Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the well delivery process and provide live drilling engineering support.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Aberdeen, focused on innovative drilling solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a PAYE contract with potential for long-term engagement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in engineering with extensive well engineering experience required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; all backgrounds are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is currently recruiting for the position of Senior Drilling Engineer, based onshore in Aberdeen. This has been released on a PAYE contract until the end of November 2025 initially.
Responsibilities:
- Coordination of the well delivery process.
- Creation of supporting documentation in conjunction with the drilling engineer; Drilling Programme, HAZID / HAZOP, DWOP, Pre-spud, HSE Notification, governmental applications & consents, MoC and RA, derogations, abandonment plans, end of well reports, after action reviews, experience sharing (anticipate REXs, lessons learned), SIMOPS & bridging Documents etc.
- Lead the Well Scope of Requirement (WSOR) process from within the drilling & wells team.
- Input to the WSOR to ensure the well delivery process is managed correctly.
- Providing live drilling engineering support to operations (casing design, directional, hydraulics, swab and surge, torque and drag, well control calculations etc.)
- Well project interface, when necessary, liaison with internal departments; asset, subsurface, reservoir, well performance, completion, testing, intervention, contracts & procurement, well examination etc.
- Prepare / review budget and duration estimates, raise related Contract Release Orders and Service Orders.
- Follow rig cost control, advise of any budget over-spend & follow-up end of well cost reporting.
- Update and follow-up of the rig cost control for service contracts involved in drilling and completion operations.
- Well design & delivery optimisation through applications of safe working practices, application of new technology & implementation of a drilling improvement plan (well performance improvement).
- Understanding of Greenhouse Gas Emissions & reduction plans.
- Support the offshore workforce through communication, interaction & problem solving.
- Recommend equipment type & quantity including long lead items in conjunction with the QAQC & procurement team.
- Follow equipment development & qualification where necessary.
- Track equipment through the supply chain & prepare for well programme changes.
- Master ‘HPHT specialties’, such as HP/HT casing design in WellCAT and Managed Pressure Drilling operations.
- Undertake technical studies during the well planning process & supervise small task forces to resolve engineering / technical issues, ad-hoc support on pre-FID projects (technical, Time, Cost).
- Manage the technical aspect of multiple contracts in your field of speciality including day-to-day activity, budget control, service quality reviews & tendering of multi-service line contracts.
- Delegate for the Lead Drilling Engineer and Drilling & Completion Superintendent.
- Assist the Lead Drilling Engineer and demonstrate commitment to safety.
- Learn & develop Continuous Improvement Projects / Lean initiatives.
- Perform the Technical Interface role between Company and its partners.
- Present & report to the partner forums.
- Supervise and coach/mentor entry level engineers.
Specific Requirements:
- The job holder will hold a BSc or MSc or equivalent in appropriate engineering discipline (Mechanical, Chemical, Offshore or Petroleum) with extensive experience in well engineering.
- Capable of leading individuals for specific scopes.
- Organisational skills to prioritise and manage a heavy workload in a rapidly changing environment.
- Good computer skills, especially in Drilling Engineering software.
- Job Holder will be committed to developing further skills and experience in their technical discipline & surrounding disciplines.
- Well-developed knowledge of contractual / legal / terms & conditions / insurance issues.
- Ability to drive high quality delivery of complex studies / projects with minimal supervision.
- Previous experience in offshore supervision is a benefit.
- Experience in HPHT ‘specialties’ such as WellCAT casing design and Managed Pressure Drilling is a benefit.
This is a temporary position.
Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion: As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.
Senior Drilling Engineer employer: ORION ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
Contact Detail:
ORION ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Drilling Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the drilling engineering field, especially those who have experience in HPHT specialties. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest drilling technologies and methodologies, particularly those mentioned in the job description like Managed Pressure Drilling. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in well engineering during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed budgets, led teams, or optimised drilling processes, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent projects to tailor your discussions during interviews. Showing that you understand their focus on safety, diversity, and innovation can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Drilling Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in well engineering, particularly any roles that involved coordination of the well delivery process or technical studies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in areas like HPHT casing design and Managed Pressure Drilling.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Senior Drilling Engineer position and explain how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your commitment to safety and continuous improvement projects.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational qualifications, such as your BSc or MSc in an appropriate engineering discipline. Include any additional certifications or training that are relevant to drilling engineering and project management.
Showcase Leadership Experience: If you have experience leading teams or mentoring junior engineers, be sure to include this in your application. Highlight any instances where you successfully managed contracts or resolved technical issues, as these are key aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ORION ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Drilling Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in well engineering and HPHT specialties. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them using your technical skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to manage budgets, coordinate with multiple teams, or handle unexpected issues during drilling operations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a positive workplace culture. This shows that you are not only a fit for the role but also for the company as a whole.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the company's future projects, their approach to safety and innovation in drilling, or how they support continuous improvement initiatives. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
