Senior Drilling Engineer

Posted 10 Days Ago
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Houston, TX, USA
In-Office
Senior level
Energy • Industrial • Renewable Energy
The Role
Plan and execute complex drilling programs using Managed Pressure Drilling and HTHP methodologies. Provide technical support to rig-site teams, optimize drilling performance, troubleshoot well-control and formation challenges, coordinate MPD service providers, and ensure HSE and regulatory compliance. The role also includes risk assessment, performance analytics, continuous improvement, budgeting, development of operating procedures, and mentoring field personnel.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Us:
The Caturus platform founded by Kimmeridge – an alternative asset manager focused on the energy sector – supports Kimmeridge’s overarching goal of providing low-cost energy on demand with the lowest carbon footprint.
 
Kimmeridge’s vision in creating Caturus is to build the only independent, fully integrated natural gas and LNG export platform in the U.S. through a combination of its upstream operations and via Commonwealth LNG, a 9.5 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas export terminal in southwestern Louisiana on the U.S. Gulf Coast.  The combined entities are committed to delivering responsibly sourced, low-emission fuel to domestic and international markets.
 
Caturus is a Houston-based, private exploration and production company seeking to materially grow production through development of deep, high pressure, dry gas windows of the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk, as well as Haynesville formations located in Texas and Louisiana while maintaining a relentless focus on safety.
 
Commonwealth LNG was founded by industry veterans who decided to re-engineer the LNG construction model. Using proven best practices, Commonwealth is committed to building a world-class LNG export facility while focusing on safety, managing risk and achieving best-in-class environmental standards.

Job Description
Position Summary:
Caturus Energy is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer with expertise in Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and experience in High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) environments. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in planning and executing complex well designs, optimizing drilling performance, and ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
While prior experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk, and Eagle Ford formations is a plus, it is not a requirement. The successful candidate will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including geologists, reservoir engineers, and operations personnel, to deliver high-quality drilling programs in challenging environments.
Key Accountabilities:
Drilling Engineering & Well Design
  • Design, plan, and execute drilling programs with a focus on MPD techniques to optimize wellbore stability and pressure control.
  • Apply HTHP drilling best practices to mitigate downhole risks and ensure well integrity.
  • Evaluate offset well data to improve drilling efficiency and minimize non-productive time (NPT).
  • Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to optimize well trajectories and target intervals.
Operations & Execution
  • Provide real-time technical support to rig-site teams for MPD and conventional drilling operations.
  • Implement and monitor drilling optimization strategies, including ROP (Rate of Penetration) management, bit selection, and drilling fluid optimization.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for drilling dysfunctions, well control events, and formation-related challenges.
  • Coordinate with service providers and vendors to ensure the use of cutting-edge MPD technologies.
Safety, Compliance & Performance Optimization
  • Ensure adherence to HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for complex drilling scenarios.
  • Utilize data analytics and performance tracking tools to drive continuous improvement.
  • Implement lessons learned from previous drilling operations to enhance best practices.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration
  • Mentor and train field team in MPD and HTHP drilling methodologies.
  • Participate in drilling optimization workshops and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Support budgeting and cost estimation for drilling projects to optimize economic performance.


Qualifications
 Education, Certificates, and Licenses:
  •  Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineer, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required.
 Experience:
  •  10+ years of experience as a Drilling Engineer with a strong focus on Managed Pressure Drilling Proven track record in HTHP well operations and experience handling well control challenges Experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk or Eagle Ford a plus
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  •  Proficiency in drilling engineering software (e.g., K&M ERA, WellView, Corva, or similar). 
  • Strong understanding of pressure management techniques, well control, and fluid dynamics. 
  • Knowledge of downhole tools, BHA design, and MPD choke systems. 
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments. 
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams. 
  • Ability to work independently while supporting field operations as needed.

About
The Caturus platform founded by Kimmeridge – an alternative asset manager focused on the energy sector – supports Kimmeridge’s overarching goal of providing low-cost energy on demand with the lowest carbon footprint.Kimmeridge’s vision in creating Caturus is to build the only independent, fully integrated natural gas and LNG export platform in the U.S. through a combination of its upstream operations and via Commonwealth LNG, a 9.5 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas export terminal in southwestern Louisiana on the U.S. Gulf Coast.  The combined entities are committed to delivering responsibly sourced, low-emission fuel to domestic and international markets.Caturus is a Houston-based, private exploration and production company seeking to materially grow production through development of deep, high pressure, dry gas windows of the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk, as well as Haynesville formations located in Texas and Louisiana while maintaining a relentless focus on safety.Commonwealth LNG was founded by industry veterans who decided to re-engineer the LNG construction model. Using proven best practices, Commonwealth is committed to building a world-class LNG export facility while focusing on safety, managing risk and achieving best-in-class environmental standards.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience as a Drilling Engineer
  • Strong experience with Managed Pressure Drilling
  • Proven track record in High-Temperature, High-Pressure well operations
  • Experience handling well-control challenges
  • Proficiency in drilling engineering software such as K&M ERA, WellView, Corva, or similar
  • Strong understanding of pressure management, well control, and fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of downhole tools, BHA design, and MPD choke systems
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities
  • Ability to work independently while supporting field operations
  • Experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk, or Eagle Ford formations
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The Company
92 Employees
Year Founded: 2012

What We Do

Caturus is an integrated natural gas and LNG company based in Houston, Texas. It operates through a 'wellhead-to-water' strategy, combining upstream natural gas production in Texas with downstream LNG export capabilities via its Commonwealth LNG terminal in Louisiana. The company focuses on delivering responsibly sourced, low-emission energy to domestic and international markets, aiming to provide low-cost energy on demand with a minimal carbon footprint.

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