Earth Models (MEM) workflows and applications in geomechanics is desirable.
• Capability to develop and modify technical code in MATLAB, Python, or Julia.
• Advanced industry‑relevant knowledge of deep‑water injection is very desirable.
• Industry experience of 3-5+ years is highly preferred.

• Pension Plan:
  Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life.
• Savings Plan:
  You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match.
• Workplace Flexibility:
  We have several programs such as "Flex your Day", providing ad‑hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer‑term programs such as leaves of absence and part‑time work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Culture of Health:
  Programs and resources to support your wellbeing.
• Employee Health Advisory Program:
  Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and…