Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Directional Driller (DDX) with strong technical knowledge of directional drilling, Measurement While Drilling (MWD), and Logging While Drilling (LWD) operations. The candidate will be responsible for well planning, BHA design, directional drilling execution, MWD tool operations, and delivering accurate drilling data and reports.
The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in onshore and offshore drilling operations, equipment handling, well-site coordination, and troubleshooting directional drilling tools while ensuring safe and efficient operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, review, and validate well plans and directional drilling profiles using appropriate drilling software.
- Plan and design Bottom Hole Assemblies (BHAs), including rotary and motor BHAs, with hydraulic and torque-and-drag (T&D) calculations.
- Select, operate, and troubleshoot drilling motors, drill bits, and drilling jars based on well requirements.
- Perform directional drilling operations, including sidetracking activities.
- Use MWD and gyro survey systems to monitor and maintain well trajectory accuracy.
- Oversee MWD pre-job planning, equipment preparation, rig-up, rig-down, and mobilization activities.
- Ensure all BHA components and required equipment are available at the rig site as per the approved drilling programme.
- Prepare equipment lists and fishing diagrams for all BHA components.
- Prepare, review, and quality-check daily drilling reports for submission to the Company Representative and office.
- Monitor drilling progress and prepare accurate directional drilling reports.
- Minimize Non-Productive Time (NPT) caused by directional drilling tool failures through effective equipment monitoring and troubleshooting.
- Coordinate closely with the Company Representative, Wellsite Drilling Engineer, rig crew, and other operational teams.
- Ensure MWD and LWD logs, digital data, and technical reports are delivered accurately and within agreed timelines.
- Generate and deliver LWD logs at the well site as required.
- Assist technicians with the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of MWD, LWD, and directional drilling tools.
- Maintain accurate and updated records of MWD equipment, unit inventory, and operational supplies at the rig site.
- Participate in post-job debriefings and prepare MWD End-of-Well Reports and final data packages.
- Ensure final job documentation and data archives comply with client requirements and local workflows.
- Participate in technical knowledge-sharing activities and support the Cell Manager and MWD Lead Engineer.
- Support online drilling monitoring and maintain effective communication with the operations team.
Technical Knowledge and Experience
The candidate should have sound knowledge and practical exposure to the following:
Drilling Equipment and Rig Systems
- Draw-works, weight indicators, top drives, travelling blocks, Kelly systems, swivels, drilling motors, engines, generators, mud pumps, compressors, and solids control equipment.
- Different types of Blowout Preventers (BOPs), including annular and ram-type preventers.
- BOP stack configurations for 2CP, 3CP, and 4CP wells, choke and kill manifolds, and BOP control units.
- Handling tools such as elevators, slips, hydraulic and mechanical tongs, spinners, and derrick floor winches.
Drill String and BHA Components
- Drill pipes, drill collars, heavyweight drill pipes, tubing, stabilizers, and crossovers.
- Drill string configurations and rotary BHAs.
- BHA design, selection, and operational requirements.
Directional Drilling and MWD/LWD Operations
- Directional well design and planning of well profiles.
- Drilling motor operations and troubleshooting.
- MWD and gyro surveying techniques.
- MWD/LWD tool operations, preparation, and maintenance.
- Drilling bit selection and applications.
- Drilling jar operations and sidetracking techniques.
- MWD rig-up and rig-down procedures.
- LWD log generation, data delivery, and reporting.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Engineering Degree: Minimum 3 years of experience in Directional Drilling (DD) and 2 years of experience in MWD operations.
- Engineering Diploma: Minimum 4 years of experience in Directional Drilling (DD) and 3 years of experience in MWD operations.
- Previous work experience with at least one of the major oilfield service companies: SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, or Weatherford.
- Practical experience in both onshore and offshore drilling operations.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
- Good understanding of Stop Cards, Permit to Work (PTW), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety, H2S awareness, and Emergency Response Plans (ERP).
- Ability to participate in pre-job meetings, daily crew change meetings, and weekly rig-site safety meetings.
- Good communication and coordination skills, with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with Company Representatives and rig personnel.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English effectively.
- Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making abilities.
- Commitment to safety procedures, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
