Senior Drilling Engineer
Job Description
KAR OG KH Block DMCC is seeking a qualified and experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join our team in Erbil.
Job Summary:
The Senior Drilling Engineer, reporting to the Chief Drilling Engineer, is responsible for leading the planning, design, and execution of well engineering and drilling programs in line with the KAR Well Delivery Process (WDP) and company engineering standards. Based in the KAR Erbil office with occasional field travel, the role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective well delivery through detailed engineering design, contractor coordination, and operational support.
Key Responsibilities:
Well Design & Planning
- Develop comprehensive drilling programs in line with the KAR Well Delivery Process (WDP).
- Prepare detailed engineering designs including casing, well trajectory, drilling fluids, and cementing programs.
- Generate probabilistic cost estimates and define material requirements.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and engineering standards.
- Provide technical input for tender preparation and participate in contractor evaluation.
Operational Support
- Provide real-time engineering support during well execution.
- Coordinate closely with Subsurface teams to align drilling objectives.
- Liaise with contractors and service providers to ensure safe and high-quality service delivery.
- Maintain and track outstanding actions through the Action Tracker.
- Prepare end-of-well reports and operational summaries.
Performance Monitoring & Improvement
- Monitor drilling performance metrics, including Non-Productive Time (NPT).
- Prepare and analyze time vs. depth charts and operational data.
- Conduct after-action reviews and recommend performance improvements.
- Evaluate and promote the application of new technologies.
- Work with the Cost Controller to track, control, and report drilling costs.
Technical Integrity & Risk Management
- Ensure technical integrity of well designs and execution plans.
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure mitigation measures are implemented and tracked.
- Maintain adherence to well control standards and industry best practices.
Requirements
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelors Degree in Petroleum Engineering, Drilling engineering, mechanical engineering or related field.
- Minimum 7 years experience as SDE with International Operator.
- Good understanding of land rig operation, H2S procedures and fractured carbonate reservoirs.
- Strong understanding of drilling principles, well control and industry best practices.
- Proficiency in engineering software such as Landmark, Oliasoft, Wellview, PLANS and MS Office.
- Excellent communication working with local staff.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple work streams.