Lead Data Scientist - Drilling

Brief Description:

Patterson-UTI's Data Science team is a growing group of energetic, passionate individuals working to improve and inform the Company through data. We work exclusively with the Drilling Automation team to help design, evaluate, and improve novel drilling automation technology.

Some example projects that we are applying analytics and data science to include:

• Modeling greenhouse gas emissions from the rig fleet to reduce environmental impact and improve reporting
• Designing drilling advisory systems to improve drilling efficiency
• Developing automated monitoring, detection, and alerting of operational events
• Building models to predict failure of downhole and surface equipment

The Lead Data Scientist will be responsible for both leading Data Scientists and performing individual work. The Lead Data Scientist will manage analytics projects of varying complexity, along with coaching and mentoring more junior individuals on the team. Projects include creating actionable reports, algorithms, and models that will directly impact the development of new automation technologies. The candidate will be involved in all aspects of the project life cycle, including interviewing stakeholders, cleaning and analyzing data, generating visuals and reports, and presenting results. The ideal candidate would be a team player and leader, possess advanced data science skills, be expert in working with large data sets in Python, and be able to communicate clearly with numerous stakeholders.

This role performs under general direction of the Data Science Manager.

Detailed Description:

• Lead, mentor, and coach a small team of data scientists working on a variety of projects
• Execute as an individual contributor multiple analytics projects of varying complexity and data sources (~1 week to ~3 months; time series and relational databases)
• Become the subject matter expert on projects, including visiting rigs to gain a deeper understanding of drilling rig operations.
• Maintain standards on code quality and code management
• Be the focal point for analytics: work and communicate with multiple stakeholders, understand project requirements, and deliver analytics solutions that add business value
• Assist with developing and improving our suite of data analytics applications and visualizations, including developing requirements and working with developers
• Independently manage and execute above projects from start-to-finish, including understanding stakeholder needs; acquiring necessary data; cleaning / analyzing data and innovating beyond initial requirements; generating visuals / reports; and presenting results to stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for more advanced data science solutions

Job Requirements

• Prior experience in oil and gas data analytics
• Experience leading, mentoring, and coaching a team of data scientists
• Expert in programming to generate analyses, algorithms, and visuals
• Able to articulate complex data science techniques to end-users that have minimum technical background
• Have excellent soft skills to gain rapport within the organization and seek out buy-in for our analytics team
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously to meet challenging deadlines
• Able to think strategically and translate concepts into action plans and track results
• Able and willing to visit a drilling rig location on a semi-regular basis to gain subject matter knowledge
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability in the following leadership competencies:

• Builds and Maintains Effective Relationship
• Develops Self and Others
• Builds Effective Teams
• Courageous Leadership
• Managing Vision and Purpose
• Business Acumen
• Drive for Results
• Customer focus
• Decision Quality

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 5+ years of experience applying data science techniques to industrial applications (i.e. Oil and Gas, chemicals, manufacturing, etc.)
• 3+ years of experience applying data science techniques to data generated specifically during the drilling process
• 3+ years of experience managing data analytics teams
• 3+ years' experience in Python for data analysis and visualization (including Jupyter Notebooks, Pandas, Numpy, Matplotlib)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Existing research publications and/or patents related to oil and gas drilling
• Previous experience working in cross-functional roles and communicating directly with product users

Additional Details:

This position requires the person to be able to work in a time sensitive, high visible role and regularly travel as needed to support business units and to visit work sites. It may also require extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) during variable hours. Variable work hours include hours worked on the weekend, on holidays, and hours to travel within and outside of the assigned region. The Director must work with an emphasis on planning, multitasking, and prioritization to maximize efficiency of the team. Must be able to work closely with others and manage customer interaction in a professional manner. Ability to safely navigate work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, working at heights, etc., during normal operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather) and while utilizing designated personal protective equipment (PPE).