Drilling Superintendent

The Drilling Superintendent will support drilling, completion, and workover operations across Vaalco’s portfolio of assets, primarily in offshore Africa. This position will be responsible for planning and implementation of well operations with both surface and subsea wellhead systems. They will also monitor and advise on well operations being conducted by other companies in situations where Vaalco is non-operating partner.

The Drilling Superintendent will provide strong leadership to a team, both contract and company personnel, that are located across the globe. In addition to strong leadership, the superintendent may be hands‑on when required, including physically being present in remote locations, acting as relief in some situations.

• Provide operational support and leadership for all phases of well drilling / completion / workover / abandonment activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost‑effective execution.
• Oversee offshore drilling operations using deepwater floaters, jack‑up rigs, and platform‑based systems, along with land‑based well campaigns and possible use of Hydraulic Workover units.
• Develop and execute well plans in collaboration with engineering, subsurface, and HSE teams.
• Supervise contractor / performance, ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and environmental standards.
• Coordinate with logistics and supply chain to ensure timely availability of materials and equipment.
• Support the preparation and approval of AFEs and end‑of‑well reports.
• Able to review, provide input, and approve financial / commercial documents.
• Be the primary operations interface for JV partners and local regulatory bodies, including in‑country visits, audits and government / partner meetings.
• Champion a strong HSE culture by engaging with contractors / service companies, leading risk assessments, coaching HSE Rig Advisors, and leading incident investigations as needed.
• Mentor and develop junior drilling engineers, drilling supervisors, and other members of the drilling team.
• Assist in the preparation, evaluation, and negotiation of commercial bids and tenders.
• Foster delivery of well‑projects using healthy and robust processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in drilling performance by identifying implementing lessons learned / best practices for NPT reduction and optimization of cost tracking and controls.
• Additional tasks as assigned by business / management.

• Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in the Oil & Gas industry with a focus of well engineering and operations while working for an Operating company.
• At least 5 years in a well superintendent or similar leadership role.
• Knowledgeable of H2S, NORM, and other relevant HSE conditions which may be encountered during well operations.
• Certified in Well Control (IWCF or IADC), HUET, Emergency Response / ICS, and other areas associated with supervision and management of offshore well operations.

• Demonstrated operational experience with various rigs and MODUS:
• Jack‑ups
• Deepwater floaters (Drillships and/or Semi submersibles)
• Platform‑based offshore drilling and workover systems
• Land rigs (nice to have)
• Knowledge of Open hole Gravel Pack operations
• Knowledge of Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) equipment and installation
• Background in international operations, with preference for West Africa experience.
• Effective leadership and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong interpersonal communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• High commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
• Must be able to conduct international and domestic travel up to approximately 40% of the time, depending on business needs.

Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks and duties as outlined above. Able to make short visits to offshore rigs and other sites / facilities away from the office environment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Founded in 1985, Vaalco Energy is a Texas‑based leading African‑focused oil & gas operating company with a strong production and reserve base and a diverse portfolio of assets Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Canada. Through operational excellence, sustainable practices and a deep understanding of the regions we operate in, we strive to maximize shareholder value and deliver positive impact for our wider stakeholders.