Senior Drilling Engineer

Caturus Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company located in Houston seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer adept in Managed Pressure Drilling and experienced in High-Temperature, High-Pressure environments. This role involves designing complex well programs, optimizing drilling performance, and ensuring safety compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and have over 5 years of hands-on experience in drilling operations, along with proficiency in specialized drilling software. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities await.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Drilling Engineer focused on Managed Pressure Drilling.
• Proven experience in HTHP well operations.
• Ability to mentor and train field teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute drilling programs with MPD techniques.
• Provide technical support to rig-site teams.
• Ensure compliance with HSE standards.

Skills

Proficiency in drilling engineering software

Strong understanding of pressure management techniques

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong communication and leadership abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

K&M ERA

WellView

Corva

Job description

Caturus Energy is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer with expertise in Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and experience in High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) environments. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in planning and executing complex well designs, optimizing drilling performance, and ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.

While prior experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk, and Eagle Ford formations is a plus, it is not a requirement. The successful candidate will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including geologists, reservoir engineers, and operations personnel, to deliver high-quality drilling programs in challenging environments.

Key Accountabilities

Drilling Engineering & Well Design

• Design, plan, and execute drilling programs with a focus on MPD techniques to optimize wellbore stability and pressure control.
• Apply HTHP drilling best practices to mitigate downhole risks and ensure well integrity.
• Evaluate offset well data to improve drilling efficiency and minimize non-productive time (NPT).
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to optimize well trajectories and target intervals.

Operations & Execution

• Provide real-time technical support to rig-site teams for MPD and conventional drilling operations.
• Implement and monitor drilling optimization strategies, including ROP (Rate of Penetration) management, bit selection, and drilling fluid optimization.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for drilling dysfunctions, well control events, and formation-related challenges.
• Coordinate with service providers and vendors to ensure the use of cutting‑edge MPD technologies.

Safety, Compliance & Performance Optimization

• Ensure adherence to HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for complex drilling scenarios.
• Utilize data analytics and performance tracking tools to drive continuous improvement.
• Implement lessons learned from previous drilling operations to enhance best practices.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and train field team in MPD and HTHP drilling methodologies.
• Participate in drilling optimization workshops and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support budgeting and cost estimation for drilling projects to optimize economic performance.

Qualifications

Education, Certificates, and Licenses

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience as a Drilling Engineer with a strong focus on Managed Pressure Drilling.
• Proven track record in HTHP well operations and experience handling well control challenges.
• Experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk or Eagle Ford a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in drilling engineering software (e.g., K&M ERA, WellView, Corva, or similar).
• Strong understanding of pressure management techniques, well control, and fluid dynamics.
• Knowledge of downhole tools, BHA design, and MPD choke systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in high-pressure environments.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently while supporting field operations as needed.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Oil and Gas