Directional Driller/ MWD Engineer (Oil & Gas)

Job Description: The Directional Driller is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing directional wellbore trajectories for conventional oil and gas operations.

• This role uses directional drilling tools and measurement systems to deliver the planned well path safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable procedures.
• The Directional Driller works closely with the rig team, drilling engineers, geologists, and service providers to ensure high-quality execution, minimize non-productive time, and maintain wellbore integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review well plans, geological targets, and directional programs; validate feasibility and risk areas.
• Prepare directional drilling plans including BHA recommendations, tool selection, and trajectory control approach.
• Provide real-time directional control and guidance (slide/rotate strategy), ensuring the wellbore stays within planned tolerances.
• Interpret MWD surveys, inclination/azimuth data, toolface orientation, and drilling parameters to steer the well.
• Monitor drilling performance indicators (ROP, torque/drag, ECD trends) and recommend adjustments to improve efficiency.
• Communicate clearly with the driller, company representative, and third-party personnel during critical operations (kickoff, build/turn, landing, and horizontal/hold sections if applicable).
• Maintain accurate reporting: surveys, daily drilling summaries, BHA performance notes, and lessons learned.
• Troubleshoot downhole tool issues and coordinate corrective actions (tool checks, motor performance, survey quality, telemetry problems).
• Support wellbore quality practices (anti-collision checks, survey management, tortuosity control, hole cleaning awareness).
• Participate in pre-job planning, risk assessments, and post-job reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational standards; stop work and escalate when unsafe conditions exist.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or equivalent field experience preferred.
• Proven field experience in conventional drilling operations (vertical, deviated, and/or S-curve wells).
• Working knowledge of directional drilling fundamentals: trajectory design concepts, toolface control, motor/RSS basics, survey calculations, and anti-collision principles.
• Exposure to RSS operations, complex wells, or performance drilling environments.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and rig processes (tripping, connections, mud system basics, hydraulics awareness, stuck pipe prevention).
• Ability to read and interpret drilling programs, well schematics, and survey data.
• Proficiency with standard DD reporting and planning software/tools (as applicable to the employer).

Preferred Qualifications:

• DD certification (e.g., recognized industry DD training/certification) and/or MWD familiarity.
• Experience with conventional land operations, pad drilling, and multi-well batch execution.
• Strong data discipline and ability to deliver clear, concise operational communications.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Safety-first mindset and strong operational risk awareness
• Decision-making under time pressure and changing downhole conditions
• Analytical troubleshooting and performance optimization
• Clear communication with rig crews and cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong documentation and shift handover quality
• Team-oriented, customer-focused execution

Working Conditions:

• Field-based role with rotational schedule (days/nights) as required.
• Work performed on drilling rigs and/or remote operations centers depending on the operation.
• Must be able to work in demanding environments, including outdoor conditions, noise, and exposure to drilling operations.

Performance Measures (Examples)

• Trajectory delivery within target and tolerance (plan vs actual)
• NPT reduction and avoidance of directional-related downtime
• Survey quality, reporting accuracy, and operational communication effectiveness
• Safety performance and procedural compliance 

Candidate Profile:

Hiring manager's top priorities:

• Strong conventional drilling experience.
• Ability to calculate and project curves.
• Anti-collision understanding.
• Ability to respond effectively to operational situations and troubleshoot in real time.

Directional Drilling Experience:

• Hiring manager prefers candidates with at least 1 year of directional drilling experience, but years of experience are less important than demonstrated competency and operational knowledge.
• Technical ability will be heavily evaluated during the interview process.
• Candidates should be able to:
• • Read directional plots and well trajectories.
  • Interpret survey data.
  • Understand anti-collision concepts.
  • Understand slide calculations and well planning fundamentals.

Schedule / Work Environment:

• Typical rotation is 20 days on / 10 days off.
• Schedule may vary based on customer activity and rig assignments.
• Initial assignments will likely be on night shift until candidate demonstrates competency with clients' standards and operating procedures.
• Day shift assignments generally require greater customer interaction and communication with drilling engineers and office personnel.

Work Location / Travel / Expenses:

• Candidates do not need to reside in Midland, TX. Midland location serves as home/base office only. Actual work performed at customer rig locations across operational regions.
• Company will provide:
• • Flight accommodations when applicable.
  • Mileage reimbursement for approved personal vehicle travel.
  • $45/day per diem.
  • Hotel accommodations when required.