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Internship Top Drive Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... top drives, automated catwalks, and iron roughnecks across Nabors capital equipment assets. This ... The manager provides technical direction and fleet-level governance for assigned mechanical and ...

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig, including the mud pumps, top drive and TM-80.. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology ...

ETX-FIELD.MECHANIC III

Tyler, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig, including the mud pumps, top drive and TM-80.. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology ...

ETX-FIELD.MECHANIC III

Tyler, TX · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig, including the mud pumps, top drive and TM-80.. Responsibilities Ensures the regular preventative ...

Installs, repairs and troubleshoots all aspects of various mechanical systems on the drilling rig, including the mud pumps, top drive and TM-80.. Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology ...

Mechanic

Conroe, TX

$18 - $30/hr

Mechanic Join a company that specializes in renting and manufacturing centrifuges for the oil and ... Experience in the oilfield industry or with directional tools/top drive is advantageous. Why Work ...

Fleet Mechanic Internship

Denver, CO · On-site

$19.29 - $21.74/hr

... Drive Decisions, and (4) Deliver Results. Fleet Management looks after 2,500+ vehicles and ... Mechanic Internship positions for the Summer Fleet Mechanic Intern. This is an excellent ...

FIELD TECHNICIAN III

Houston, TX

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Mechanical, Electrical, Drilling Systems or Electronics. Language Skills - Must be fluent in ... Electrical systems integration, and troubleshooting of complete Top Drive, Catwalk and Hydraulic ...

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Internship Top Drive Mechanic information

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$9

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How much do internship top drive mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship top drive mechanic in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship top drive mechanic?

Internship Top Drive Mechanics are interns who assist in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of top drive systems used in drilling rigs. They work under the supervision of experienced mechanics and engineers to learn about hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical components of top drives. This role provides hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry, focusing on equipment crucial for efficient drilling operations. Interns often help with routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and sometimes field repairs. The position is ideal for those pursuing a career in industrial mechanics or petroleum engineering.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an internship as a top drive mechanic?

As an intern Top Drive Mechanic, you will typically work closely with experienced mechanics to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repair tasks on top drive systems used in drilling operations. You may be involved in routine inspections, assisting with parts replacement, and documenting service activities. The internship often provides exposure to real-world drilling environments, safety protocols, and teamwork with both mechanical and electrical technicians. This hands-on experience not only builds your technical skills but also helps you understand the operational workflow and safety standards of the oil and gas industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship top drive mechanic, and why are they important?

To excel as an Internship Top Drive Mechanic, you need a foundational understanding of mechanical systems, basic electrical knowledge, and preferably coursework or experience related to industrial equipment maintenance. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and maintaining a safe work environment in the demanding oil and gas industry.

What is the difference between Internship Top Drive Mechanic vs Internship Drilling Equipment Technician?

AspectInternship Top Drive MechanicInternship Drilling Equipment Technician
CertificationsBasic mechanical certifications, safety trainingSimilar certifications, safety protocols
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, drilling sites, industrial settingsOil rigs, drilling sites, industrial environments
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing top drive systemsMaintaining and repairing drilling equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil and gas drillingUsed in oil and gas, mining, and construction

Both roles involve working with drilling equipment in similar environments and require safety certifications. The Internship Top Drive Mechanic specifically focuses on maintaining and repairing top drive systems, while the Internship Drilling Equipment Technician has a broader scope, covering various drilling machinery. Both are essential in the oil and gas industry and often searched together by aspiring technicians.

What cities are hiring for Internship Top Drive Mechanic jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Top Drive Mechanic job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Top Drive Mechanic jobs?

