Optimization Engineer

Company Information

Bison Oil & Gas is a Denver-based upstream oil and gas exploration and production company committed to pursuing value through responsible oil and gas development that ensures maximum benefits to both shareholders and stakeholders by operating intelligently, ethically, responsibly, and on the cutting edge of technology.

Bison Oil & Gas IV operates in the DJ Basin of Colorado and Wyoming. Bison has operated in the DJ since 2015 and currently operates over 315,000 net acres, 700 wells, and ~50,000 BOE of production per day. Bison is a leading modern operator that strives to operate with the least possible impact on the environment and our surrounding communities. Bison is the largest private operator in the DJ Basin.

Why this role matters to our organization:

This role is critical to improving production performance and operational efficiency across our upstream assets. The Optimization Engineer partners with engineering and operations teams to identify opportunities that increase production, reduce downtime, and support safe, cost-effective operations.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

Success in this role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to translate production data into actionable optimization strategies. Effective communication and collaboration with engineering and field teams are essential to implementing improvements and driving continuous operational performance.

Summary

The Optimization Engineer is responsible for evaluating well and production system performance to identify constraints and implement strategies that maximize asset value. This role analyzes production data, monitors system performance, and works closely with production, reservoir, facilities, and field operations teams to support reliable, efficient upstream operations.

Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Monitor and analyze well and field production performance to identify optimization opportunities.

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize oil, gas, and water handling efficiency across producing assets.

• Identify production bottlenecks in wells, surface equipment, and facilities and recommend corrective actions.

• Evaluate artificial lift systems (ESP, gas lift, rod pump, plunger lift) and recommend optimization adjustments.

• Collaborate with reservoir, drilling, and facilities engineers to improve well performance and recovery.

• Analyze production data, pressure trends, and system constraints to optimize well and field performance.

• Support well surveillance programs and recommend workovers, stimulations, or operational adjustments.

• Develop models or analytical tools to predict production performance and optimize operations.

• Provide technical support to field operations teams and assist with troubleshooting production issues.

• Track and report production optimization initiatives and associated performance improvements.

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency programs.

Core Competencies: 

• Responsiveness to Tasks

• Ownership of Projects

• Hitting Deadlines 

• New Skill Development

• Tackling New Challenges

• Working Well with Others 

Education and Experience (required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in upstream oil and gas production, operations, or production optimization.

• Knowledge of production systems, artificial lift methods, and well performance analysis.

• Experience analyzing production data and trends.

• Familiarity with nodal analysis and production modeling tools.

• Proficiency with engineering software and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Python, production surveillance platforms).

• Understanding of surface facilities and gathering systems.

Education and Experience (preferred):

• Hands-on experience optimizing artificial lift systems (ESP, gas lift, rod pump, jet pumps, or plunger lift/GAPL).

• Experience with production modeling and nodal analysis using industry-standard tools.

• Experience with real-time production surveillance or field data systems (SCADA or PI data historians).

• Experience supporting field operations and troubleshooting production issues in operational settings.

• Demonstrated success implementing production optimization initiatives that improved asset performance.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.

• Experience with scripting or data analytics for production optimization and reporting.

Other Requirements: 

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background screening

• Ability to legally work in the US without sponsorship 

Additional Information

Compensation: 

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $126,200-205,500 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above. 

Top Benefits & Perks: 

As a member of Bison, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Medical Plan: Bison offers multiple medical plans to choose from. 

o Lowest level plan premiums are covered at 100% for employee and dependents

o Additional buy-up plan options available with premiums covered at 75% for employee and dependents

• HSA with Bison per pay period contribution.

• FSA across multiple medical plans.

• Dental Plan: Bison covers premiums for dental plans for employees and dependents. 

o Additional buy-up plan option available with premiums covered at 75% for employee and dependents

• Vision plans. 

• Long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D covered by Bison. 

• 401k plan: Bison matches 100% of employee contributions up to the first 4% of compensation. 

• Paid Time Off. 

• Paid Volunteer Day. 

• Sick Time.

• Onsite Gyms.

• Paid Parking or RTD Pass.

• Cellphone reimbursement. 

Location:

This position is located Denver, Colorado. Candidates currently residing in locations outside of daily commuting distance will be considered, however, it is the expectation that the selected individual will be available at the work location. No relocation or travel assistance will be provided by the Company for this position. 

Work Environment:

This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein employee may be provided a public work station (cubicle) or private office. From time to time, the role will require field visits where exposure to extreme weather conditions, fumes, airborne particles, vibrations, dust, electrical charges and other unforeseen exposures may be encountered. 

Physical Demands:

In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is required to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time. While at work sites, the employee will be expected to walk and stand. Individuals might be asked to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and/or crawl. Individuals might be required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. in the performance of this position. 

Position Type and Working Hours:

This is a full-time position. We operate on a 9/80 work schedule. Typical work hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on working Fridays. Employee must be capable and willing to work overtime as required and to participate in occasional meetings, events, seminars, conferences, or other activities outside of typical work hours. Employees responsible for project operations are expected to monitor and, in some cases, respond to emails, calls, or texts outside of business hours.

Travel:

Routine, even daily, travel to remote locations will be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, or visits to other company office locations. 

Disclaimer: 

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The Company reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. 

Hiring Practices:

Bison is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact HR at careers@bisonog.com. Final candidates may be required to pass pre-employment screenings including but not limited to background checks and drug screens.

How to Apply:

This position’s application window is anticipated to close on April 22nd, 2026, based on our current hiring timeline. The deadline may be extended if needed, and any updates will be reflected in the job posting. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interested candidates should apply via the LinkedIn job posting. Candidates selected to move forward in Bison’s hiring process will be contacted to schedule a phone or in-person interview.