Drilling Optimization Engineer - Midland

Patterson-UTI•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Drilling Optimization Engineer drives performance analytics and optimization initiatives for Patterson-UTI Drilling Company, LLC. The role analyzes drilling data to support field operations, engage stakeholders, optimize onshore drilling rigs, and improve key performance indicators. It develops reports and visualizations, supports operations teams, promotes operational excellence and a safe work environment, and collaborates with local operations, support teams, third-party personnel, Technology, and Marketing Groups. The engineer also spends time in the field to understand operating conditions and build relationships with personnel and customers. The position reports directly to the Drilling Optimization Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or a related field.
Prior internship or field-based experience.
Eligible to drive a Company or personal vehicle for Company purposes and able to meet the Company’s Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy requirements.
Able to learn the details of the business quickly through extensive training.
Able to build relationships with people at all organizational levels and with customers.
Able to analyze complex processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
Able to think strategically, translate concepts into action plans, and track results.
Able to explain complex topics clearly for coaching and training.
Able to manage challenging situations, make difficult decisions, deliver uncomfortable messages, provide feedback, and present data professionally to customers.
Able to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks and projects, and meet challenging deadlines.
Proficient in advanced logical and mathematical calculations.
Excellent verbal and written English communication skills with employees, customers, and third parties at all levels.
Strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite, Oracle Outsourcing, Electronic Drilling Recorder, internal management systems, smartphones, laptops, and tablets; able to learn analytics tools such as Qlik, Tableau, and Power BI and perform data analytics.
Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, twist, or crawl during field visits.
Able to listen for unusual noises that may indicate equipment or machinery issues.
Able to stay alert and focused, including during occasional extended work periods.
Able to maintain spatial awareness around moving objects, including overhead machinery, and wear required PPE.
Able to travel regularly to worksites, including potentially extended travel to remote locations and overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on programming experience in Python or C#/Java and experience with different databases.
Experience in the oilfield service industry and working knowledge of multiple basins within U.S. Land Shale Plays.

Responsibilities

Interface with internal and external stakeholders to drive performance initiatives for assigned customers.
Track, analyze, and manage KPIs to identify improvement opportunities.
Evaluate drilling performance and recommend changes to drilling practices or parameters to improve KPIs.
Assess rig-site and other processes for inefficiencies; collaborate with operations, senior management, and customers on improvements; and write and execute performance improvement plans.
Develop and maintain roadmaps and heatmaps for operational phases.
Own performance-improvement plans and drive designated corrective actions to completion.
Advise operations, sales, and related groups on technical performance to help meet customer expectations.
Promote innovations and technologies that provide value to customers.
Provide training, coaching, and pre-project planning to improve rig KPI performance.
Perform root cause analyses for incidents, equipment failures, and operational issues, and integrate improvements companywide.
Coordinate with customers at all organizational levels, align goals, and respond to data and report requests.
Coach and train operations personnel on the Patterson PTEN+ portal and other performance tools.
Analyze large datasets and develop visualizations and reports using tools such as Tableau, Spotfire, and Power BI.
Develop a companywide repository of best practices to standardize operations.
Lead evaluation and enhancement of rig and equipment monitoring, state detection, and notification systems.
Define requirements and provide technical expertise for visualizations, control applications, customer web portals, and related initiatives.
Diagnose and resolve complex drilling-performance issues in support of Superintendents.
Participate in handover meetings with Operations and support groups.
Collaborate with Business Analytics Managers to share rig labor and M&S cost information and optimize costs regionally.
Travel regularly to worksites, potentially including remote locations and overnight stays.