Company & Culture
Ensign Natural Resources is a growth orientated independent E&P company scaling through strategic asset acquisitions and disciplined development. The company is entering its second iteration following the successful divestiture of its prior assets in late 2022. Ensign's operating philosophy centers on capital discipline, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by a management team with over 20 years of experience in the acquisition, development, and exploration of unconventional resources.
At Ensign, attitudes and behaviors that support our culture matter. Employees are expected to foster a culture of personal responsibility, courage and good judgement while pursuing excellence in all efforts through passion, determination, and continuous improvement.
At Ensign, attitudes and behaviors that support our culture matter. Employees are expected to foster a culture of personal responsibility, courage and good judgement while pursuing excellence in all efforts through passion, determination, and continuous improvement.
Major Responsibilities
• Develop and manage detailed cost-estimates, data-driven AFEs (Authorization for Expenditure), schedules, detailed drilling programs, basis of design and operating practice standards, and engineering analysis projects
• Track and report drilling cost, time, and performance metrics to senior leadership
• QC daily operational data to maintain quality database(s)
• Monitor real-time drilling operations and performance: identify, analyze, and mitigate drilling risks, drilling-engineering variances and non-productive time (NPT), applying lessons learned and root-cause analysis.
• Support selection and management of drilling service providers, tenders, contracts, and vendor technical performance—ensuring high-quality service delivery and cost efficiency.
• Foster and implement continuous improvement initiatives in drilling performance, cost reduction, well-delivery efficiency, technology adoption (e.g., advanced modelling software, data analytics, automation).
• Mentor, coach and develop drilling engineering staff and act as a technical resource to the broader team and organization; promote knowledge-sharing, standardization, and best practices.
• Interface regularly with leadership, subsurface/geoscience, land, construction, finance and accounting to ensure alignment of well objectives, regulatory compliance, and environmental and safety standards.
• Ensure HSE and regulatory performance is exemplary: lead by example, promote safe operations, compliance and environmental stewardship.
• Expected to have the ability and willingness to travel (typically to rig sites, service provider facilities, meetings, etc. to support operations and to develop productive relationships
Education, Experience & Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• 6-10 years of relevant experience in drilling engineering, preferably in unconventional shale plays
• Well control certification (e.g., IADC, IWCF) and deep appreciation of well-barrier management, rig safety, and HSE culture
• Strong understanding of directional drilling, wellbore stability, and hydraulics modeling.
• Proficient in drilling engineering software (e.g., Landmark, WellView/OpenWells, WellPlan, Compass, or similar)
Required Competencies
• A hands-on individual who can also see the big picture and translate into action
• The energy and ability to work collaboratively across the entire organization
• Confidence to challenge norms and openly share thoughts and data across the entire organization
• Excellent analytical, strategic, business judgment, and problem-solving skills
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a strong track record of agility and flexibility to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Track record of successful outcomes with a commitment to team success
• Strong interpersonal skills coupled with excellent verbal and written communication
• Systems aptitude and process orientation with ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Driven individual with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong work ethic and high level of personal integrity
• High level of proficiency in PowerBi/Spotfire, WellView, and Well Planning and Scheduling software
Physical Requirements
This role will involve work in office and field. The candidate must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing, walking, climbing, working outdoors, wearing required PPE, traveling to field locations, and working around active drilling and completions equipment, high-pressure systems, noise, chemicals, and changing weather conditions. The employee is expected to follow all company and regulatory safety requirements and to exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions are identified.
We Offer
Ensign offers competitive salary, cash bonus and equity plans. The Company also offers a comprehensive benefit package, paid vacation, sick time, and much more.