Front End Drilling Engineer

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 Front End Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo’s mission and motivated to lead long-term drilling planning and preparation activities that set field operations up for safe, efficient execution. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives on early-stage planning, cross-functional coordination, and turning permits, schedules, and equipment readiness into a well-prepared drilling program in a highly dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, multi-rig drilling schedules in coordination with operations, completions, and facilities teams
• Interface with Fervo Permitting team in support of preparation and submission of drilling permits and regulatory filings, tracking approvals to ensure no impact to schedule
• Provide support for rig scheduling and mobilization / demobilization planning
• Plan and coordinate Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS), developing procedures and risk mitigations for concurrent drilling, completions, and facilities work
• Interface with supply chain to track long lead equipment (wellheads, casing, tubulars, etc.) and ensure readiness aligns with the drilling schedule
• Coordinate site and location readiness, including access roads, pad construction, water sourcing, and utility hookups
• Support AFE preparation and cost estimating for planned wells, incorporating vendor and contractor bids
• Maintain drilling program documentation, including well designs, procedures, and permits, ensuring alignment with current engineering standards
• Track and communicate planning status, risks, and dependencies to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership
• Support contracting and bid processes for rigs, tools, and services required for upcoming drilling programs
• Some travel to operational sites may be required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 3-5 years of experience in drilling engineering or drilling planning (experience with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling preferred)
• Working knowledge of drilling permitting processes and regulatory requirements
• Experience with rig scheduling, contracting, and mobilization planning
• Familiarity with SIMOPS planning and risk assessment for concurrent operations
• Experience interfacing with supply chain / procurement on long lead equipment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent well planning efforts
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (a team player)
• Ability to develop ideas and proposals with minimal supervision
• Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement
• Unwavering commitment to protecting Health, Safety, and Environment in all aspects of planning and operations

Preferred Experience

• Experience in US Onshore horizontal drilling planning
• Proficient in standard well engineering design software
• Experience permitting across multiple state and federal regulatory environments
• Experience with supply chain / procurement systems and long lead time equipment tracking
• Experience supporting first-of-a-kind, non-standard, or technically complex well programs
• Experience mentoring or supporting early-career engineers