Senior Well (P&A) Engineer

Responsible for all aspects of design, planning, execution and post well review of well abandonment operations.

Associated responsibilities: -

• Provides input to well construction, workover and abandonment studies, reviews and design projects.
• Provides engineering support to well operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:  Technical Leadership

• Directs the design of the well P&A operations, checking and confirming the validity of engineering calculations and assumptions.

• Leads the well planning process in accordance with a Well Delivery Process (e.g. Terra or a Client specific delivery process).

• Manages well engineering and design activities to prepare plans that ensure P&A operations are delivered safely on time, within budget, and in line with objectives.

• Works closely with the Abandonment Superintendent / Project Manager to ensure that the P&A design and programmes meet operational and regulatory objectives.

• Interfaces effectively with other teams (e.g. subsurface, projects, supply chain, finance) to ensure safe and efficient project execution.

Well Abandonment Planning

• Develop comprehensive well abandonment plans, considering factors such as well integrity, reservoir characteristics, environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and safety protocols.
• Analyse and interpret data to make informed decisions regarding abandonment strategies. Regulatory Compliance.
• Stay up to date with local, regional, and international regulations related to well abandonment. 
• Ensure all abandonment operations meet legal and regulatory standards, obtaining necessary permits and approvals as required.

Risk Management

• Ensures projects are planned in full compliance with corporate policies, standards, procedures, guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Ensures well verification procedures are followed for all phases of P&A activities.
• Ensures detailed risk assessments are prepared for planned operations and that risks are managed and mitigated appropriately.
• Captures and closes out lessons learnt, including the analysis of non-productive time (NPT) events.

Contractor Management

• Prepares and evaluates tenders; acts as Technical Sponsor for selected contracts.
• Works with the Abandonment Superintendent / Project Manager to provide technical input during pre-qualification and tender evaluations to ensure that contractor and supplier selection aligns with company standards and technical requirements.
• Supports the contractor management process by developing positive relationships with contractors and suppliers and by ensuring performance delivery against KPIs and scorecards.

Technical Analysis

• Responsible for the preparation of well cost estimates (AFEs) for future budgets and current operations, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the data
• Continuously monitors daily operational time and cost, providing regular reporting, forecasting, benchmarking, and performance analysis
• Appraises new technology and products to assess their potential to improve operational safety and performance

Project Execution

• Plans and schedules the supply of materials and services for each P&A operation.
• Prepares rig-based and rig-less activity programmes.
• Ensures all required consents and legislative requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Prepares time and cost documentation for each project phase.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepares and submits End of Well Reports in a timely manner.
• Maintains accurate operational reporting and ensures cost and performance data is captured throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Continuous Improvement

• Reviews and proposes modifications to wells standards and guidelines to improve safety and performance.
• Appraises new technology and products in response to operational challenges and industry developments.
• Implements lessons learnt and applies insights across the well delivery process to enhance future performance.

Training & Mentoring

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical training to junior engineers and team members. Foster a culture of learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

Person Specification:  Knowledge & Qualifications: 

• BSc / BEng or equivalent technical degree in an engineering, technology or science discipline.

• IWCF Level 4 (Or Equiv.).

• Offshore medical, survival.

Skills:

• Knowledge of industry standards and guidelines.

• Knowledge of the decommissioning work breakdown structure and the role of wells.

• Breadth of technical experience across a range of well disciplines – drilling, completions, interventions, integrity, production and subsurface.

• Competent in using a Well Delivery Process.

• Capable of mentoring and training staff engineers.

• Capable of working independently and as part of a team.

Experience: 

• Previous experience in the Energy Industry. 
• Previous experience with an Operator or Well Management Company in a Well Engineering role.