Mud Engineer
Working Location
United States and, as projects require, other locations across the Americas (onshore, offshore, and international assignments possible).
Employment Type
Long-term contract
Key Responsibilities
- Design, test, and control drilling and completion fluids at the rig to maintain well stability, effective cuttings transport, bit and BHA cooling/lubrication, and proper downhole pressure.
- Serve as the on-site fluids authority for the operator and rig team, executing and adjusting the mud program by hole section as drilling conditions change.
- Conduct routine mud checks for density, rheology, gel strengths, fluid loss, pH, chlorides, solids, MBT, and oil/water ratio as applicable.
- Treat the active system with appropriate additives such as barite, bentonite, polymers, inhibitors, LCM, and others.
- Manage hydraulics and ECD, oversee solids-control equipment, and diagnose contamination issues (cement, salt, drilled solids, H2S/CO2).
- Support well-control readiness through correct mud weight and gas-handling practices.
- Manage product inventory and logistics, document fluid performance, and brief the company man, toolpusher, and drilling supervisor on trends, costs, and recommended treatments.
- Travel frequently to different wellsites, including onshore pads, remote basins, and offshore or international locations as assigned.
- Work long rotations and hitches as required by the well schedule, including night shifts and short-notice site moves.
- Perform physically demanding tasks, including 12-hour field shifts, climbing stairs and ladders, working in confined spaces and outdoor weather, and handling chemicals and equipment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in chemical, petroleum, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent petroleum-technology training with proven fluids-school and rig experience.
- Hands-on experience as a mud engineer or drilling-fluids technician on active wells.
- Working knowledge of water-based, oil-based/synthetic, and brine fluid systems.
- Current or readily obtainable credentials such as IADC WellCAP or IWCF well control, H2S, First Aid/CPR, and any regional survival or site tickets required for assignment (e.g., HUET/BOSIET, TWIC).
- Ability to pass industry medical, drug and alcohol, and site-access screening.
- Physically fit for field work, including extended shifts and manual handling.
- Strong written reporting skills and the ability to communicate clearly with rig and operator teams.
- Calm problem-solving skills under pressure and the ability to represent the service company professionally.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently and mobilize on short notice across the Americas.
Additional Information
This is a long-term contract role with sustained coverage across multiple wells and regions. Candidates should be ready for continuous field work and highlight relevant experience, certifications, and availability in their application.