What Is Lateral Engineering Solutions?

Lateral Engineering Solutions LLC (LES) was founded in 2021 to deliver practical, innovative engineering support for complex offshore and industrial systems—particularly in the Deepwater Oil & Gas sector. I started LES to offer a more flexible and technically focused alternative to traditional engineering firms, built on nearly two decades of experience in project execution, mechanical design, and technical assurance across SURF and Wells.

LES combines deep technical expertise with collaborative, hands-on problem-solving to help clients overcome high-impact, high-risk challenges. Whether you’re designing critical subsea hardware or troubleshooting a manufacturing issue, we focus on delivering real value—quickly and with purpose.

A Flexible, Results-Driven Approach

Our principles are rooted in performance-focused consulting—enabling us to align closely with your project goals. LES integrates seamlessly with your team, providing the benefits of in-house technical support—without the administrative overhead of onboarding new personnel.

Whether your goal is to reduce scope and cost, accelerate design readiness, or resolve specific technical challenges, LES offers engineering support that’s transparent, responsive, and grounded in real-world project experience.

Collaboration Without Bias

We’re not tied to any specific equipment line, technology, or manufacturer. Instead, LES builds trusted relationships across a network of suppliers, fabricators, and service providers—enabling us to recommend the best solution for your specific needs.

Services Across the Full Design Lifecycle

LES supports clients through all phases of mechanical design—from concept and modeling to structural analysis, documentation, fabrication review, and field support. We specialize in the design and validation of robust, reliable systems built for extreme loads, harsh environments, and mission-critical operations—such as subsea wellhead and riser systems, completions and intervention tooling, fatigue-sensitive components, and equipment requiring field evaluation or repair disposition.

Who Is Les E. Griffin, P.E.?

I’m a Texas-licensed Mechanical Engineer with nearly 20 years of experience supporting offshore projects across the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. I’ve held lead technical roles with both an equipment OEM and a major operator, working on top tension risers, wellhead systems, tendons, installation tooling, and subsea production hardware.

Highlights from my career include leading critical aspects of the Olympus TLP / Mars B development, where I helped design and deliver systems to withstand post-Katrina load conditions and meet unprecedented fatigue requirements. Early in my career, I gained valuable hands-on experience at an OEM, supporting design work through direct engagement with on-site manufacturing and full-scale testing. I’ve also contributed to the successful design, fabrication, and offshore delivery of major riser and tendon systems, and led technical assurance efforts for Shell’s Gulf of Mexico riser assets.

That experience—from design to fabrication, testing, and field execution—now informs everything we do at LES.

A Workplace That Reflects Real-World Needs

LES reflects more than just my technical background—it reflects my personal priorities. First and foremost, I’ve built LES in a way that allows me to be fully present for my son. Being able to show up for him—especially when he’s needed me most—has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

Equally important, LES gives me the opportunity to apply my experience and unique perspectives in a way that helps clients solve meaningful, challenging problems. And finally, I’ve created a remote-friendly, ergonomic workspace that supports my own long-term health and well-being—values I carry forward in how I operate and collaborate with others.

Why I Started LES

Founding LES was a natural evolution—blending deep technical expertise, field experience, and a strong belief in collaborative problem-solving. My goal is to help clients get the engineering clarity they need, when they need it—without unnecessary complexity.

If you're facing a complex challenge and need a hands-on engineering partner to help move things forward, I’d be glad to talk.

Interested in working together?

Let’s connect and explore how LES can support your next project.