Production Engineer

Discovery Natural Resources LLC is a domestic, onshore exploration and production company with over 1,000 wells in operation in Texas.

Oversee delivery of all production engineering responsibilities for the assigned area from conceptualization, through design, execution, and review/optimization. Position responsibilities include supervision of surface processing and downhole lift design, equipment and service procurement, project logistics, cost management, onsite operations, and safety efforts for the entirety of the production cycle from turn in line through the well life to plug and abandon. This role’s primary focus will be the optimization and maintenance of producing properties at the maximum economic rate while ensuring operations are compliant with governmental and contractual requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

- Monitor daily the status of well production and gathering conditions to maximize production performance in the assigned area. Recommend changes or improvements to operations that service optimization of the asset.

- Provide technical assistance and actively engage in supporting field operations in efforts to drive reduction in LOE spend and greater LOS enhancement.

- Responsible for maintaining assigned capital budgets. Implement cost and efficiency studies to track capital expenditures and continually improve program economics.

- Work closely with field operations, engineers, geologists, administrative staff, and external organizations to coordinate, execute, and advance all production activities. Serve as a resource to all necessary stakeholders to drive positive asset performance, leveraging a strong technical expertise in a broad range of production activities.

- Serve as the area technical expert on lift systems to include rod pump, ESP, gas lift, and plungers.

- Prepare and review procurement documentation, assist in negotiations, and lead ongoing appraisal of all production related equipment and services.

- Review and approve invoices for all services. Maintain consistent, accurate accounting of well costs.

- Assist management with the maintenance of accurate spending accruals on a monthly basis.

- Prepare AFEs, lift designs, workover proposals, facilities recommendations, clean out procedures and any other documents as required.

- Ensure all work performed adheres to DNR standards and is in compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.

- Maintain a work environment and culture focused on DNR’s core values and operational excellence.

- Ability to travel to field locations on short notice and/or for extended periods as necessary.

- Operate a vehicle safely in all weather conditions to drive to locations in rural/open range country.

- Participate in continuing education classes related to production engineering as necessary to lead industry best practice and new technologies as a thought leader.

- Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

- Professional experience in oil and gas production engineering is strongly preferred. Targeting candidates with at least 8 years of progressive industry experience, particularly in gas lift development.

- Experience in areas such as well construction design, directional drilling, rig operations, logging, cementation, stimulation design/operations, logistics, cased-hole wireline, wellbore cleanout, and/or fishing is considered a plus.

- Familiarity with energy industry software to include PowerBI, Spotfire, ARIES, WellView, SiteView, ProCount Suites, and AFE Navigator is beneficial. Engineers will be expected to utilize Ignition, Carte, PipeSim, and other software tools.

Skills and Knowledge

- Commitment to Discovery Natural Resources core values and job expectations.

- Ability to apply a creative approach to problem solving with a broad spectrum of technical issues.

- Thorough understanding of a broad range of engineering concepts. Competency in necessary technical areas such as algebra, trigonometry, fluid dynamics, physics, thermodynamics, etc.

- Self-motivated, ambitious individual with an internal drive to perform at the highest level.

- High-character individual who exhibits servant leadership and personal/professional humility.

- Strong work ethic, an aptitude to learn, and a willingness to take on a variety of tasks/projects to support broad business needs.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively work with multiple teams/groups within the Denver office and Barnhart field office organizations.

- Proactive approach to the management of Environmental, Health, and Safety standards.

- Highly organized, detail oriented and resourceful; able to handle multiple projects and achieve necessary results in a deadline driven environment.

- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.

- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word) to manipulate and interpret data and reports.

Compensation and Benefits

- Estimated pay range: $165,000 – $205,000 (depending on experience of the successful candidate)

- Eligible for short- and long-term incentives

- Medical, dental and vision insurance

- Short and long-term disability coverage

- Basic life and AD&D insurance

- 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% company match. 100% vest of employer contributions immediately

- Paid vacation and sick time

- Hybrid work from home schedule available

- 9/80 work schedule

Most of the job is done in an office setting. Field travel required 10–15%; adverse weather conditions may exist. Variable work hours including nights and weekends.

NOTE: This job description is NOT intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Company