PPFG & Geomechanics Specialist

Job Overview

Position:
Pore Pressure / Geomechanics Specialist.

Location:

Houston, Texas – hybrid office and remote work.

Supports the Western Hemisphere Pore Pressure and Geomechanics teams in defining, executing, and analyzing well planning across bp’s brownfield and greenfield developments in the Gulf of America.

• Integrate seismic velocity pressure analysis, offset well data, measured pressures, connection gases, log‑derived shale pressures, basin models, mini‑frac/leak‑off tests, lost circulation events, reservoir depletion impacts, and lithology variations to generate pre‑drill PPFG forecasts.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize drilling fluid type and weight, casing string design, casing setting depths, and geo‑hazard mitigation strategies.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, and mitigation plans to drilling teams, operations teams, leadership, co‑owners, and regulators.

• Provide operational support for pore pressure detection on complex development and exploration wells.
• Collaborate with the Remote Operations Center on real‑time model calibration, kick analysis, gas and breathing analysis, loss investigations, and formation integrity test interpretation.
• Update PPFG models during drilling operations and recommend mud weight adjustments, drilling strategy modifications, and potential pressure point locations.

• Develop wellbore strengthening models and implementation plans for drilling through depleted reservoirs.
• Contribute to wellbore stability models and minimum mud weight recommendations.
• Analyze and integrate data from log data, drilling data, cavings analysis, image logs, and caliper logs.

• Support reservoir design and operating limits, broaching analyses, zonal isolation assessments, alternate well designs, and abandonment deviation/risk assessments.
• Participate in risk assessments related to PPFG, zonal isolation, and broaching risks.
• Analyze subsurface‑related non‑productive time and support development of PPFG and Geomechanics toolkits.
• Represent bp externally at industry meetings and JIPs.

• University degree in Engineering, Science, Geoscience, Geomechanics, Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• Relevant oilfield experience in drilling PPFG/geomechanics with an operator or service company.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse collaborators.
• Ability to work optimally across multidisciplinary teams and competing priorities.
• Familiarity with PPFG, geomechanics, drilling operations, and subsurface well‑planning execution aspects.

• Previous PPFG experience with an operator, preferably in deepwater Gulf of America wells.
• Experience in wellbore stability, formation pressure integrity testing, and reservoir geomechanics.
• Strong geology and geophysics background with experience generating pre‑drill PPFG forecasts for offshore development and exploration wells.
• Awareness of petrophysics, basin modeling, processing geophysics, reservoir geomechanics, drilling engineering, rig systems, and well control.
• Software and coding proficiency in VBA, Python, Techlog, and Petrel.

Up to 10% travel is expected. The role is hybrid of office and remote work. Relocation assistance is not available.

We offer flexible working options, generous paid parental leave, and excellent retirement benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, religion, colour, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status.

Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment or accommodation related to our recruiting process. Please contact us if you would like to request an adjustment or accommodation. If selected for a position, employment may be contingent upon local policy requirements, including pre‑placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness, and background checks.