Senior Drilling Engineer

Senior Drilling Engineer

Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
NES Fircroft

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Plan and oversee drilling operations for safe and efficient oil and gas extraction.
  • Company: Leading oil and gas operator with a commitment to safety and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on safety and environmental stewardship.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the energy sector.
  • Qualifications: Engineering degree and experience in well planning and construction required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Work Location: Aberdeen

Department: Wells

Our client, an oil and gas operator, is currently hiring a Senior Drilling Engineer on a contract basis in Aberdeen.

Purpose of Role

The Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing drilling operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective extraction of oil and gas. This role involves developing well plans, selecting appropriate drilling techniques and equipment, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize performance while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Critical Responsibilities

  • Designs technically sound and cost-effective well plans that address historical challenges encountered in nearby wells.
  • Prepares accurate cost estimates and time forecasts to support budgeting and project planning.
  • Ensures all drilling activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal company standards.
  • Provides operational support during drilling execution, troubleshooting issues and optimizing performance in real time.

Ethics and Compliance Responsibilities

Ensure that all activities and behaviours are carried out in accordance with Ethics and Compliance Policies and Procedures, and to complete any compulsory compliance training as required.

Areas of Accountability, Responsibility and Competence

  • Implement safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible well designs and operations.
  • Conduct detailed offset well reviews to inform well planning and mitigate historical issues.
  • Develop comprehensive well designs that include optimal casing schemes, shoe placement, directional paths and mud programmes to ensure well integrity, manage PPFG, and achieve all well objectives safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
  • Develop accurate cost estimates with appropriate contingencies and monitor cost performance.
  • Manage well projects using the Well Delivery Process, including risk assessments and mitigation planning.
  • Provide technical support and operational analysis to offshore teams, especially during critical operations.
  • Track and analyse operational performance, ensuring data integrity and continuous improvement.
  • Document lessons learned and apply them to future well planning.
  • Coordinate with service companies and ensure timely procurement of equipment.
  • Maintain effective communication through pre-spud meetings and regular project updates.
  • Mobilise offshore as and when required by business.

ER Allowance – The postholder may be required to join the emergency response rota should this become a requirement of the position.

Critical Skills, Qualifications, Experience, etc.

  • Relevant Engineering Degree (or equivalent) with strong knowledge of well engineering principles and operations.
  • Proven experience in well planning and construction, including casing design, mud programmes, and risk mitigation.
  • Strong understanding of the full well lifecycle and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Effective decision‑making and planning skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions under pressure.
  • Collaborative mindset, building strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
  • Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, aligned with company HSEQ policies and values.

Senior Drilling Engineer employer: NES Fircroft

As a leading engineering staffing provider with over 90 years of experience, NES Fircroft offers an exceptional work environment for Senior Drilling Engineers in Aberdeen. Our commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture and comprehensive benefits packages, which include support for visas, accommodation, and competitive remuneration. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and excellence in the oil and gas sector.

NES Fircroft

Contact Details:

NES Fircroft Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Drilling Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the oil and gas industry, especially those who work in drilling. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Get your hands dirty with some research! Familiarise yourself with the latest drilling technologies and techniques. This will not only boost your confidence but also impress potential employers during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions related to well planning and drilling operations. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed that you won’t find anywhere else.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Drilling Engineer

Well Planning
Drilling Operations
Cost Estimation
Regulatory Compliance
Operational Support
Casing Design
Mud Programmes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Drilling Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in well planning, casing design, and any specific projects that showcase your skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, and how your collaborative mindset aligns with our values at StudySmarter.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight instances where you've successfully tackled challenges in drilling operations. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with practical solutions under pressure!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at NES Fircroft

Know Your Well Plans

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of well planning and design. Brush up on your knowledge of casing schemes, mud programmes, and risk mitigation strategies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of a Senior Drilling Engineer.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled challenges during drilling operations. Highlight how you optimised performance or resolved issues in real-time. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and make effective decisions under pressure.

Understand Compliance and Safety Standards

Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements and internal standards relevant to drilling operations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and your commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. This is crucial for any role in the oil and gas sector.

Build Relationships with Multidisciplinary Teams

Emphasise your collaborative mindset and experience working with diverse teams. Prepare to share instances where you’ve built strong relationships with colleagues and external partners. This will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and work towards common goals in a multidisciplinary environment.