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Job Type
Full-time
Description
Fervo is working to build the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Delivering on this mission requires first-of-a-kind well designs, disciplined execution in the field, and continuous learning across the full well lifecycle. Joining Fervo's Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets real-world execution, with safety, reliability, and capital efficiency as non-negotiables.
We are seeking a Drilling Operations Lead who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to lead a team of engineers and field personnel executing advanced geothermal drilling operations in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for a leader with strong field instincts, deep drilling operations experience, and the ability to build and manage a high-performing team where standard oil and gas playbooks must be adapted-or reinvented-for geothermal applications.
The Drilling Operations Lead is responsible for leading Fervo's drilling operations team and overseeing daily execution across active rigs to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of wells. The Drilling Operations Lead will manage and develop a team of field personnel, set operational priorities, and serve as the primary point of accountability for rig-site execution.
Requirements
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of Drill-Site Managers (DSMs) and Field Superintendents across active drilling operations, setting priorities and providing day-to-day direction
- In alignment with the Drilling Engineers, support real-time execution decisions on active rigs, coordinating recovery plans and technical reviews during NPT events
- Establish and enforce HSE standards and practices across all rig sites, ensuring full compliance with company and regulatory requirements
- Develop, mentor, and grow team members' technical and leadership capabilities, including career development planning
- Drive continuous improvement in well cycle time, cost, and performance
- Coordinate with drilling contractors, service providers, and vendors to ensure resources and equipment support planned operations
- Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues, resolving conflicts and driving cross-functional alignment with planning, supply chain, and engineering teams
- Lead post-well closeout reviews and ensure lessons learned are captured and implemented across the team
- Represent drilling operations in leadership reviews and communicate program status, risks, and resourcing needs
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (or equivalent field experience)
- 10+ years of experience in drilling engineering / operations, including experience leading field teams (minimum 5 years with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling)
- Prior experience leading or supervising Drilling Operations
- Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning
- Experience in risk assessment, well time / cost estimates, and planning complex drilling operations
- Experience executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells
- Experience with supply chain and cost management
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Unwavering commitment to protecting Health, Safety, and Environment in all aspects of design and operations
Preferred
- Prior experience in a field leadership role overseeing multi-rig drilling operations
- Hands-on field experience across drilling, completions, and/or workover operations
- Experience managing multiple rigs or crews concurrently
- Experience mentoring or developing early-career staff into leadership roles
- Experience working on first-of-a-kind, non-standard, or technically complex well designs