mselect is looking to hire a Senior Operations Drilling Engineer for an international oil and gas operator in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of oil field experience, including 5+ years in drilling or completions engineering, preferably with HPHT gas well experience.
Job Purpose
The senior operations drilling engineer will support the wells delivery team in the execution of safe and efficient drilling, completions, and workover programmes.
Key Responsibilities
1. HSE Accountability:
Support the implementation of all applicable HSE policies and initiatives to ensure safe operations.
2. Drilling Operations:
Works closely with the drilling engineers in the planning phase of drilling, completions and workover programs to ensure operational feasibility and efficiency of the programmes
Supports the SDE in preparation of the end of well report (EOWR)
Captures lessons learned during operations and ensures the lessons are captured in the EOWR and implemented in future programmes
Supports the drilling supervisors and ensures all programs are implemented according to plans in a safe and efficient manner
Ensures compliance with all organisational standards and the requirements of the subsurface team
Writes management of change (MOC) documents when operational changes are required and ensures the established MOC process is followed
Communicates effectively to ensure all objectives of the programs, policies and standards are understood by all concerned parties
Reviews equipment planning with drilling engineers, drilling supervisors and material & logistics coordinators to ensure timely equipment arrivals and backloading
Performs frequent wellsite visits to ensure programs and procedures are conducted in compliance with applicable policies
Prepares technical specifications and evaluations during the contracting and procurement process of drilling tools and services
Conducts and documents operations risk assessments
Ensures all pre-job checklists are completed before commencing operations
3. Reporting and Budget Control:
Assist the drilling superintendent in controlling expenditure and report on cost and operational progress against predefined goals.
4. Leadership:
Support the drilling superintendent in leadership efforts to improve team spirit, operational performance, and staff engagement.
5. Relationship Management:
Maintain excellent working relationships with contractors and company staff, fostering collaboration and effective communication.
6. Continuous Improvement:
Stay updated on current technologies, monitor operational performance, and make or support recommendations for continuous improvement.
7. Decision-Making Authority:
Make operational and technical decisions as appropriate within the scope of responsibilities.
8. Working and Reporting Relationships:
Engineering Team Leader: Daily or frequent interaction is expected
Drilling Superintendent: Daily or frequent interaction is expected
Requirements
Education & Certification:
A bachelor's degree in Petroleum or mechanical engineering is preferred; other credentials may be considered, subject to the Drilling Manager’s approval
A valid well control certificate is required
Work Experience:
Minimum 10 years of oil field experience, with at least 5 years in drilling and/or completions engineering roles
Experience with high-pressure, high-rate gas wells
Regional experience preferred
Core Competencies:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Commitment to continuous learning
Tactful in resolving problems and disputes
Full commitment to HSE, leadership, people values, and ethics
Behavioural Competencies:
Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
Supports multidisciplinary decision-making
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Leads by example and acts as a team player
Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and confidentiality
Proactive, flexible, and alert
Functional Competencies:
Extensive experience in drilling operations, including technology, equipment, and materials
Strong knowledge of well design, completions, workovers, well control, fluids, cementing, well barriers, and zonal isolation
Proven experience in executing and supervising well programs
Excellent budgeting and project costing skills
Proficient in MS Office Suite and drilling reporting software
Rotation
30 days on/28 days off
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.