Sr. Drilling Engineer

Sable Offshore Corp • Houston, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Drilling Engineer is responsible for leading the design, planning, and execution of complex drilling operations across assigned assets. This role serves as a senior technical authority, ensuring wells are engineered and delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements while optimizing cost and performance. The Senior Drilling Engineer provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, drives continuous improvement in drilling practices, and plays a key role in strategic planning, risk management, and operational execution. This position may also support completion and workover operations and is expected to maintain 24/7 availability during active drilling operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• Well Control Certification (IADC or IWCF) required or strongly preferred
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive drilling engineering experience, including leadership of complex drilling operations
• Demonstrated experience in both planning and execution phases of drilling programs
• Strong experience with horizontal and directional drilling, wellbore stability, torque and drag, and hydraulics modeling
• Proven ability to manage drilling performance, cost control, and operational risk
• Prior field experience on drilling rigs required; offshore experience (platform, jack-up) strongly preferred
• Proficient in industry software (e.g., WellView, Landmark, OpenWells, Drillbench, Compass)
• Advanced data analysis skills, including strong proficiency in Excel and drilling analytics tools
• In-depth knowledge of well control, casing design, cementing, and drilling fluid systems
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks including BSEE, EPA, and applicable federal and state agencies
• Experience with federal offshore drilling permits and environmental compliance, particularly in California federal jurisdictions, preferred
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence
• Must to travel to field locations as required

Nice To Haves

• Experience with federal offshore drilling permits and environmental compliance, particularly in California federal jurisdictions

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of drilling programs, ensuring alignment with technical, operational, and economic objectives
• Develop detailed well designs including casing, cementing, drilling fluids, hydraulics, and directional drilling strategies
• Prepare and manage well cost estimates, AFEs, and detailed risk assessments; monitor and control costs throughout execution
• Analyze offset well data and performance metrics to optimize drilling strategies and improve future well delivery
• Provide real-time technical oversight and guidance during drilling operations to mitigate risks, reduce non-productive time (NPT), and enhance efficiency
• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex drilling challenges and operational decision-making
• Lead pre-spud planning, execution readiness reviews, and post-well evaluations to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure all drilling activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including permitting and reporting requirements
• Interface with regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders on drilling-related matters
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Geoscience, Reservoir, Completions, Production, HSE, and Operations teams to align drilling plans with overall asset development strategy
• Lead vendor selection processes, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contract negotiations
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior drilling engineers and field personnel.
• Drive standardization, best practices, and innovation in drilling engineering workflows and technologies
• Maintain oversight of drilling data integrity, reporting systems, and well documentation.
• Participate in field operations, including site visits to onshore and offshore rigs, as required
• Support completion and workover design and execution as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

What This Job Offers

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