Deepwater Operations and Planning Engineer

Ecopetrol USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Ecopetrol S.A., the national oil company of the Republic of Colombia, who consolidates two productive subsidiaries: Ecopetrol America LLC and Ecopetrol Permian LLC.

Ecopetrol America LLC is subsidiary created in 2007 which participates in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in North America, contributing to the corporate goals set by the Ecopetrol Business Group in its 2030 Strategic Plan. It focuses its exploration activities in the deep waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, executing activities of production, development, appraisal and exploration.

Ecopetrol Permian LLC is a subsidiary created in 2019 who is engaging in the exploration and development of unconventional resources. By doing so, Ecopetrol will balance its upstream portfolio with short-term hydrocarbons and add diversification from a geographical and play perspective with access to light oil and gas. Moreover, engaging in unconventional opportunities outside of Colombia will allow Ecopetrol to learn the nuances of exploring and operating unconventional resources.

Ecopetrol US Trading LLC is a subsidiary created in 2022 with a main focus in the international marketing of refined, petrochemical and industrial products as well as crude oil and natural gas from the Ecopetrol Group and third parties. This new subsidiary is expected to strengthen Ecopetrol sales and marketing presence in the North American and European markets and establish new synergies and business opportunities that will enable its continued growth through the energy transition and generate greater benefits and welfare to its stakeholders.

Job Summary

The Deepwater Operations and Planning Engineer is an experienced professional providing expertise in estimating and controlling E&P related operational costs, including Capital Expenses (CAPEX), Lease Operating Expenses (LOE) and Abandonment Expenses (ABEX) in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater non-operated assets.

The professional in this role can assess Field Operator development, operations, and maintenance activities and identify opportunities to increase efficiency and optimize costs. This professional can also control and manage Field Operator Annual Operating Plans and the associated costs and deliverables, providing analysis and challenging the operator's performance when necessary.

The Deepwater Operations and Planning Engineer can also support the planning cycle of the operations, providing input for budgeting and decision-making process, and must be capable of working effectively in multi-disciplinary teams to generate high-quality results with minimal supervision.

Main Accountabilities

• Building of CAPEX, LOE and ABEX management controls, models and forecasts.
• Control and management of Field Operator’s Annual Operating Plans and budget.
• Proposals to Operators that optimize costs in each field
• Support costs analysis for approval process
• Support planning processes of the Department including project planning

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and participate in partner-operated development and production of E&P asset joint ventures in the US Gulf of Mexico.
• Develop and maintain operational scope, schedule and cost (CAPEX, LOE, and ABEX) models based on information provided by Operators and generate cost estimates and forecasts.
• Develop and implement activities and cost control and forecast processes.
• Prepare, integrate and control CAPEX, LOE, and ABEX budgets.
• Update operational activities and cost forecasts monthly
• Analyze and recommend the approval of documents (AFE, JIB, etc.) submitted by Operators.
• Prepare decision support packages required to obtain company’s approval of development and operations projects.
• Prepare project schedules and follow up progression with project leaders.
• Maintain activities and cost databases
• Propose and pursue alternatives to reduce and optimize costs.
• Liaise with Operators to maintain knowledge of Operator plans and influence cost reduction and optimization opportunities

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum Engineering or similar field
• 5 years of offshore Oil and Gas operations experience.
• 3 years of Gulf of Mexico deepwater production platform operations experience as a direct employee or contractor of an Oil and Gas operating company.
• 5 years of cost estimating, control, and reporting experience.
• Project Planning experience a plus.

Language Skills:

• Bilingual (English - Spanish) a plus but not required.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Power BI a plus

***Must be legally allowed to work in the US for any employer without restriction and without requiring work visa sponsorship***

Organizational Culture Principles

• HSE Life First - We protect ourselves and others. We comply with the principles of our HSE management system. We protect the environment and the community by thinking of the generations to come.
• ETHICS - Always Ethical: We are transparent and stand by our principles. We act with integrity and comply with our code of ethics. We take full responsibility for our actions. We treat others with respect.
• EXCELLENCE - Passion for Excellence: We produce sustainable and exceptional results. We plan and execute accordingly. We honor our commitments to others. We exceed expectations, adding value to everything applied. like to do things the right way and to follow the standards, the procedures, and the rules. We are committed to results that are exceptional and sustainable over time
• LEADERHIP - We listen with respect and speak clearly: We lead in our diversity and inclusion. We encourage freedom of speech and equal opportunities regardless of differences. We are willing to express our ideas and mediate with others. We promote an open environment where intimidation or discrimination is not allowed.
• INNOVATION - Make the impossible possible: We stand apart and ahead as technological innovators. We learn from successes and failures. We apply agility in our processes. We experiment with new methods following comprehensive risk assessments.
• COLLABORATION - We are one team: We achieve greatness through collaboration. We work against silo mentality and liaise with other teams. We congratulate, recognize, and appreciate those who are excelling in their achievements. We provide and humbly accept feedback.