Deepwater Drilling Enigneer

Start date Q2 2026

Duration 12 months renewable

Location Lagos, Nigeria

Work pattern 4×4

The Lead Drilling Engineer will provide technical expertise to firm up the well design and the operational sequence for a 6-well subsea development in Nigeria.

The service holder will review the existing well design, liaise with the service and drilling contractors to prepare fit-for-purpose equipment and procedures, and coordinate with the engineering and operational teams to ensure optimized operations workflow.

Activities

Pre-Operational Phase

Engineering

• Review well design to optimize architecture based on local geological environment
• Optimize well trajectory to reduce operational exposure and maximize reservoir recovery
• Recommend new technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce cost and carbon footprint
• Ensure that drilling referential is respected throughout engineering phase; prepare derogations and mitigations as needed

Operational Readiness

• Select fit-for-purpose rig equipment
• Ensure readiness and reliability of subsea Well Control Equipment
• Review BHA plans based on expected formations and data acquisition objectives
• Follow-up service company mobilization and readiness
• Develop and coordinate rig specialization roadmap

Workflow Optimization

• Improve rig automation workflows in conjunction with service partners
• Integrate Horizon56 or equivalent for real-time engineering-to-operations performance tracking

During Operations

HSE

• Maintain permanent focus on Major Risks: especially well control
• Ensure full compliance with Company safety policies and referential

Execution Follow-Up

• Control and participate in safe and efficient implementation of the drilling and completion programs
• Capture lessons learnt and integrate into continuous well design improvement
• Optimize well architecture using real-time geological derisking
• Coordinate closely with logistics to avoid NPT and ensure operational continuity
• Prepare for and support audits related to rig contract and service company performance

Performance Management

• Monitor real-time well performance and KPIs
• Conduct operational synthesis and performance reviews
• Launch and coordinate ad-hoc studies with HQ or third-party experts
• Propose and evaluate technological innovations for field development

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Minimum 20 years’ experience in Drilling Engineering and Operations
• Previous technical management roles in deepwater development projects
• Strong experience with geological and operational challenges in Western Africa
• Familiarity with logistics and marine constraints of Caribbean/Suriname context
• Experience in HPHT and Narrow Margin Wellbore Window (NMWW) drilling
• Highly motivated, pragmatic, and solutions-driven
• Strong leadership and ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent in English; French is a plus