The most popular types of Top Drive Mechanic jobs are:

What states have the most Internship Top Drive Mechanic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Internship Top Drive Mechanic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Internship Top Drive Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,518 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Technical Manager (Top Drive)

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


The Technical Manager will lead the maintenance strategy, reliability improvement, asset integrity, and lifecycle management of top drives, automated catwalks, and iron roughnecks across Nabors capital equipment assets. This role ensures equipment reliability, supports strategic upgrades, and drives standardization of mechanical and electrical maintenance practices throughout the fleet. The manager provides technical direction and fleet-level governance for assigned mechanical and electrical systems while coordinating closely with maintenance execution, reliability engineering, and field support teams. Collaboration with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and District Maintenance teams is essential to deliver solutions that enhance safety, reduce downtime, and maximize asset value.
Responsibilities
Equipment Ownership
  • Serve as the technical authority for top drives, automated catwalks, iron roughnecks, and associated mechanical/electrical systems across the Nabors fleet.
  • Develop maintenance standards, inspection criteria, and lifecycle management strategies for assigned equipment categories.
  • Support equipment standardization, modernization, and fleet-wide deployment initiatives.
  • Coordinate major overhaul programs and reliability improvement efforts.
  • Provide technical guidance for equipment selection, upgrades, and component qualification.

Reliability and Asset Integrity
  • Develop and implement reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) strategies for assigned equipment categories.
  • Establish fleet reliability KPIs and performance metrics for top drives, catwalks, iron roughnecks, and related systems.
  • Monitor equipment performance trends and identify opportunities to improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs.
  • Support condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and asset integrity initiatives.
  • Lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) investigations and drive implementation of corrective actions.
  • Promote continuous improvement focused on reducing NPT and total cost of ownership.

Maintenance Standards and Governance
  • Develop and maintain maintenance procedures, inspection requirements, and technical standards.
  • Establish best practices for maintenance execution and equipment care across district operations.
  • Ensure maintenance practices support HSE expectations, equipment integrity, OEM recommendations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Support audits, equipment certifications, and compliance requirements.
  • Ensure lessons learned and failure analyses are incorporated into fleet maintenance standards.
  • Drive consistency and standardization across all assigned equipment systems.

Upgrade and Modernization Projects
  • Lead upgrade and modernization projects related to top drives, catwalks, iron roughnecks, and associated control systems.
  • Coordinate engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning activities with internal teams and external vendors.
  • Support engineering evaluations and component selection for new technologies and equipment enhancements.
  • Coordinate field trials and validation programs before fleet-wide deployment.
  • Validate performance improvements and support implementation of proven solutions across the fleet.

Inventory and Spare Parts Strategy
  • Develop and maintain recommended inventory lists for capital and district mechanical/electrical spares.
  • Prioritize critical spare components for top drives, catwalks, iron roughnecks, and associated automation/control systems.
  • Partner with Supply Chain to optimize inventory levels while minimizing operational risk.
  • Standardize spare parts strategies across equipment classes and fleet assets.
  • Support lifecycle planning and obsolescence management for critical components.

Technical Support and Training
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support to district maintenance and operations teams.
  • Assist with commissioning, startup, and acceptance testing of new and upgraded equipment.
  • Develop technical documentation, maintenance procedures, and equipment guidelines.
  • Support training and mentoring initiatives to ensure consistent application of maintenance best practices.
  • Serve as a key technical resource for field operations and maintenance personnel.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in drilling equipment maintenance, mechanical/electrical engineering, reliability engineering, or asset management.
  • Extensive knowledge of top drives, automated catwalks, iron roughnecks, and related drilling equipment utilized in land drilling operations, preferred.
  • Experience with maintenance planning, asset integrity programs, and root cause failure analysis.
  • Strong understanding of drilling rig operations and maintenance best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead fleet-wide initiatives and influence cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading fleet-wide maintenance, reliability, or equipment standardization initiatives.
  • Knowledge of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), predictive maintenance, and condition-monitoring methodologies.
  • Experience working with maintenance systems and equipment performance analytics.
  • Experience supporting multiple districts, regions, or international operations.
  • Strong project management and technical leadership experience.
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About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

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