Wells Engineer - Expatriates Only

Well Engineer

Line Manager: Well Operations Manager
Location: Port Harcourt - Nigeria

Role Purpose

• The Well Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, and execution support of drilling, completion, and well intervention operations. The role ensures wells are delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget while meeting all technical and regulatory requirements.
• This position plays a critical role in optimizing well design, minimizing operational risks, and ensuring effective coordination between drilling, subsurface, and service teams.

Well Planning & Design

• Develop detailed well programs covering drilling, casing, cementing, and completion designs.
• Design well trajectories, casing schemes, and mud programs.
• Prepare technical calculations including hydraulics, torque & drag, and pressure analysis.
• Ensure well design aligns with reservoir and production objectives.

Drilling & Operations Support

• Provide real-time engineering support during drilling operations.
• Monitor well performance and recommend optimization measures.
• Troubleshoot drilling challenges such as stuck pipe, kicks, and losses.
• Ensure adherence to the approved well program.

Well Integrity & Safety

• Ensure all operations comply with well integrity standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in risk assessments (HAZID, HAZOP, JSA) and mitigation planning.
• Monitor well control parameters and support incident response when required.

Cost Control & Performance Optimization

• Prepare cost estimates (AFE – Authorization for Expenditure).
• Track well costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Optimize drilling performance to reduce non-productive time (NPT).

Technical Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze drilling data and generate daily, weekly, and end-of-well reports.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate technical records and documentation.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, mud engineers, and drilling contractors.
• Coordinate with service providers.
• Ensure alignment between engineering design and field execution.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Support audits and regulatory reporting requirements.

Knowledge / Skill Requirements

• Strong knowledge of drilling engineering, well design, and well operations.
• Understanding of well control principles and pressure management.
• Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, and completion techniques.
• Proficiency in engineering software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in field environments.
• Good communication and reporting skills.

Professional Qualifications

• Experience with major and International E&P Oil and Gas companies.
• Bachelor degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum +5 years experience in well engineering or drilling operations.
• Valid Well Control Certification (IWCF or IADC) required.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies is an advantage.
• Experience in onshore/offshore drilling projects.
• Proven involvement in well planning and execution.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.