Our client is scaling brownfield production across multiple fields in Basra. They need a hands-on Production Optimization Engineer to own well surveillance, artificial-lift performance, and short-cycle optimization for ESP and gas-lifted wells—driving sustained rate increases and deferment reduction.
Key responsibilities
Lead daily production surveillance: exception-based monitoring, well test validation, deferment tracking, and rapid root-cause analysis.
Optimize ESP performance: load/wobble checks, head-capacity matching, VSD tuning, intake/discharge pressure management, and cooling strategies.
Optimize Gas Lift: valve/mandrel selection, injection allocation, GLR tuning, casing/annulus pressure management, and instability mitigation.
Build and maintain well models (PROSPER, GAP/IPM, or equivalent): IPR/VLP, nodal analysis, what-ifs (skin, GL rate, pump speed).
Identify and execute short-cycle opportunities (chokes, chemical dosing, set-point changes) and medium-cycle actions (pull/replace ESP, GL valve changes).
Diagnose integrity and flow-assurance issues (scale, paraffin, water cut, sand); specify chemical/MEOR programs with vendors.
Plan and support interventions with Wells/WOS teams (Slickline/CT/WO): plugs, GL valve changeouts, PLT/PNNL, reperforation, water shut-off.
Interface with Facilities for network constraints, separator capacity, flare limits; run simple network what-ifs to unlock bottlenecks.
Own KPI reporting: kbd uplift, % uptime/ESP run-life, deferment reduction, $/bbl improvement; present weekly to production leadership.
Drive data quality: SCADA tag health, downhole gauge validation, test reconciliation; champion standard work and lessons learned.
Ensure HSE compliance and safe operating envelopes; lead MOC for any changes to lift strategy or set points.
Candidate profile (must-haves)
7–10+ years in production engineering/optimization with ESP and Gas Lift in onshore Oil & Gas.
Strong nodal analysis and artificial-lift design/tuning; confident with PROSPER/GAP/IPM (or equivalent).
Proven track record delivering measurable rate/uptime gains and ESP run-life improvements.
Comfortable leading field diagnostics and coordinating with Wells/Operations, vendors, and chemical providers.
Degree in Petroleum/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering (or related).
Clear communicator; data-driven with crisp executive reporting.
Nice to have
Basra/Iraq experience; Arabic language skills.
Sand control and water-management exposure (conformance, PWRI).
Basic network modeling (GAP/PIPEPHASE) and flow-assurance familiarity.
ESP OEM exposure (Baker/SLB/Novomet/etc.) and GL valve handing via slickline.
Location, schedule & conditions
Basra, Iraq — field/site with secure camp accommodation and transport.
Rotation 28/28 (other patterns or resident options considered). Mandatory H2S/BA, First Aid, Defensive Driving.