Drilling Operations & Performance Engineer II/III

Support Nabors Drilling Solutions (NDS) product lines by helping customers realize the full value of Performance Drilling technologies. You’ll work closely with customers, drilling and remote operations, training teams, and technical support to understand operational challenges and connect technology performance to results in the field. The Drilling Operations & Performance Engineer improves drilling performance across assigned rigs by analyzing operational data and working with customers, rig teams, and internal partners to turn findings into measurable improvements. The work spans well planning, drilling execution, performance reporting, and technology deployment.

In this role, your analysis can influence decisions in the field and contribute to measurable customer and operational outcomes. You’ll partner directly with customers and rig teams, collaborate across technical and product groups, and bring field insights into technology improvements. Depending on level, you can grow your impact from owning performance work for assigned rigs to leading complex, cross-rig initiatives and mentoring other engineers.

Required

- Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in drilling performance, drilling operations, well planning, or a related engineering role.
- Working knowledge of drilling operations, rig equipment, control systems, and downhole practices.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze operational data, identify performance opportunities, and communicate technical findings clearly.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with Power BI, Spotfire, or comparable analytics and visualization tools.
- Ability to work effectively with customers, field teams, and cross-functional partners while managing multiple priorities.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including to rig sites, and follow site-specific safety requirements.

Preferred

- Experience in land drilling, directional drilling, well planning, field operations, or remote operations.
- Familiarity with well-planning software, flat-time analysis, or drilling performance KPIs.
- Experience with SQL, Python, or comparable tools for analysis, automation, or data modeling.
- Experience with drilling mechanics, automatic drillers, directional automation, or related technologies.
- Experience supporting field trials, technology deployments, or product improvement efforts.
- English and Spanish communication skills.

Leveling Guide

Candidates may be considered at Level II or Level III based on demonstrated capability, independence, and scope of responsibility. Years of experience are a guide; they do not determine level on their own.

Level II — 2–5 years of relevant experience

- Independently manages routine and moderately complex performance work for assigned rigs.
- Analyzes performance, prepares customer-ready reporting, and coordinates practical improvement actions.
- Resolves issues within delegated authority and escalates complex or higher-risk matters appropriately.
- Contributes to process improvements, field feedback, and peer support.

Level III — 5+ years of relevant experience

- Leads complex, high-impact, or cross-rig performance work and sets the analytical approach for difficult problems.
- Establishes or improves data, KPI, planning, and reporting standards across assigned rigs or accounts.
- Serves as a technical escalation point and trusted advisor to customer and internal leadership.
- Leads cross-functional improvement and technology initiatives, influences product priorities with field evidence, and mentors other engineers.

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