Driller

Durin Mining Technologies•El Segundo, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Durin is seeking experienced Drillers to operate its automated diamond core drilling platform in the field and help shape future versions of the rig. The role combines conventional diamond core drilling with operating and evaluating new equipment under real field conditions. Drillers are expected to monitor the rig’s behavior, identify emerging mechanical issues early, and communicate field observations to engineering so they can inform platform development. The work includes the ordinary demands of diamond core drilling—ground conditions, weather, hours, and client presence—alongside the demands of proving new equipment. Drillers lead crews on shift, uphold rigorous safety and equipment-care standards, and work closely with client geologists, operations management, and engineering. Candidates should be based in the southwestern United States near a major airport and be available for short-notice travel and rotations matched to operating programs.

Requirements

At least 7 years running a diamond core drilling rig as the driller, counted as time at the controls rather than time on the helper side of the rig.
Direct experience on diamond core rigs in surface operations, underground operations, or both.
Strong mechanical understanding of drill rigs, including hydraulics, the drive head, rod handling system, pumps, and power unit.
Disciplined inspection and maintenance practices, with the ability to identify early warning signs in gauges, sound, vibration, and returns.
Proficiency with diamond core rig tooling, including bits, reaming shells, core barrels, overshots, casing, and wireline equipment.
Experience with downhole problem solving, such as cementing, wedging, rod recovery, and lost circulation.
Safety-first judgment and willingness to hold everyone on the drill site to the same standard.
Strong communication skills with crew members, geologists, and clients, including confidence to raise concerns early.
Strong personal ethics, honesty about shift events, and reliability when unsupervised.
Pride in the condition of equipment and the drill site, and integrity in maintaining high standards without being asked.
Curiosity about improving equipment and willingness to communicate useful observations to engineering.
Based in the southwestern United States near a major airport, and available to travel on short notice and work a rotation matched to operating programs.
Valid driver's license and ability to obtain MSHA certification.

Nice To Haves

Commercial driver's license is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Run a diamond core drilling rig through full shifts while meeting client expectations for core quality, recovery, and advance rates.
Operate and learn an automated drilling platform, adapting conventional drilling techniques to new equipment and controls.
Complete daily shift checks and equipment inspections, track scheduled servicing, and identify field repair needs.
Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, and functional issues early and report developing faults before they cause equipment failure.
Set up and tear down drill sites, including rig moves, leveling, water supply, and site housekeeping.
Manage drill holes from collar to completion, including rod handling, core retrieval, casing, and downhole problem solving.
Lead the crew on shift, set the pace, uphold safety standards, and support helpers.
Maintain high standards of housekeeping and equipment upkeep for the new machine and drill site.
Maintain accurate shift reports covering advance, consumables, fluid use, downtime, and equipment condition.
Stop operations whenever conditions warrant, without regard to schedule pressure.
Communicate throughout the shift with the client geologist, operations manager, and engineering team.
Report rig behavior, failure modes, and design shortcomings to engineering to inform future platform revisions.
Support field trials of new tooling and automation features as the platform develops.