JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Overview:

As a Test Rig Driller at NOV, you have the opportunity to be on the front lines of innovation at the Research & Development Technology Center (RDTC). The purpose of this facility is to support new product development by testing NOV's new technologies and products before they are commercialized and installed on customer rigs. We do this by installing and running these new product designs, whether it be a new downhole mud motor, rotary steerable tool, drilling application (software and tools), upgrade to existing software / firmware, etc., on NOV's only live-drilling test rig, the Ideal Prime Rig 1, as well as on our Rig Controls Simulator, 20,000ft above ground lateral well and multiphase fluid processing site.

The Test Rig Driller's role is to operate and maintain the test rig and rig site in order to perform these tests. The Test Rig Driller must maintain a high level of focus on safety while efficiently performing manual labor tasks on and around the rig. Under the direct supervision of the Test Rig Technician Supervisor, the Test Rig Driller completes a variety of tasks that build a skillset and expertise for working with various rig equipment, including downhole tools.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Support daily operations on the drilling rig and other areas of the facility while monitoring the safety of employees and third parties onsite.
• Operate/knowledge of Amphion system-based drilling systems to perform a variety of operations or scenarios for multiple testing purposes.
• Must have sufficient knowledge of drilling operations to make rapid and accurate decisions regarding bit, tool, and hole condition with minimal support if needed during live well conditions.
• Knowledge of Drilling Fluid drilling fluid characteristics, mud circulation system, pressure and mud handling equipment, mud conditioning equipment.
• Knowledge of maintenance and tracking of drill pipe.
• Knowledge of Coiled Tubing, Stimulation and Workover Equipment is a plus.
• Drill various vertical and directional wellbore profiles, while following well plan directives, able to provide feedback to various test groups.
• Efficiently assemble and manage various BHA components and prototype downhole tools.
• Maintain and troubleshoot all testing equipment and provide basic repairs of all testing equipment within the facility and coordinate with Service Technicians as required. Provide documentation of onsite equipment, including preventative maintenance, mechanical repairs, and various other manual upkeep.
• Learn about new NOV technologies and products to efficiently perform tests, provide constructive feedback to engineering, and even conduct demonstrations for training or customer purposes.
• Must have knowledge of a Well Control Situation and conduct BOP drills while using industry standards and best practices and have current Well Control Certificate or be able pass qualified Well control course.
• Collaborate with internal and external test groups to ensure all test objectives and goals are met.
• Ability to work outside for long hours in adverse weather conditions, working at heights, and confined spaces.
• Applicants must possess positive solution-oriented approach with good communication skills.
• Comply with all NOV safety policies, procedures, and ensure good housekeeping practices. Direct safety meetings and completion of JHAs or Risk Assessments as needed. Proactively identify HSE concerns, hazards, risks and report issues to management accordingly.

Preferred Experience

• Some background or exposure to drilling, completions, or production operations in the oil and gas industry - or a strong desire to learn and grow in this field.
• IADC Drilling Well Control (Driller Level) Certification is a plus, but not required. NOV will provide opportunities for training and development.
• Mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical aptitude, or related technical or engineering experience.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Prior experience or interest in operating forklifts, manlifts, or other heavy equipment.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning new technologies and working with evolving energy equipment.
• Interest or familiarity with geothermal drilling, the digital oilfield, or Industry 4.0 concepts.
• General knowledge or curiosity about oilfield equipment and trade skills.

Competitive Benefits: (visit usbenefits.nov.com for more information about our benefits offerings)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan - NOV matches every dollar up to 5% of base pay and overtime for every dollar you invest.
• Competitive medical plans that are effective your date of hire. Coverage options for just yourself as an eligible employee start at as little as $40 per pay period (bi-weekly), and plans that cover your entire family (yourself, eligible spouse, and eligible children) start at $150.50 per pay period (bi-weekly).
• Starting in 2026, FREE MDLIVE virtual visits (when enrolled in an NOV medical plan).
• FREE preventative medical and dental care for the entire family (when enrolled in an NOV medical/dental plan and seeing an in-network physician).
• FREE Basic Life and AD&D insurance at 2 times your annual salary (for full-time employees).
• All regular full-time employees start with 3 weeks of paid vacation per year (prorated based on start date). Pre-NOV relevant experience (years of service) may be considered for vacation accruals.
• All regular full-time employees receive up to 11 paid holidays per year.