Consulting Drilling Engineer-Onshore Well Delivery

Written By Fearnley Recruitment

About the Company

Fearnley Group is committed to the growth and development of our people through continuous training and support. We share this vision with every member of our team, promoting a culture built on respect, loyalty, commitment, responsibility, integrity, and honesty.

With the dedication of our personnel, we aim to establish a presence in every key oil field centre worldwide, delivering local solutions that reduce non-productive time from Drilling and Well Completion Equipment Failures and maximize operational efficiency.

Engagement Type:

Contract / Consultancy Basis
(On-call or project-based, with defined deliverables)

Location:

Flexible / Remote with site visits as required, North England (UK)

Reports To:

Well Delivery Manager / Director of Operations

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Drilling Engineer to lead the technical planning and operational execution of onshore oil & gas wells drilling and intervention works. The consultant will provide expert-level engineering input, regulatory support, and operational oversight from concept to close-out, ensuring well integrity, cost control, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Well Planning

  • Lead front-end engineering design (FEED), including trajectory optimization, casing design, and drilling fluid programs.

  • Perform offset well analysis, pore pressure/fracture gradient assessments, and risk register development.

  • Define and document well objectives, basis of design, and success criteria.

2. Regulatory & Assurance

  • Provide technical input for permit applications and regulatory submissions (e.g., PON15, PON14a, WONS).

  • Support regulatory compliance reviews, bridging documents, and HSE case updates.

3. Costing & AFE

  • Generate detailed time & cost estimates; support AFE compilation and partner engagement.

  • Advise on cost-effective engineering options and contingency strategies.

4. Procurement & Technical Specification

  • Develop technical scopes for key contracts (directional drilling, cementing, mud, etc.).

  • Review tender submissions and support technical clarifications during contract award.

5. Execution Support

  • Review and approve drilling programs and rig look-ahead plans.

  • Participate in DWOPs, HAZIDs, and pre-spud meetings.

  • Provide remote or site-based engineering support during critical well operations (e.g., casing runs, well control, sidetracks).

6. Post-Well Closeout

  • Lead preparation of end-of-well reports and lessons learned sessions.

  • Assist in regulatory reporting and handover to completions or abandonment teams.

Required Qualifications & Certifications:

  • BSc/MSc in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

  • IWCF Well Control Level 4 (Drilling Supervisor level), in-date.

  • Chartership or recognized professional affiliation (e.g., SPE, ICE) preferred.

Required Experience:

  • Minimum 10–15 years in drilling engineering, with demonstrable experience leading onshore well delivery.

  • Experience in low-pressure, low-temperature wells, workovers, and sidetracks highly desirable.

  • Strong familiarity with UK onshore operations and regulatory frameworks.

Technical Skills:

  • Proficient in industry-standard software (e.g., Landmark, WellPlan, EDM, Drillbench).

  • Strong grasp of well integrity, casing stress analysis, and hydraulics modeling.

  • Capable of writing or reviewing detailed well designs, programs, and technical documents.

Personal Attributes:

  • Self-driven and capable of working autonomously with minimal supervision.

  • Strong communicator with the ability to influence decisions across multi-disciplinary teams and JV partners.

  • Committed to safety, performance, and continuous improvement.

 



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