The MPD Engineer I supports Managed Pressure Drilling operations by applying foundational engineering, data review, reporting, troubleshooting, and operational coordination skills. This role works under the guidance of senior MPD engineers to help ensure safe, compliant, and efficient MPD operations while building proficiency in MPD technologies, hydraulic modeling, well control principles, and field support processes.
ResponsibilitiesMPD Operational Support & Rig Performance Monitoring
Primary Skills: MPD Operations • RigCLOUD Data Review • KPI Reporting • Field Team Communication
Assist with daily review of assigned MPD rig operations, including review of RigCLOUD data, tour sheets, and operational activity logs.
Track utilization, basic performance indicators, and operational deliverables; escalate data gaps, anomalies, or potential issues to more senior engineers.
Maintain regular communication with field engineers, field representatives, and supervisors to support timely and accurate reporting.
Support preparation and distribution of technical reports, operational documentation, and end-of-well inputs.
Engineering Analysis, Modeling & Procedures
Primary Skills: Hydraulic Modeling • Engineering Calculations • Well Control Fundamentals • Technical Documentation
Perform basic engineering calculations, hydraulic modeling inputs, and simulations to support MPD operations under supervision.
Assist with development of flow modeling, Basis of Design support materials, tripping surge/swab calculations, rollovers, cementing plans, and IMM inputs as assigned.
Help update procedures and modeling outputs as operations change, ensuring changes are reviewed by appropriate senior engineering personnel.
Build practical competency in MPD software and drilling simulation tools such as SafeVision, Leidar Plan, Drillbench, or similar applications.
Troubleshooting, HSE & Continuous Improvement
Primary Skills: Problem Identification • HSE Compliance • Lessons Learned • Continuous Improvement
Support remote troubleshooting by gathering relevant operating data, summarizing issue history, and coordinating with field teams on next steps.
Assist in determining potential contributing factors for downhole or equipment-related issues, including fracture gradient, kick zones, controls issues, and rig equipment concerns.
Document lessons learned, improvement ideas, and recurring issues for review by senior engineers and operations leadership.
Maintain personal compliance with Nabors HSE training and demonstrate familiarity with Nabors safety tools, Stop Work Authority, and rules to live by.
Operational Coordination & Financial Support
Primary Skills: Cost Tracking • Work Order Support • Inventory Coordination • Personnel Scheduling Support
Assist with day-to-day cost tracking, daily cost reporting, DIR support, and documentation needed for MPD invoicing.
Help ensure consumable charges, work orders, project numbers, and time capture documentation are complete and accurate.
Support inventory tracking and equipment readiness activities for assigned MPD operations.
Assist MPD Project Managers and senior engineers with coordination of personnel deployment and schedule updates.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent technical certification and relevant field experience may be considered.
0–2+ years of experience in drilling, MPD, well control, field engineering, or related oilfield operations.
Foundational understanding of drilling engineering, well control principles, MPD concepts, and rig operations.
Ability to learn and apply hydraulic modeling, well control analysis, drilling simulation tools, and MPD planning processes.
Strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to support operational needs during extended or irregular hours, including nights or weekends, when required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Prior internship, field exposure, or junior engineering experience in Managed Pressure Drilling, drilling engineering, or rig operations.
Exposure to SafeVision, Leidar Plan, Drillbench, or similar hydraulic modeling and drilling simulation software.
Experience reviewing operational data, tour sheets, daily drilling reports, or KPI reports.
Basic understanding of HSE compliance expectations in drilling or field operations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent technical certification and relevant field experience may be considered.
- 0-2+ years of experience in drilling, Managed Pressure Drilling, well control, field engineering, or related oilfield operations.
- Foundational understanding of drilling engineering, well control principles, MPD concepts, and rig operations.
- Ability to learn and apply hydraulic modeling, well control analysis, drilling simulation tools, and MPD planning processes.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to support extended or irregular hours, including nights or weekends, when required.
- Prior internship, field exposure, or junior engineering experience in MPD, drilling engineering, or rig operations.
- Exposure to SafeVision, Leidar Plan, Drillbench, or similar hydraulic modeling and drilling simulation software.
- Experience reviewing operational data, tour sheets, daily drilling reports, or KPI reports.
- Basic understanding of HSE compliance expectations in drilling or field operations.
What We Do
Nabors Industries is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in approximately 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible energy production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world. Nabors owns and operates one of the world’s largest land-based drilling rig fleet and is a provider of offshore drilling rigs in the United States and multiple international markets. Nabors also provides directional drilling services, performance tools and innovative technologies for its own rig fleet and those of third parties. Utilizing its advanced drilling automation capabilities, Nabors’ highly skilled workforce continues to set new standards for operational excellence and transform our industry.
