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Sr. Drilling Engineer

Location: 

Reno, NV, US, 89511

Position Summary

This position is responsible for leading the planning, design, and coordination of safe, efficient drilling and workover operations. It is a lifecycle well engineering role supporting drilling activities across the Concept Select, Define, and Delivery stages of Ormat’s Well Delivery Process, with occasional support for workover operations.

 

Responsibilities include ownership of engineering design and operational program development and execution; coordination of regulatory approvals; management of well costs and budgets; and continuous improvement of well engineering standards, policies, and procedures. The role is accountable for managing technical and operational risks, supporting real-time execution, and ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams.

 

 

 

Essential Functions
  • Lead collaboration across project teams including subsurface, drilling operations, procurement, and permitting to ensure aligned well delivery.
  • Prepare and own detailed well programs, engineering designs, and execution strategies.
  • Perform and validate engineering analysis (hydraulics, torque & drag, casing design, cementing, etc.) ensuring technical integrity.
  • Identify, quantify, and manage well risks; develop contingency plans and decision frameworks for critical operations.
  • Establish goals, schedules, and performance targets for drilling activities and ensure delivery against plan.
  • Provide real-time engineering support during drilling operations, including optimization and structured problem-solving.
  • Own drilling budgets, cost forecasting, and expenditure control; approve invoices and manage financial performance.
  • Lead post-well reviews, identify performance gaps, and implement lessons learned into future designs and standards.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve drilling standards, best practices, and engineering guidelines.
  • Act as contract holder for multiple service lines; define scopes of work, KPIs, and drive vendor performance.
  • Evaluate and implement new drilling technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and outcomes.
  • Ensure full compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements; support permitting strategy as needed.
  • Leverage and improve digital tools and systems (e.g., RimBase, Corva, Landmark, dashboards) to enhance planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to development of team capability and culture.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts, risks, and recommendations clearly to management and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrates full ownership of well engineering scope from planning through execution and handover.
  • Proactively manages uncertainty and drives high-quality decision-making.
  • Delivers wells safely, on schedule, and within budget while optimizing performance.
  • Acts as a technical leader and trusted partner across disciplines.
  • Continuously improves systems, processes, and team capability.
  • Other duties assigned by management.

 

 

Education, Experience, and Skills Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
  • Minimum 10  years of relevant drilling engineering experience, with demonstrated ownership of well planning and execution.
  • Experience supporting full well lifecycle activities across planning, design, and execution phases (Concept Select, Define, Delivery).
  • Strong understanding of drilling engineering fundamentals, including well design, hydraulics, torque & drag, casing, and cementing.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and manage operational and technical risks.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional coordination and deliver well programs safely, on schedule, and within budget.
  • Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a sense of ownership and urgency.
  • Ability to support real-time operations and provide structured troubleshooting and decision-making during critical activities.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical information, risks, and recommendations to peers and management.
  • Proficiency in standard business software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn and apply drilling engineering tools and systems (e.g., RimBase).
  • Experience with industry drilling software (e.g., Landmark WellPlan, WellCAT) is a plus.
  • Well Control certification (IWCF or IADC) preferred.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with periods of high operational intensity.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including occasional weekend and holiday support.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to ORMAT’s Safe Driving policy.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English to safely and efficiently perform job duties.

 

 

 

 

Physical Requirements
  • The ability to navigate and work in remote field locations and work outdoors in difficult weather conditions.
  • The ability to walk, hike and work on steep, rough terrain for extended periods of time on occasion.
  • Must be able to work in plant/drilling operating areas including exposure to noise, vibrations, heat and cold.
  • Must be able to wear any required protective equipment, as required by safety procedures and regulations.

 

 

 

 


Nearest Major Market: Reno
Nearest Secondary Market: Tahoe

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