Overview
The Senior Drilling Engineer (SDE) serves as the single point of contact for the full project lifecycle of assigned onshore wells, leading everything from initial planning and operational execution to final close-out. In this role, you will assist the Lead Drilling Engineer (LDE) in supervising the office-based engineering team (including fluids, cementing, and MPD specialists) and the offshore/well-site engineering personnel.
Planning & Close-out: Reports directly to the Drilling & Completion Project Manager (DCPM).
Well Operations: Reports directly to the Drilling Superintendent.
Duties
- Deliver Comprehensive Well Designs: Prepare end-to-end engineering documentation for Exploration & Appraisal wells, including Basis of Well Design, casing/drill string designs, mud/cement programs, and final drilling, testing, and P&A (plug and abandonment) programs.
- Regulatory & Standards Compliance: Ensure all well engineering and construction activities strictly comply with applicable local and international standards (e.g., Indonesian Standards, NORSOK D-010) and corporate safe practices.
- Risk & Contingency Planning: Develop critical safety and risk mitigation plans, including the Well Risk Register, Well Containment, Blowout Contingency, and Relief Well Plans.
- Technical Tendering: Prepare Technical Specifications and Scopes of Work (SOW) for drilling, completion, and well-testing equipment and services to support procurement.
- Workshop Facilitation: Actively support and participate in peer reviews, risk assessments (HAZID/HAZOP), and operational planning exercises like Drill Well on Paper (DWOP) and Pre-Spud meetings.
- Logistics & Asset Management: Maintain the detailed Master Equipment List (MEL) and collaborate with logistics teams to secure Long Lead Items (LLIs) and align mobilization plans.
- Data Integration: Review data from offset/analogous wells and integrate operational lessons learned into current well design activities.
- Change Management: Assist in identifying, documenting, and handling Management of Change (MoC) requests, policy dispensations, and non-conformances.
- Permitting & Documentation: Support Drilling and Well Testing Engineers in gathering technical inputs required to secure operational permits ahead of project deadlines.
- Operational Support: Provide 24/7 office engineering support to the well site and Lead Drilling Engineer (LDE); ensure smooth, safe, and cost-effective operations in alignment with drilling programs, local regulations, and HSE policies.
- Compliance & Approvals: Ensure absolute corporate and regulatory compliance across all well activities, securing required approvals before initiating operations.
- Performance & Cost Tracking: Monitor real-time data, review Daily Drilling Reports, and track daily operational performance (actual vs. planned time, cost, and schedule) to optimize efficiency and minimize Non-Productive Time (NPT).
- Contract & Logistics Management: Act as Contract Holder for drilling services, managing contractor delivery, resolving technical/invoice disputes, and approving daily cost certifications via SAP.
- Risk & Change Management: Maintain the Well Risk Register and spearhead the Management of Change (MoC) process, including risk assessments for operational shifts or policy dispensations.
- Operational Planning: Review daily lookaheads, optimize logistical requirements, and finalize detailed Plans of Action (POAs/Work Instructions) prior to execution.
- Quality & Safety Assurance: Ensure rigorous QA/QC compliance for all equipment prior to mobilization, assist with incident investigations, and support Emergency Response Plan (ERP) execution as needed.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement: Deliver timely project status reports to management and ensure all operational lessons learned are captured in detail for future projects.
- Reporting: Lead the preparation of accurate, highly detailed End of Well Reports (EOWR), integrating technical data and operational reviews.
- Financial Close-out: Manage the reconciliation and close-out of all outstanding field tickets, vendor invoices, and contracts.
- Performance Reviews: Facilitate Service Quality Meetings (SQMs), Performance Review Meetings (PRMs), and lessons-learned workshops to capture key insights for future projects.
- Logistics & Demobilization: Partner with logistics to ensure the timely return/off hire of rental tools and the accurate documentation and storage of leftover inventory.
REQUIREMENTS
University degree in Engineering or equivalent.
A minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant experience in the oil & gas upstream industry with an international consultancy company, contractor, or operator in major projects implementation.
A minimum of five (5) years of well design & operational experience is essential. The ability to work in both engineering and operations is essential.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience work in Arctic conditions, with specifics expertise in winterized rig operations.
High level of experience of Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) operations planning and execution for onshore is essential.
Must have experience working as senior drilling engineer involved with well planning, design, engineering, costing, and assisting with operation execution with an international recognized major E&P company.
Good understanding of drilling fluids designs for various types of water and oil-based muds, solid control equipment and drilling cuttings disposal is essential.
Valid medical certification to work primarily in office and occasionally visiting wellsite.
Technical Software: Landmark Well Engineering Suite (including Open Wells), SAP (cost input & tracking), and MS Office Suite (Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Specialized experience in well engineering reporting and financial data tracking.
Bilingual fluency in written and spoken English and Indonesian.
LOCATION & WORK SCHEDULE
During planning and operations phase, SDE is based in Anchorage, AK
Regular and frequent visits to rig/wellsite, shore-based storage facility, and contractor base.
Under exceptional circumstances, SDE may be required to spend an extended period at rig/wellsite or shore base. May act as Drilling Supervisor as designated.
At Office: M-F, with weekends and national holidays off.
Pay: $80.00 - $100.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
