Senior Drilling Engineer

Doyon Limited; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FEHB health benefits

401(k) with company match

Disability & life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Fairweather, based in Alaska, is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead planning, design, execution, and optimization of complex drilling and well construction projects across Alaska, including North Slope operations.

You will own the complete engineering lifecycle from concept development through execution, operational support, and post-well reviews, while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with contractors to ensure safe, efficient, high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Petroleum or Mechanical.
• Minimum 15 years of drilling engineering experience, Alaska experience strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing drilling programs, AFEs, and cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Lead drilling engineering activities for exploration, appraisal, development, and workover wells.
• Develop well designs, casing programs, cementing programs, hydraulics, directional plans, drilling procedures, AFEs, cost estimates, and drilling schedules.
• Prepare detailed drilling programs in accordance with company standards, industry best practices, and Alaska regulatory requirements.
• Provide real-time engineering support during drilling operations and resolve technical challenges while optimizing safety, efficiency, and well performance.
• Ensure compliance with HSE standards, well integrity requirements, risk management processes, and participate in incident investigations and lessons learned.
• Manage drilling budgets, monitor operational performance, and conduct end-of-well technical and financial reviews.
• Develop technical specifications, forecast long-lead materials, and work closely with contractors and service providers to ensure quality execution.
• Conduct regular field visits to active drilling locations throughout Alaska, including remote and North Slope operations, travel is expected.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Well design

Well construction

AFE preparation

Cost estimation

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

About Fairweather

Fairweather is a trusted service provider in Alaska, delivering specialized solutions in remote and Arctic environments. Our mission is to support operations with safety, integrity, and excellence. We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees are equipped with the tools and support needed for success.

Why You Should Work for Us

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Supportive and collaborative work culture
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Commitment to employee safety and well-being

Total Rewards & Benefits

• Medical Coverage: Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including medical, dental, and vision
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) up to 4% company match.
• Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and voluntary supplemental coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling and support services
• Paid Holidays: Observance of major federal holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care options

Senior Drilling Engineer

Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Position: Full-Time, Regular

Position Summary

Fairweather is seeking an accomplished Senior Drilling Engineer to lead the planning, design, execution, and optimization of complex drilling and well construction projects throughout Alaska. This position is responsible for the complete engineering lifecycle of drilling projects—from concept development through execution, operational support, and post-well review. The successful candidate will possess a minimum of 15 years of drilling engineering experience, with direct Alaska oil and gas drilling experience strongly preferred, including North Slope operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead drilling engineering activities for exploration, appraisal, development, and workover wells.
• Develop well designs, casing programs, cementing programs, hydraulics, directional plans, drilling procedures, AFEs, cost estimates, and drilling schedules.
• Prepare detailed drilling programs in accordance with company standards, industry best practices, and Alaska regulatory requirements.
• Provide real-time engineering support during drilling operations and resolve technical challenges while optimizing safety, efficiency, and well performance.
• Ensure compliance with HSE standards, well integrity requirements, risk management processes, and participate in incident investigations and lessons learned.
• Manage drilling budgets, monitor operational performance, and conduct end-of-well technical and financial reviews.
• Develop technical specifications, forecast long-lead materials, and work closely with contractors and service providers to ensure quality execution.
• Conduct regular field visits to active drilling locations throughout Alaska, including remote and North Slope operations, to support field personnel, verify execution of drilling programs, evaluate operations firsthand, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Travel to drilling locations is an expected and essential component of this position.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 15 years of drilling engineering experience; Alaska operational drilling experience strongly preferred.
• Strong technical competency in drilling engineering, well design, and well construction.
• Experience preparing drilling programs, AFEs, and cost estimates.