Petroleum Engineer

Position Summary

The Rig Engineer provides on‑site engineering support for drilling and workover rig operations at Prudhoe Bay. This role serves as the technical liaison between the field and office, ensuring wells are drilled, worked over, or completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with operator standards, Alaska regulations, and Arctic operating requirements.

The Rig Engineer works closely with the Wellsite Supervisor (Company Man), drilling contractors, and service companies to execute approved programs, troubleshoot operational issues, and optimize performance under extreme Arctic conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Operational Support

• Provide real‑time engineering support for drilling, completion, and workover operations
• Ensure execution of approved well programs, procedures, and revisions
• Monitor drilling parameters, hydraulics, torque & drag, and hole conditions
• Support troubleshooting of downhole or surface operational issues
• Recommend optimization opportunities to reduce NPT and improve efficiency

Well Planning & Program Execution

• Assist in development and implementation of:
• Drilling and workover programs
• Mud programs
• Cementing and casing designs
• Ensure proper implementation of wellbore designs, BHA configurations, and operational sequences
• Verify compliance with AFE cost structures and operational timelines

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture at the rig site
• Ensure compliance with:
• Operator HSE policies
• Alaska North Slope environmental requirements
• Federal and State regulations (BSEE, Alaska DEC, etc.)
• Participate in JSAs, risk assessments, and pre‑job safety meetings
• Support incident reporting and investigation when required

Contractor & Service Coordination

• Coordinate with drilling contractors and service providers to ensure technical accuracy
• Review service company job designs, reports, and performance
• Verify equipment readiness, certification, and cold‑weather suitability
• Support evaluation of contractor performance and lessons learned

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and review daily drilling/workover reports
• Track cost performance, NPT, and key operational metrics
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and well records
• Communicate daily operational status to office‑based engineering and management teams

Arctic & Prudhoe Bay‑Specific Duties

• Apply cold‑weather engineering best practices for equipment and operations
• Support winterization planning and Arctic operating procedures
• Understand logistics limitations, ice road restrictions, and seasonal constraints
• Ensure engineering decisions account for tundra protection and environmental sensitivity

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Experience

• 3–7 years of drilling or rig‑based engineering experience
• Prior experience in:
• Drilling, workover, or completions operations
• Onshore oil and gas operations
• Alaska North Slope experience strongly preferred

Certifications (Required or Preferred)

• Well Control Certification (IWCF or IADC – Engineer/Supervisor level)
• H2S Awareness/Alive
• Arctic or Cold Weather Operations training (preferred)