RD&E Program & Operations Director

Weatherford; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A global R&D engineering firm seeks a Director of R&D Programs & Operations in Houston, TX. This role drives operational excellence across the R&D Engineering organization, establishes processes and KPIs, and oversees project management and lab operations. The ideal candidate has over 15 years in the upstream industry, strong leadership skills, and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in the upstream industry with cross-functional exposure.
• 10+ years in engineering operations, process development, and technical support.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of RDE processes.
• Establish and track KPIs for RDE performance.
• Optimize global procurement and vendor management processes.
• Conduct monthly reviews of at-risk projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Financial acumen

Data-driven decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Job Title: Director, R&D Programs & Operations

Location: Houston, TX (Global Role)

Job Purpose

The Director of R&D Programs & Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence across Weatherford’s global R&D Engineering (RDE) organization. This role ensures that all RDE activities are executed through lean, standardized, and well-documented processes, with clear KPIs to improve delivery, productivity, and quality. The role also oversees technical competency frameworks, engineering enablement, project governance, and global lab operations.

Key Responsibilities Operational Excellence & Process Governance

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of RDE processes, procedures, work instructions, and standards.
• Establish and track KPIs for RDE performance (e.g., cycle time, budget adherence, productivity).
• Promote digital workflows and AI adoption to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to identify and mitigate risks and drive standardization (e.g., design standards, components, DFM).

Engineering Enablement

• Optimize global procurement and vendor management processes in collaboration with Engineering Directors.
• Oversee internal project management tools and workflows (e.g., VSES).
• Evaluate and enhance engineering software tools and systems.

Project Management Oversight

• Conduct monthly reviews of at-risk projects and lead post-mortem evaluations.
• Own project management as a core RDE competency and ensure team capability development.

Global Laboratory & Asset Management

• Lead the strategic direction and operational execution of Weatherford’s global RDE lab network.
• Ensure labs meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards while optimizing resource allocation and innovation.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure clear expectations and accountability across teams.

Financial & People Leadership

• Ensure financial responsibility across RDE operations.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and performance management in collaboration with HR.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
• 15+ years in the upstream industry with cross-functional exposure (engineering, product management, manufacturing, etc.).
• 10+ years in engineering operations, process development, and technical support.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree or certifications.
• Experience in commercial, operational, or manufacturing roles.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change.
• Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Passion for continuous improvement and innovation.