Drilling Operations Engineer

Strathcona Resources Ltd. (“Strathcona”) is a Calgary, Alberta based oil and gas production and development company focused on maximizing oil and gas recovery from its low decline, high free cash flow oil and gas resource base. Strathcona's operations, infrastructure and land position are focused in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Strathcona is always looking for people focused on growth, both personal and professional. Those who love a challenge and get excited at the prospect of collaborating with talented people to continuously improve and innovate on tasks both large and small.

We are actively seeking an experienced Drilling Operations Engineer to join our team in Calgary reporting to the Drilling Superintendent. The Drilling Operations Engineer plays a dual role, integrating the technical planning expertise of a Drilling Engineer with the oversight responsibilities of a Drilling Superintendent. This position is primarily office-based and is critical to ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of wells in Lloydminster’s heavy oil fields. The role involves managing field supervisors and drilling activities remotely from the office, providing strategic direction and operational support.

The Successful Candidate Will:

- Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and production teams to align well objectives.

- Design and optimize drilling programs, including but not limited to trajectory and casing design, mud systems, and bit/BHA selection.

- Prepare detailed execution plans, generate and monitor KPIs, AFEs, and risk assessments.

- Conduct post-well reviews and lessons learned sessions to improve future operations.

- Track performance metrics and identify cost-saving opportunities.

- Provide oversight and guidance to field supervisors from the office, ensuring alignment with drilling objectives.

- Review daily rig reports and conduct morning calls with field teams to monitor progress.

- Troubleshoot operational issues and provide engineering and operational support remotely.

- Ensure adherence to the drilling program and company standards.

- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE policies and regulatory requirements.

- Coordinate wellsite inspections through field supervisors and review safety meeting outcomes.

- Support emergency response planning and readiness.

- Monitor daily expenditures and ensure operations remain within budget.

- Coordinate logistics and equipment planning with field teams and vendors.

- Liaise with drilling contractors, service providers, and regulatory bodies.

- Manage contractor performance and ensure alignment with safety and quality standards.

- Maintain effective communication between field and office teams.

Qualifications Include:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and APEGA (and/or APEGS) member in good standing.

- 7+ years of experience in drilling engineering and/or field supervision. Previous superintendent experience is mandatory.

- Strong understanding of heavy oil drilling techniques and Lloydminster-area geology.

- Proficiency in well planning software (e.g., WellPlan, Landmark, or similar).

- Valid safety certifications (e.g., H2S Alive, First Aid, WHMIS, BOP, etc.).

- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment:

This role is based at our head office in downtown Calgary and involves both remote oversight of field operations and regular field visits.

Great things aren’t done by one person, they’re done by a team.

Strathcona is committed to developing a high-performance culture through collaboration, trust, and agility. We value our work, our communities, and our commitments – but most of all, we value the team of people who make what we do possible.

Apply to Strathcona

If you have what it takes to be a great Strathcona team member, we want to hear from you. We appreciate all interest in this opportunity but only those selected to advance through the process will be contacted.