Lead Performance Drilling Engineer

bp•Denver, CO

6d•$200,000 - $235,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Performance Drilling Engineer works to safely optimize drilling performance and improve feet per day and cost per foot. In collaboration with engineering peers, well site supervisors, the remote operations center, subsurface teams, and field execution teams, the role supports safe, technically sound, cost-effective drilling projects and improvements across the company. The Performance Team focuses on improving on-bottom and flat-time metrics and delivering meaningful gains to the Drilling organization. The role requires sound technical judgment, professionalism, leadership, and a team-oriented commitment to safe, compliant operations. The engineer drives standardization and continuous improvement, diagnoses drilling inefficiencies, and recommends operating parameters and bottom-hole assembly configurations. Responsibilities include evaluating risks and controls, supporting drilling performance projects, researching offset wells and new techniques, and working with contractors and cross-functional teams. The position is hybrid, with up to 10% travel expected, and is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from a university meeting USA accreditation standards.
At least 8 years of experience as a Drilling Engineer with an independent or major oil company in a similar capacity.
Experience with software for casing design, directional well planning, hydraulics, and torque and drag modeling.
Detailed, demonstrated technical knowledge of horizontal well drilling.
Engineering and operational drilling experience covering casing design, directional drilling, drill string and BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning.
Strong awareness of performance factors, including rock mechanical properties, drill bits, drilling fluids, downhole drilling vibration, and BHA/performance components.
Excellent communication and presentation skills and a high-energy personality.
Ability to develop ideas and technical proposals with minimal supervision.
Track record of optimizing drilling performance and promoting continuous improvement.
Demonstrated ability to seek new and more efficient ways to improve drilling performance.
Understanding of and demonstrated leadership in managing HSE-compliant operations without sacrificing operational efficiency.
Familiarity with data analytics tools and basic programming skills.
Must be legally authorized to work full-time in the United States for an employer other than the current employer.
Must not require employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Preferred degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.
Work experience with an industry service provider.
Industry training such as WC Certification, Murchison, Extended Reach Drilling, or similar courses.

Responsibilities

Work with engineering and field execution teams to design and execute safe, technically sound, and cost-effective drilling projects.
Lead technical performance improvements within drilling programs and support drilling performance projects across the company.
Drive continuous improvement through standardization to improve operational reliability and consistency.
Analyze and diagnose drilling inefficiencies and recommend drilling parameters and BHA configurations.
Identify risks and mitigating controls for recommended procedures, including risk assessments and MOCs, and ensure alignment with corporate, regulatory, and asset standards.
Collaborate with Drilling Engineers, Drilling Superintendents, cross-functional team members, and vendors to solve problems and identify improvement opportunities.
Prepare and present information to peers and cross-functional teams.
Secure service bids from reputable, approved subcontractors and engage competent, qualified contractors who meet company operational and safety standards.
Research offset wells, evaluate new ideas and drilling techniques, and seek improved drilling methods.
Manage a variable workload as rig activity changes with company goals.
Communicate effectively and treat employees and contractors with respect while promoting a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Promote safe and compliant well operations while maintaining operational efficiency.