About Les E. Griffin, P.E.
I’m a Texas-licensed mechanical engineer with 19 years of experience in the deepwater oil & gas industry, focused on designing and delivering reliable, high-performance subsea systems for extreme environments. My background spans both operator and OEM roles, giving me a well-rounded view of what it takes to move critical offshore hardware from concept to field deployment—with confidence and precision.
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Throughout my career, I’ve served as a technical assurance and project execution lead for a wide range of subsea systems, including:
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HPHT and fatigue-resistant subsea wellhead (SSWH) systems
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Drilling and production top tension risers (TTRs)
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Subsea mechanical and hydraulic connectors
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Riser pull-in and installation systems
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Structural tendon systems for TLPs
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Custom lift frames and ROV-deployed tooling
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I began my career at Dril-Quip, where I led the design and qualification of complex subsea equipment for global deepwater developments. At Shell, I held key technical roles across riser and mooring systems—including fabrication lead for the Olympus TLP tendons, riser pull-in systems lead for Appomattox, and technical assurance lead for Shell’s Gulf of Mexico TTR assets. I also managed Shell’s subsea tooling portfolio for the SURF (subsea, umbilicals, risers, and flowlines) group and provided mechanical design and analysis technical assurance to the Wells team for SSWHs, metal-to-metal seals, and connectors.
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In 2021, I launched Lateral Engineering Solutions (LES) to provide flexible, high-impact engineering support to equipment suppliers, fabricators, and operators. LES is a Texas-licensed engineering firm focused on mechanical design, structural analysis (FEA), CAD modeling, and project engineering services for subsea and offshore applications.
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As a consultant, I work directly with client teams to solve tough technical problems, support ongoing design and manufacturing efforts, and help deliver equipment that performs in the field. Whether you need targeted analysis, design optimization, fabrication oversight, or fit-for-service evaluation, LES offers practical, experienced support that integrates seamlessly into your project.
Education
2002-2006
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Experience
10/2021 - present
Lateral Engineering Solutions LLC
Founder & Engineering Director
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Founded Lateral Engineering Solutions LLC to provide engineering consulting services specializing in mechanical and structural design and analysis for subsea systems and high-pressure applications.
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Led technical consultation services for Koil Energy, providing design, analysis, and optimization of subsea equipment, including 20 ksi MQC systems, Flying Leads, hydraulic component validation, structural optimization of deployment frames, and offshore lifting equipment certification.
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Deliver tailored engineering solutions from concept through design, manufacturing, testing, and installation to ensure optimal performance.
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Perform static structural FEA in Solidworks Simulation Premium and engineering calculations in MS Excel and MathCAD of client equipment and subsea products.
01/2020-09/2021
Shell
Subsea Tooling Lead
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Managed Deepwater subsea tooling portfolio including IWOCS, THRAs, Dry Hole Trees and completions support tools.
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Responsible for tracking/forecasting usage of GoM subsea tooling portfolio and managing M&T rental program for cost recovery.
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Developed new sharepoint, spreadsheet, and database tools to streamline tracking of vessel/rig schedules, offshore personnel staffing, and tooling usage.
11/2014-12/2019
Shell
Top Tension Riser Engineer
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SME for Gulf of Mexico TTR systems, subsea wellheads for fatigue applications, subsea connectors and hardware mechanical design. Managed structural and fatigue analyses of TTRs, utilizing data-driven approaches to extend asset lifespan and secure regulatory approvals.
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Managed critical-path inspection and refurbishment of drilling and production risers, in addition to procurement of long lead materials including premium pipe and specialty forgings.
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Implemented corrosion management strategies and supported inspection protocols for subsea wellheads and TTR systems. Conducted research and trials of automated pipe ID inspection techniques (laser scanning, eddy current, UT) to evaluate raw pipe inventories and fabricated joints.
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Developed internal fatigue performance guidance for non-DVA wellhead systems and maintained SharePoint repositories to standardize project documentation.
9/2013-10/2014
Shell - Appomattox
Riser Pull-in Systems Lead
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Developed a modular riser pull-in system featuring a structural bridge, chain jack, and precision movement systems, enabling SCR pull-ins without steering winches or Topsides modifications.
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Oversaw interfaces with Appomattox Topsides, Hull, Risers, and installation vessel.
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Managed portfolio of riser pull-in equipment including company chain jacks & winches.
11/2011-8/2013
Shell - Olympus TLP
Tendon Fabrication Lead
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Responsible for fabrication, delivery, and technical assurance of qty 16, ~3000ft, 38" Tendons.
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Supervised qualifications, fabrication, loadout, and installation of tendons, managing HSSE compliance. Led Shell Site Team, including CWI's and 3rd party NDE technicians.
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Performed CP design and procurement for Olympus Tendons and Piles and implemented corrosion management procedures.
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Designed and deployed new Tendon Support Buoy Clamp locking mechanisms based on risk identification from FAT observations.
06/2006-10/2011
Dril-Quip, Inc.
Specialist Design Engineer
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Led complex subsea engineering projects from concept through manufacturing and testing, serving as the technical interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Quality teams.
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Managed engineering projects from concept through qualification and delivery, including design, analysis, material selection, and testing. Served as primary client contact and technical lead for major operators. See key project leadership roles detailed below.
09/2010-10/2011
Subsea Lead Engineer
(Shell Olympus TLP)
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Directed engineering and project execution for high-fatigue Subsea Wellhead (SSWH) Systems, Threaded Connectors, Hydraulic BOP and Drilling Riser Connectors, Mechanical Production Riser Connectors, Inner Drilling Riser Tieback Connectors, CP Systems, from bid to installation.
05/2009-12/2010
Lead Engineer
(BP GoM 20 ksi HPHT System Development)
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Led the design, analysis, manufacturing, and qualification testing of 18-3/4” Lockdown Sleeves, 28”/18” Supplemental Hangers & Adapters, Production Hangers, Tooling, Hydrate Diversion Systems, CP system, test fixtures, and directed full SSWH system EFAT and SIT.
01/2008-04/2009
Project Engineer
(Murphy Kikeh Spar 9-5/8” Production TTR System)
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Led the design and engineering for deepwater 9-5/8" production top tension riser system, including T&C Joints, Slim OD Tieback Connectors, Specialty Joints, Tensioners, Dry Tree Systems, and associated tools.
08/2007-9/2009
Project Engineer
(Shell Perdido Spar
Hydraulic Riser Connectors)
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Designed, qualified, and delivered 18-3/4” drilling and production riser hydraulic tieback connectors, including full-scale testing of SSWH hydraulic connector and metal ring gaskets under external pressure, bending, tension, and pressure loads.
