Geomechanics Specialist at Hyprops Nigeria Limited

Responsibilities

• Conduct geomechanical modeling and analysis to assess wellbore stability, sand production, fracture propagation, and reservoir compaction. Integrate seismic, petrophysical, and drilling data to develop accurate subsurface models.

Wellbore Stability:

• Provide geomechanical guidance during drilling to prevent wellbore collapse, lost circulation, and other stability issues, particularly in deepwater and HPHT environments.
• Analyze the mechanical behavior of formations to optimize mud weights, drilling parameters, and well paths.
• Perform formation integrity tests (FIT) and evaluate fracture gradients to ensure well safety.
• Advise on sand production risks and design sand control solutions, including gravel packs, screens, and chemical treatments, based on formation behavior and geomechanical characteristics.
• Develop and update pore pressure and fracture gradient models using seismic, well log, and drilling data. Provide real-time support during drilling operations to ensure proper mud weight management.
• Assist in the planning and execution of hydraulic fracturing operations by conducting fracture modeling and analysis, ensuring optimal reservoir stimulation and minimal risk of unintended fracture propagation.
•  Evaluate the potential for reservoir compaction and surface subsidence as a result of production.
• Propose mitigation strategies to maintain well integrity and production performance.

Collaboration and Support:

• Collaborate with subsurface teams, including geologists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, and drilling engineers, to integrate geomechanical models into field development plans.
• Provide on-site and remote geomechanical support during drilling, completion, and production operations.
• Interpret real-time data to recommend adjustments and ensure well integrity and safety.
• Identify geomechanical risks related to drilling, completion, and production, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Conduct failure analysis and propose solutions for preventing wellbore instability, casing deformation, and reservoir damage.
• Provide training and technical support to junior engineers, drilling teams, and other stakeholders on geomechanical concepts and best practices.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure all operations comply with local regulations and international industry standards, with a focus on health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, Geophysics, or a related field. A master’s or Ph.D. in Geomechanics or Rock Mechanics is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in geomechanics with at least 5 years in offshore deepwater environments.
• Proven track record in wellbore stability analysis, pore pressure prediction, and sand control in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells.
• Experience working on international deepwater offshore projects, including prior expatriate roles.
• Proficiency in geomechanical modelling software such as Petrel, FLAC, ABAQUS, or similar.
• Strong understanding of wellbore stability, rock failure mechanics, hydraulic fracturing, and sand control.
• Familiarity with drilling and completion operations, particularly in deepwater or challenging environments.
• Valid offshore survival certification (BOSIET or equivalent).

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to provide real-time support and make decisions under pressure.
• Willingness to work on an offshore platform on a rotational schedule (e.g., 28 days on / 28 days off).
• Must be physically fit to handle the demands of offshore work and capable of adapting to extreme weather and challenging working conditions.