Senior Drilling Engineer

Senior Drilling Engineer – Aberdeen

Location &

Contract:

3 days per week in office, 2 days per week from home. 9‑month contract inside IR35, PAYE set up only. Oil & Gas sector.

Purpose of Role: The Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing drilling operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective extraction of oil and gas. This role involves developing well plans, selecting appropriate drilling techniques and equipment, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimise performance while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

• Design technically sound and cost‑effective well plans that address historical challenges encountered in nearby wells.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and time forecasts to support budgeting and project planning.
• Ensure all drilling activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal company standards.
• Provide operational support during drilling execution, troubleshoot issues, and optimise performance in real time.
• Ensure activities and behaviour comply with company Ethics and Compliance policies and complete compulsory compliance training.

• Implement safe, efficient and environmentally responsible well designs and operations.
• Conduct detailed offset well reviews to inform well planning and mitigate historical issues.
• Develop comprehensive well designs including optimal casing schemes, shoe placement, directional paths, and mud programmes.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Develop accurate cost estimates with appropriate contingencies and monitor cost performance.
• Manage well projects using the company Well Delivery Process, including risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Provide technical support and operational analysis to offshore teams, especially during critical operations.
• Track and analyse operational performance, ensuring data integrity and continuous improvement.
• Document lessons learned and apply them to future well planning.
• Coordinate with service companies and ensure timely procurement of equipment.
• Maintain effective communication through pre‑spud meetings and regular project updates.
• Mobilise offshore as and when required by business.
• ER Allowance – postholder may be required to join the emergency response rota.

• Relevant Engineering Degree (or equivalent) with strong knowledge of well engineering principles and operations.
• Proven experience in well planning and construction, including casing design, mud programmes, and risk mitigation.
• Strong understanding of full well lifecycle and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Effective decision-making and planning skills, with ability to develop practical solutions under pressure.
• Collaborative mindset, building strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, aligned with company HSEQ policies and values.