Drilling Operations Lead

About the role

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 Fervo’s 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 Fervo’s 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 adapted—or reinvented—for geothermal applications.

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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s 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

Qualifications (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