Job Description

Job Title: Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer

The Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer will drive performance analytics and optimization initiatives for Patterson-UTI Drilling Company, LLC by analyzing drilling data to support field operations, engaging stakeholders, and optimize on-shore drilling rigs, with responsibility for supporting key customer accounts. They will focus on improving key performance indicators (KPIs), developing reports and visualizations, supporting operations teams, driving operational excellence, and maintaining a safe work environment. Acting as a subject matter expert (SME), they will provide technical guidance, mentor junior engineers, and influence operational improvements across rigs and regions. The engineer will work closely with local operations, support teams, and third-party personnel, and act as a liaison with Technology and Marketing Groups. They will also spend time in the field understanding conditions firsthand and building strong relationships with personnel and customers.

This role reports directly to the Drilling Optimization Manager.

Detailed Description:

• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to support day-to-day performance and operational initiatives, including work with key customer accounts.

• Track, analyze, and manage KPI’s to identify performance trends and areas for improvement.

• Develop and recommend strategies to improve KPI’s across rigs and customer operations.

• Assess rig and operational processes to identify inefficiencies, propose improvements, and support execution of performance plans.

• Create roadmaps and heatmaps for operational phases to guide planning and execution.

• Track action items to completion as designated by management or customers, providing updates and technical input as needed.

• Provide technical support to operations, sales, and related groups to ensure customer expectations are met.

• Provide training, coaching, and pre-project planning support to enhance performance.

• Perform root cause analysis for incidents, equipment failures, and operational issues, and support integration of improvements across the organization.

• Coordinate with customers at various organizational levels to align goals and respond to data and reporting requests.

• Coach and train personnel on the Patterson PTEN+ portal and other performance tools.

• Analyze large datasets and develop visualizations and reports in Tableau, Spotfire, Power BI, etc., to communicate critical information.

• Contribute to developing a company-wide repository of best practices to support operational consistency and standardization.

• Support improvements to rig/equipment monitoring, state detection, and notification systems.

• Support the design and development of visualizations, control applications, customer web portals, and other initiatives.

• Receive and troubleshoot calls related to rig performance, providing technical support to Superintendents.

• Participate in handover meetings with Operations and support groups, ensuring continuity and clarity.

• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and interns.

• Collaborate with Business Analytics Managers to share cost information on rig labor and M&S, supporting regional cost optimization efforts.

Job Requirements:

• Build engaging relationships at all levels of the organization as well as with customers
• Analyze complex processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• Able to think strategically and translate concepts into action plans and track results
• Simplify and explain complex topics for the purposes of coaching and training
• Ability to manage challenging situations, make difficult decisions, deliver uncomfortable messages, provide feedback, and present data effectively to customers with professionalism.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines
• Proficient in utilizing advanced logical and mathematic calculations
• Excellent verbal and written English Language communication with employees, customers and third parties at all levels
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively, demonstrating professionalism and tact
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite and other business systems such as Oracle Outsourcing, Electronic Drilling Recorder, and internal Management System, as well as use of smart phones, laptops, and tablets. Able to learn data analytics tools like Qlik, Tableau, PowerBI and perform data analytics
• Physical ability to:
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, twist, or crawl during field visits.
  • Listen for unusual noises that may indicate equipment or machinery issues.
  • Stay alert and focused, including during occasional extended work periods.
  • Maintain spatial awareness to safely navigate environments with moving objects, including overhead machinery, and wear required PPE.
  • Travel regularly to worksites, which may include extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or related field.

• 2 years of experience in working with large data sets and business analytics

• 3 years of experience working in the Drilling Industry supporting drilling rig operations.

• Eligible to drive Company or personal vehicle for Company purposes including ability to meet requirements of Company’s Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

• Hands-on programming experience in Python or C#/Java and different databases

• Experience working in the oilfield service industry with working knowledge of multiple basins within US Land Shale Plays