MWD Field Operator (Measurement While Drilling)
Midland, Texas, United States
Depends on Experience
Sector:
Posted: 4/15/2026
Ref: BH-331913
Title: MWD Field Operator (Measurement While Drilling)
Location: Midland, TX (Permian)
Schedule: Rotation dependent on rig schedule
Employment Type: Field Operations
Role Summary
The MWD Field Operator is responsible for the operation, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tools used during drilling operations. This role supports directional drilling and drilling teams by providing accurate real-time downhole data including inclination, azimuth, toolface, and gamma measurements. The position requires strong technical troubleshooting skills, the ability to work independently in a rig environment, and strict adherence to safety and operational procedures.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintain personal safety and ensure compliance with all company and rig safety policies
• Operate, program, and deploy MWD tools in support of drilling operations
• Provide accurate real-time directional and formation data to the directional driller and rig team
• Assemble, test, calibrate, and function-check MWD tools prior to deployment
• Monitor downhole tool performance and surface data acquisition systems during drilling operations
• Troubleshoot MWD tool failures, telemetry issues, and data quality problems in the field
• Perform routine maintenance, repair, and inspection of MWD tools and surface equipment
• Manage tool programming, survey quality control, and data validation
• Communicate survey data, system status, and operational updates to rig personnel and remote operations teams
• Prepare and submit daily logs, job reports, and post-run documentation
• Ensure tools are rigged up, operated, and rigged down in accordance with procedures
• Interface with drilling, directional drilling, and mud logging personnel
• Maintain tool inventory and ensure proper handling and storage of equipment
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tool reliability and operational efficiency
• Comply with environmental policies and minimize operational risks
Required Skills and Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or associate degree preferred
• Previous experience as an MWD Operator or field service technician preferred
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and downhole tools
• Experience with directional drilling support and survey calculations
• Ability to troubleshoot electronic, mechanical, and telemetry systems
• Proficient with computer-based acquisition and reporting systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work extended rotations at the rig site
• Comfortable working independently under pressure in a remote field environment
• Physically able to lift more than 50 lbs and work in demanding rig conditions
• Ability to use PPE, gas detection equipment, and follow safe work practices
Preferred Experience
• Land-based U.S. drilling experience
• Familiarity with mud pulse telemetry systems
• Experience running high-angle or horizontal wells
• Exposure to RSS or advanced directional drilling tools
Working Conditions
• Rotational field assignment
• Exposure to outdoor conditions including heat, cold, wind, and noise
• 24-hour rig operations environment
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
Location: Midland, TX (Permian)
Schedule: Rotation dependent on rig schedule
Employment Type: Field Operations
Role Summary
The MWD Field Operator is responsible for the operation, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tools used during drilling operations. This role supports directional drilling and drilling teams by providing accurate real-time downhole data including inclination, azimuth, toolface, and gamma measurements. The position requires strong technical troubleshooting skills, the ability to work independently in a rig environment, and strict adherence to safety and operational procedures.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintain personal safety and ensure compliance with all company and rig safety policies
• Operate, program, and deploy MWD tools in support of drilling operations
• Provide accurate real-time directional and formation data to the directional driller and rig team
• Assemble, test, calibrate, and function-check MWD tools prior to deployment
• Monitor downhole tool performance and surface data acquisition systems during drilling operations
• Troubleshoot MWD tool failures, telemetry issues, and data quality problems in the field
• Perform routine maintenance, repair, and inspection of MWD tools and surface equipment
• Manage tool programming, survey quality control, and data validation
• Communicate survey data, system status, and operational updates to rig personnel and remote operations teams
• Prepare and submit daily logs, job reports, and post-run documentation
• Ensure tools are rigged up, operated, and rigged down in accordance with procedures
• Interface with drilling, directional drilling, and mud logging personnel
• Maintain tool inventory and ensure proper handling and storage of equipment
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to tool reliability and operational efficiency
• Comply with environmental policies and minimize operational risks
Required Skills and Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or associate degree preferred
• Previous experience as an MWD Operator or field service technician preferred
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and downhole tools
• Experience with directional drilling support and survey calculations
• Ability to troubleshoot electronic, mechanical, and telemetry systems
• Proficient with computer-based acquisition and reporting systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work extended rotations at the rig site
• Comfortable working independently under pressure in a remote field environment
• Physically able to lift more than 50 lbs and work in demanding rig conditions
• Ability to use PPE, gas detection equipment, and follow safe work practices
Preferred Experience
• Land-based U.S. drilling experience
• Familiarity with mud pulse telemetry systems
• Experience running high-angle or horizontal wells
• Exposure to RSS or advanced directional drilling tools
Working Conditions
• Rotational field assignment
• Exposure to outdoor conditions including heat, cold, wind, and noise
• 24-hour rig operations environment
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
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