Job Responsibilities
Going out to a rig to provide a specific high price service to a
client. You'll be in charge of crews of varying sizes (2-20
people depending on segement and service)
Working 12 hour days seven days a week when you're on the rig.
The lead field engineer is resonsible for all aspects of the job
he is sent to. From mobilizing the equipment, to training
subordinates, to ensuring quality data delivery. He runs the
service for a client, and is responible for the quality of that
service. You must interact with the rigcrew and your
subordinates to ensure the job is carried out properly.
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Job Requirements
We have a training program that keeps changing and is one of the
common complaints among the field engineers. Formal training
courses with the company are usually fairly grueling and are
definitly educational.
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Uppers
This is a non-standard job type, there are no cubicles, no ties, no silly
reports (OK,OK very few silly reports). The job stays fairly focused on the
important things. That is, there is little busy work being done by the field
personnel. You can take a day off if there is little for you to do in the office.
Some offices even ask that if engineers have little to do, that they avoid coming
in.
The opportnity for international travel is uniquely high. You may well see parts
of the world that you'd never see as a tourist.
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Downers
However, if you do have something to do, time is not an issue.
If getting the job done involves working 18-24 hour shifts,
that's what you're going to do. You WILL work HARD. When you're
on the rig, things can be very high pressure and very demanding.
The client will hold you accountable for most problems he
encounters, even if its someone elses error. You represent
Schlumberger out on the rig, any problems the client has will be
presented to you.
And you may be out on that rig for weeks at a time....
You'll be struggling for resources. Despite all the money that
the client pays us for this service, there never seems to be
enough equipment or personnel to go around. Making improvised
repairs to the equipment on the fly is a common (and expected)
part of the job. Likewise, you may have to sleep with one eye
open for several nights as you get a new trainee up to speed(If
he notices a problem he'll wake you up, if he doesn't you'll
have a mess on your hands when you finally wake up).
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Lifestyle
Hellish....at least 12 hours seven days a week. The food is bad, and the bed is
lumpy. There is an emense amount of pressure put upon you.
That said after spending a few weeks on the rig you'll be given some time off
for R&R... Just be sure to bring your cell phone along, in case some emergency
comes up and we need to call you back.
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Compensation
Very, very well compensated. A decent salary, with bonuses for
rig time and job completion. At the end of the day, I probably
make twice what most of my classmates from college are now
making. Exact compensation scheme varies from segment to
segment, but I haven't heard field engineers complaining about
the money. The benefits package is excellent with a good health
plan. There is a program to purchase company stock at a discount
(7.5% as of writing).
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Advice to Jobseekers
Think about it first. That paycheck is sure tempting, but it
comes at the price of your social life. Be sure to communicate
with the recruiter and everyone they'll give you contact with
about the lifestyle and what is expected of you. Do some soul
searching to make sure this is REALLY the life you want to lead.
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