Directional Driller

Progressive; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive is seeking an experienced Directional Driller to support onshore and offshore drilling operations in complex wells and ERD programs. You will plan and execute directional drilling activities, optimizing well placement, drilling performance, and safety adherence across diverse environments in the UAE.

The role requires proven experience with Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS), including push-the-bit and point-the-bit technologies, and the ability to work independently in remote field

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years' directional drilling experience.
• Experience with horizontal, high-angle, ERD, and complex 3D directional profiles.
• Strong mud motor drilling background.
• Experience with RSS from major service providers is advantageous.
• Onshore and offshore experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently in remote field locations.

Responsibilities

• Execute directional drilling operations per the approved plan and well objectives.
• Operate RSS and conventional mud motor BHAs to achieve planned trajectories.
• Monitor drilling parameters and advise on ROP, hole quality, and tool performance.
• Plan and execute kickoff, build, hold, drop, tangent, horizontal, and ERD sections.
• Perform trajectory monitoring, anti-collision analysis, and directional surveys.
• Coordinate with drilling supervisors, MWD/LWD personnel, contractors, and operator reps.
• Assist with BHA design, RSS selection, motor configuration, and drilling optimization.
• Identify and mitigate drilling dysfunctions including vibration and stick-slip.
• Prepare accurate daily and end-of-well reports and operational summaries.
• Maintain compliance with HSE requirements and project procedures.
• Support troubleshooting during critical drilling operations.

Skills

Directional drilling

RSS operation

BHA design

Mud motor

Onshore & offshore

Independent work

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Directional Driller to support onshore and offshore drilling operations involving complex well trajectories, horizontal wells, and extended-reach drilling programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning and execution of directional drilling activities, ensuring optimum well placement, drilling performance, and adherence to client objectives while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Candidates should possess Proven experience operating advanced Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS), including push-the-bit and point-the-bit technologies, in complex directional, horizontal, and extended-reach drilling applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute directional drilling operations in accordance with the approved drilling program and well objectives.
• Operate and optimize RSS and conventional mud motor BHAs to achieve planned well trajectories.
• Monitor drilling parameters and make real-time recommendations to maximize ROP, wellbore quality, and tool performance.
• Plan and execute kickoff, build, hold, drop, tangent, horizontal, and extended-reach well sections.
• Perform well trajectory monitoring, anti-collision analysis, and directional surveys.
• Liaise closely with drilling supervisors, MWD/LWD personnel, drilling contractors, and operator representatives.
• Assist with BHA design, RSS selection, motor configuration, and drilling optimization initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate drilling dysfunctions including vibration, stick-slip, whirl, tortuosity, and hole cleaning issues.
• Prepare accurate daily reports, end-of-well reports, and operational summaries.
• Maintain compliance with company, client, and regulatory HSE requirements.
• Support troubleshooting and problem-solving during critical drilling operations.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5+ years' directional drilling experience.
• Proven experience drilling:
  • Horizontal wells
  • High-angle wells
  • Extended-reach wells (ERD)
  • Complex 3D directional profiles
• Strong mud motor drilling background.
• Experience with RSS and directional technologies from major service providers is advantageous.
• Experience in both onshore and offshore environments preferred.
• Exposure to carbonate, sandstone, HPHT, or challenging drilling environments is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in remote field locations.