Operations Engineer

Crescent Energy • Midland, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations Engineer is responsible for front line optimization of artificial lift systems, supporting field operations, and enhancing overall system performance from reservoir to sales. This role serves as the primary engineering interface for field personnel, drives LOE-reduction initiatives, manages small-scale projects, and ensures new well commissioning is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with operational standards.

Requirements

• BS in Engineering from an ABET accredited program is required.
• Must have excellent computer skills and be proficient Microsoft Excel.
• Must be to learn new software quickly.
• Experience with optimizing downhole well equipment and recognizing failure points.
• Experience with well-site production equipment and industry standards (API, ASME, DOT).
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to effectively work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Must be self-motivated and have a high level of personal responsibility and accountability for the projects assigned.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred 5+ years of production/operations/facility engineering experience
• Experience with ARIES, Rodstar, Scada systems, Spotfire/PowerBI, AWS tools, SiteView and WellView are preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, CADWorx, or similar design software are preferred.
• Experience with flow simulation tools (ProMax, Symmetry, etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary engineering liaison for field operations by responding to daily production issues, prioritizing corrective actions, and documenting resolutions.
• Conduct regular onsite field visits (minimum 2+ times per week) to assess well performance, inspect equipment, and proactively identify optimization opportunities.
• Partner with Production Engineers to evaluate workover candidates, artificial lift changes, and facility modifications using economic analysis (NPV, payout, LOE impact).
• Develop and maintain standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for field operations to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices.
• Review daily production data, downtime reports, and LOE trends to identify underperforming wells and implement corrective action plans.
• Execute well performance surveillance data (fluid levels, dynacards, casing pressures, run times, etc.) to optimize artificial lift systems and maximize production efficiency.
• Participate in pump teardown reviews to identify root causes and prevent recurrence of equipment failures.
• Identify bottlenecks (pressure restrictions, facility constraints, undersized equipment) and execute debottlenecking projects to increase throughput.
• Evaluate and optimize chemical treatment programs (corrosion, scale, paraffin, H2S) by tracking chemical spend vs. production performance and optimizing injection rates or equipment sizing as needed.
• Monitor artificial lift KPIs such as run life, failure frequency, lifting costs, and downtime, and work with engineers and field to implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead commissioning of new wells, ensuring proper integration into production systems and adherence to operational and safety standards.
• Coordinate and manage flowback operations for new wells with field operations
• Work with production engineering team to execute installation of desired artificial lift equipment.
• Develop detailed project scopes, cost estimates (AFE preparation), timelines, and resource plans for LOE reduction and production enhancement projects.
• Manage project execution from concept to closeout, tracking schedule, budget, and performance metrics.
• Manage projects to optimize LOE and / or production including planning, execution, resource allocation, and cost control.
• Monitor and report project costs, forecast expenditures, and implement corrective actions to prevent budget overruns.
• Conduct structured root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on equipment and system failures and implement corrective action plans.
• Evaluate and optimize compression systems, injection systems, and gas-lift infrastructure to ensure adequate pressure support and production uplift.
• Participate in multidisciplinary planning meetings to provide technical recommendations on system design, capacity limits, and infrastructure needs.
• Monitor industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory updates, and incorporate relevant improvements into operations.
• Mentor junior engineers, interns, and field personnel through structured training sessions and hands-on field coaching.
• Conduct regular performance review meetings with field operations to evaluate LOE drivers, system reliability, and production performance.
• Prepare and present monthly performance summaries to senior management outlining production gains, LOE reductions, capital project status, and operational risks.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between Operations, Production, Facilities, HSE, and Finance to align operational execution with company objectives.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for assigned assets, ensuring operational excellence and continuous performance improvement.

Benefits

• Crescent Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender/pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
• Crescent Energy is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
• If you require accommodation to complete the application process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level