Drilling Operations Lead

Fervo is working to build the most cost-effective repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Delivering on this mission requires first-of-a-kind well designs disciplined execution in the field and continuous learning across the full well lifecycle. Joining Fervos Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets real-world execution with safety reliability and capital efficiency as non-negotiables.

We are seeking a Drilling Operations Lead who is excited by Fervos mission and motivated to lead a team of engineers and field personnel executing advanced geothermal drilling operations in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for a leader with strong field instincts deep drilling operations experience and the ability to build and manage a high-performing team where standard oil and gas playbooks must be adaptedor reinventedfor geothermal applications.

The Drilling Operations Lead is responsible for leading Fervos drilling operations team and overseeing daily execution across active rigs to ensure safe efficient and cost-effective delivery of wells. The Drilling Operations Lead will manage and develop a team of field personnel set operational priorities and serve as the primary point of accountability for rig-site execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Drill-Site Managers (DSMs) and Field Superintendents across active drilling operations setting priorities and providing day-to-day direction
• In alignment with the Drilling Engineers support real-time execution decisions on active rigs coordinating recovery plans and technical reviews during NPT events
• Establish and enforce HSE standards and practices across all rig sites ensuring full compliance with company and regulatory requirements
• Develop mentor and grow team members technical and leadership capabilities including career development planning
• Drive continuous improvement in well cycle time cost and performance
• Coordinate with drilling contractors service providers and vendors to ensure resources and equipment support planned operations
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues resolving conflicts and driving cross-functional alignment with planning supply chain and engineering teams
• Lead post-well closeout reviews and ensure lessons learned are captured and implemented across the team
• Represent drilling operations in leadership reviews and communicate program status risks and resourcing needs

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in engineering (or equivalent field experience)
• 10 years of experience in drilling engineering / operations including experience leading field teams (minimum 5 years with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling)
• Prior experience leading or supervising Drilling Operations
• Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals including casing design directional drilling drill string / BHA design drilling fluids cementing and contingency planning
• Experience in risk assessment well time / cost estimates and planning complex drilling operations
• Experience executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells
• Experience with supply chain and cost management
• Excellent communication leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Unwavering commitment to protecting Health Safety and Environment in all aspects of design and operations

Preferred

• Prior experience in a field leadership role overseeing multi-rig drilling operations
• Hands-on field experience across drilling completions and/or workover operations
• Experience managing multiple rigs or crews concurrently
• Experience mentoring or developing early-career staff into leadership roles
• Experience working on first-of-a-kind non-standard or technically complex well designs