Operations Engineer

Position Summary

The Operations Engineer provides technical support and engineering analysis to field operations, focusing on production performance, troubleshooting, and execution of routine operational activities. This role partners closely with field personnel and cross-functional teams to optimize well and facility performance, support safe operations, and improve efficiency, while developing deeper technical expertise in production systems and field execution.

Essential Responsibilities

• Field Operations Support and coordinate production, completions, maintenance, and construction activities across the field to ensure efficient execution of operations.
• Promote and adhere to safe operating practices, ensuring activities are conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Aid in field response efforts during operational upsets or significant events, partnering with senior engineers and field leadership as needed.
• Contribute to a positive work environment aligned with the company’s Purpose, Vision, and Values, demonstrating expected behaviors and supporting team performance standards.
• Create and sustain a work environment aligned with the company’s Purpose, Vision, and Values, reinforcing clear expectations of behavior and performance.

Production Optimization & Engineering Execution

• Maintain daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual production performance to identify trends, risks, and optimization opportunities, and communicate findings to the team.
• Identify and evaluate production and operational issues through analysis, field observation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams; support the development and implementation of solutions.
• Support production optimization efforts involving artificial lift systems (plunger lift, gas lift, rod pump), compression, and facility performance, working under guidance of senior engineers as needed.
• Prepare and manage AFEs, cost estimates, schedules, and execution plans for workovers, equipment changes, facility upgrades, and construction projects.
• Identify, evaluate, recommend, and execute capital investment opportunities such as recompletions, injection well conversions, compression projects, and field development initiatives.

Financial & Performance Management

• Support management of the Lease Operating Expense (LOE) budget by identifying cost reduction opportunities and improving operational efficiency.
• Aid in tracking cost targets for operations and capital programs, monitoring performance, and helping implement corrective actions when needed.
• Prepare and deliver operational and engineering performance reports through analysis of data, metrics, and trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Regulatory, Drilling, Completions, Engineering, Procurement, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and other support teams.
• Collaborate across field and engineering teams to support alignment between operational execution, technical solutions, and business objectives.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and projects assigned to support the success of the department and company.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of oil and gas production operations including wells, facilities, pipelines, compression, automation systems, and water handling.
• Experience with production, engineering, and automation systems such as SCADA systems, WellView, SiteView, ProdView, Spotfire, Aries, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of production optimization, artificial lift systems (plunger lift, gas lift, rod pump), and facility design and operation.
• Experience with completions, workovers, capital projects, and non-routine operations.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards (e.g., BLM, state oil and gas commissions, environmental agencies).
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with attention to detail.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including LOE and capital budget development and management.
• Work extended hours and respond to operational emergencies as required.
• Work effectively in both field and office environments under varying conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; effectively converse with all levels of the company, customers, business associates.
• Professional integrity and accountability.
• Flexible navigating a growing organization.

Required Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering: Petroleum, Chemical or Mechanical.
• Two to four years of experience in production and/or Operations Engineering.
• Minimum of two to four years of experience in upstream oil and gas operations, production, and completions.

Preferred Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering: Petroleum, Chemical or Mechanical.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Position Scope & Impact

Individual contributor with impact on operational outcomes of assigned assets, department and the company.

Work Environment

• Work in a climate-controlled office and routinely use standard office equipment.
• Periodic field exposure, including visits to active drilling locations and well sites.
• Field conditions may include working outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, and precipitation), exposure to loud noise, heavy equipment, moving machinery, and uneven terrain.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to all safety protocols at field locations.

Work Location

Initially field-based, with an expected relocation to the Corporate Office in Denver, CO within approximately 3–4 years, based on business needs.

Travel

Up to 30% as business requires.

Physical Requirements

• % of Work Time: Remain in a seated position 90%, Speak and hear clearly 100%, Lift office products and supplies, up to 20lbs. 5%, Stoop, kneel, bend and reach 20%, Dexterity to write and manipulate keyboard and mouse 100%.

Salary Level

Jonah Energy determines the salary level for potential new employees by considering a candidate's experience, skills, and education, along with the position's work location, external market conditions and internal pay equity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package including generous PTO, 401k match and discretionary profit sharing, tuition assistance, professional development, and eligibility for short- and long-term incentive program.
• Eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance on their first day of employment and elect from several voluntary group benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It has been and will continue to be the policy of Jonah Energy LLC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.