Senior Drilling & Field Data Collection Project Engineer

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a senior Drilling & Field Data Collection Project Engineer to support drilling & field operations near Las Vegas, NV.

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client's success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

As the senior Drilling & Field Data Project Engineer for our environmental contract at the Nevada National Security Site, the position supports drilling & field operations related to groundwater monitoring and extraction wells. Wells are planned to be drilled or sampled at depths from 1,000-5,000 ft with single or multiple completions. The wells are located in southern Nevada, northwest of Las Vegas. Wells will mostly range from 2 7/8" to 5.5" in diameter and in some locations have dedicated submersible pumping equipment.

Drilling Project Management

Reporting to the UGTA Drilling Manager, manage the scope, schedule, materials, subcontractors and budget for the drilling and sampling of three wells on the Nevada National Security Site in 2025. The project will include on-site Navarro staff, multiple subcontractors, NNSS M&O support, and DOE client interactions. Following drilling, the selected individual will support long-term field data collection including water level measurement, transducer installation, maintenance, and replacement, sampling of other wells on the NNSS using bailers and electric submersible pumps, and submersible pump replacement as necessary. The position will also support data collection and analysis in support of regulatory closure.

• Status, track, and report on the progress of the drilling preparation, subcontracting, drilling execution, and reporting as defined in Navarro approved work scope
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management, P6 schedule evaluation, and MS Project.
• Knowledge of subcontracting and contract mechanisms

Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge rotary drilling techniques using top drive drill equipment to optimize well drilling and construction processes
• Experience with managing the completion of well drilling and completion
• Troubleshoot and address drilling issues effectively
• Management of drilling, pump, pump hoist, materials, and other subcontractors / providers

Well Design and Planning

• Anticipate and address potential drilling challenges by providing solutions prior to and during drilling operations
• Recommend modifications to drilling plans as necessary to optimize performance and mitigate risks

Duration

• The drilling activity, including planning, preparation, operations, and reporting is expected to last through the end of Calendar Year 2025. Field operations for the drilling is expected to start in May or June of 2025
• Additional data collection work activities include significant well development, testing, and reporting and is planned for Calendar Years beyond 2025.

Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the following areas:

• Experience drilling wells to 3,000 ft. With complex multiple completions using top drive rotary drilling equipment in volcanic / hard / faulted rock geologic drilling conditions
• Experience in Direct Air Rotary and Reverse Circulation drilling methods.
• Experience managing multiple subcontractors / suppliers
• Experience with project cost management, reviewing supplier invoices, and daily drilling reports
• Experience with groundwater sampling and maintenance of groundwater sampling and other field equipment
• Experience with other related Heavy Equipment operations (cranes, backhoes, air compressors, etc.)
• Knowledge of Geologic & Hydrogeologic data interpretation

Preferred Skills / Experience / Training

• Federal Government / Department of Energy experience
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER
• First Aid-CPR
• Radiological Worker II

Working Conditions

• Work location is Las Vegas NV but may require frequent visits to the drilling sites located about 150 miles (2.5 hours) away from the main office
• Office related work includes data analysis, technical/scientific reporting etc. relating to field characterization activities
• Requires sitting for extended periods of time
• Field activity work involves standing, walking, and bending, lifting up to 50lbs
• Field operations are typically based at the Nevada National Security Site (60 miles NW of Las Vegas Nevada) other locations may be remote with considerable portions of the workday spent outdoors

Field

• Fieldwork requires extended workdays as long as 15 hours; occasionally requiring periods of overnight stays. Working outdoors under temperature extremes, both hot and cold
• Must have or be able to qualify to wear respiratory protection

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• GSA Per Diem & Mileage Reimbursement (if not local to the project)