The MPD Engineer III serves as a senior technical contributor for Managed Pressure Drilling operations, applying advanced engineering, operational troubleshooting, client support, HSE execution, financial awareness, process improvement, and mentorship capabilities. This role leads complex MPD planning and operational support activities, strengthens field execution, and helps standardize practices across assigned projects and rigs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent technical certification and significant relevant field experience may be considered.
5–8+ years of experience in Managed Pressure Drilling, drilling engineering, well control, field engineering, or related oilfield operations.
Advanced understanding of drilling engineering, well control principles, MPD technologies, rig operations, and HSE expectations.
Demonstrated experience leading technical support for MPD operations, including modeling, BOD support, IMM development, operational procedures, troubleshooting, and field coordination.
Experience mentoring junior engineers or providing technical review of engineering work products.
Ability to support critical operational needs during extended or irregular hours, including nights or weekends, when required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
8+ years of MPD, drilling engineering, well control, or senior field engineering experience.
Advanced proficiency with SafeVision, Leidar Plan, Drillbench, or similar MPD modeling and drilling simulation software.
Experience leading client-facing MPD technical discussions, operational reviews, or performance improvement initiatives.
Senior MPD Operational Support & Performance Leadership
Primary Skills: Advanced MPD Operations • Performance Optimization • Client Partnership • Operational Leadership
- Lead daily review and performance oversight for complex or high-priority MPD rig assignments using EDR, tour sheets, KPIs, and field updates.
- Provide senior-level guidance to field supervisors, field representatives, and engineers on operational problems, improvement opportunities, and safe execution practices.
- Serve as a trusted technical contact for client representatives on MPD operations, deliverables, reporting, and performance improvement actions.
Own or guide MPD section trackers, utilization review, revenue capture visibility, KPI reporting, and end-of-well report quality for assigned operations.
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Advanced Engineering Design, Modeling & Standards
Primary Skills: Advanced Hydraulic Modeling • MPD System Design • BOD/IMM Ownership • Standards & Procedure Improvement
- Lead the design and planning of MPD systems for assigned wells or projects, including complex operational scenarios and changing drilling conditions.
- Perform, review, and validate advanced engineering calculations and simulations, including flow modeling, Basis of Design development, MPD rollovers, tripping surge/swab calculations, cementing plan coordination, and IMM development.
- Develop, review, and standardize technical reports, operational procedures, modeling outputs, and documentation for MPD projects.
- Partner with drilling engineers, HSE, field personnel, operations managers, and other cross-functional stakeholders to optimize well designs and drilling plans.
Complex Troubleshooting, HSE Assurance & Continuous Improvement
Primary Skills: Advanced Root-Cause Analysis • Critical Operations Support • HSE Assurance • Process Innovation
- Lead remote technical support and troubleshooting for complex or critical MPD events, including after-hours support as operationally required.
- Determine likely causes of downhole and equipment-related issues such as fracture gradient changes, kick zones, controls issues, equipment problems, and operator communication gaps.
- Drive lessons learned, corrective actions, process standardization, and software or workflow improvement initiatives across assigned operations.
- Verify equipment and procedures are aligned with Nabors safety standards; participate in safety meetings and site visits to reinforce compliance.
Financial Stewardship, Inventory Readiness & Mentorship
Primary Skills: Revenue Stewardship • Cost Accuracy • Inventory Planning • Technical Mentorship
- Oversee daily cost reporting, DIR documentation, consumable capture, work orders, project numbers, and revenue projections for assigned operations.
- Identify and resolve potential gaps in revenue, time capture, consumable charges, or invoicing support documentation.
- Guide equipment readiness, inventory planning, and personnel deployment coordination for assigned MPD work scopes.
- Mentor MPD Engineer I and II employees by providing technical review, coaching, training support, and feedback on modeling, reporting, troubleshooting, and field communication.
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.
