Senior Drilling Engineer – HPHT Offshore Exploration
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (Hybrid / Remote with regular travel to Copenhagen office)
Contract Type: Annually Renewable Contract (minimum 2-year assignment expected)
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 hours/day
Position Overview
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to contribute to the delivery of a technically complex offshore High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) exploration well located in the Danish sector of the North Sea. This role offers significant exposure to high-impact exploration activity and will be central to ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective well delivery.
The position will be based onshore with remote working flexibility but requires periodic presence at the Copenhagen office to support operational readiness and coordination.
Key Responsibilities
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
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Promote a strong HSE culture and champion safety across drilling operations and service providers.
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Ensure HSE risks are assessed and managed in line with ALARP principles and project standards.
Planning & Preparation
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Deliver engineering deliverables aligned with the Statement of Requirements and well delivery processes.
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Secure resources, maintain Integrated Operations Plans, and lead execution readiness reviews.
Engineering & Well Design
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Develop technically robust well programmes in compliance with internal standards, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.
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Optimise technology selection, design integrity, cost efficiency, and technical assurance.
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Integrate lessons learned from previous HPHT and North Sea drilling campaigns.
Execution & Operational Support
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Monitor daily operations, manage non-productive time (NPT), logistics, and offshore reporting accuracy.
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Track well costs in real-time, providing regular updates on accruals and forecasts.
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Ensure timely delivery of well programmes and lead pre-spud meetings with all stakeholders.
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Provide 24-hour operational support during live drilling operations.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
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Support contractor performance management and contribute to post-well reviews for continuous improvement.
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Apply probabilistic time and cost modelling to enhance well planning accuracy.
Qualifications & Experience
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Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
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7-10+ years of experience in well engineering and offshore drilling operations, including significant HPHT exposure.
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Direct experience working on North Sea drilling projects is essential.
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Proficiency in well planning software, cost estimation tools, and project management systems.
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Certifications required: IWCF Well Control (Supervisor Level), BOSIET, DrillCap (or recognised equivalent).
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Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Additional Information
This position will support a highly complex HPHT offshore well and will involve close collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams including subsurface, regulatory bodies, contractors, and operations. International applicants with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.