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Lead Mwd Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Halliburton

Field Prof-DD, Genl

Broussard, LA

$181K/yr

We are looking for the right people -- people who want to innovate, achieve, grow and lead. We ... Drilling (MWD) engineer to ensure BHA compatibility, planned operating parameters are within ...

Halliburton

Field Prof-DD, Genl

Broussard, LA

$181K/yr

We are looking for the right people -- people who want to innovate, achieve, grow and lead. We ... Drilling (MWD) engineer to ensure BHA compatibility, planned operating parameters are within ...

Thayer Power and Communication

Directional Driller

Tampa, FL · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

Troubleshoot downhole issues such as bit changes, transmitter/MWD failures, motor performance, and ... Lead and direct the work of laborers, locators, and equipment operators on the drill crew; provide ...

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Lead Mwd Operator information

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$66

How much do lead mwd operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead mwd operator in the United States is $38.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $44.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead MWD Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead MWD (Measurement While Drilling) Operator, you need expertise in downhole drilling operations, data interpretation, and a solid understanding of geology, usually backed by technical training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with MWD/LWD tools, rig-site software, and real-time data transmission systems is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for coordinating with drilling teams and ensuring accurate data delivery. These competencies are vital for maintaining drilling efficiency, minimizing operational risks, and supporting successful well placement.

What are Lead MWD Operators?

Lead MWD (Measurement While Drilling) Operators are skilled professionals in the oil and gas industry who oversee the operation and maintenance of MWD tools used during directional drilling. They are responsible for ensuring accurate data transmission from downhole tools to the surface, interpreting real-time drilling data, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise. Lead MWD Operators also train and supervise junior staff, coordinate with drilling teams, and help optimize drilling performance for efficiency and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by a Lead MWD Operator when working on remote drilling sites?

Lead MWD Operators often work in remote and challenging environments, which can present logistical difficulties such as limited access to technical support and long shifts. They are responsible for ensuring accurate data transmission and troubleshooting equipment in real time, often under tight deadlines. Effective communication with drilling engineers and rig crews is crucial to maintain safety and operational efficiency. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential for managing unexpected downhole conditions and equipment malfunctions that may arise during drilling operations.

What is the difference between Lead Mwd Operator vs Mwd Operator?

AspectLead Mwd OperatorMwd Operator
CertificationsRequired certifications, such as Well Control or Safety trainingSame certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing MWD operationsOperates MWD tools under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in drilling projects, often in team leadershipHands-on drilling operations

The Lead Mwd Operator typically has additional responsibilities, including supervising and coordinating MWD activities, while the Mwd Operator focuses on executing drilling operations. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same industry environment, but the Lead Mwd Operator holds a leadership position within the team.

What job categories do people searching Lead Mwd Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Mwd Operator jobs are:
Lead Mwd Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Mwd Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $79,739 per year, or $38.3 per hour.
R&D Pulse Power Engineer (Senior - Principal) Sperry Drilling

R&D Pulse Power Engineer (Senior - Principal) Sperry Drilling

Halliburton

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Halliburton rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 352 rated engineering

Job description

We are looking for the right people - people who want to innovate, achieve, grow and lead. We attract and retain the best talent by investing in our employees and empowering them to develop themselves and their careers. Experience the challenges, rewards and opportunity of working for one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the global energy industry.
About Sperry Drilling
Sperry Drilling delivers industry-leading Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD), Logging-While-Drilling (LWD), and Rotary Steerable System (RSS) technologies that help operators drill safer, faster, and more precisely. Through advanced downhole tools, real-time data acquisition, and reliability-driven engineering, Sperry enables customers to maximize well placement, efficiency, and reservoir understanding in every drilling environment.
About the Role
Under general supervision, the Pulsed Power Engineer supports the development of next-generation high-energy pulsed systems for downhole applications within Sperry Drilling. The role is responsible for designing, building, testing, and optimizing high-voltage pulsed power architectures and associated laboratory environments.
This position owns the full design-to-test execution lifecycle for high-voltage pulsed systems, including component selection, pulse-forming architecture development, laboratory commissioning, and execution of safe, data-driven experiments that translate into rugged, field-deployable hardware.
At the Principal level, the role expands to include architectural authority, cross-disciplinary technical leadership, and mentorship across complex development programs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design pulsed power architectures from concept through laboratory validation, including energy storage, charging systems, switching networks, pulse forming, delivery, and measurement.
  • Develop pulse forming stages (PFN, Blumlein, Marx topologies), pulse transformers, and transmission lines to meet target voltage, current, di/dt, dV/dt, repetition rate, and energy requirements.
  • Select and qualify high-energy components including capacitors, pulse-rated resistors, HV diodes, high-speed switches (SiC/GaN, IGBT/MOSFET), triggered devices, connectors, cables, and insulation systems.
  • Establish and operate high-voltage laboratory environments, including grounding, shielding, interlocks, enclosures, and safe operating procedures.
  • Perform finite element simulations of electrostatic and transient electric field behavior to guide design decisions, ensuring accurate boundary conditions, material properties, numerical stability, and physical realism.
  • Plan and execute structured experiments (DOE) to characterize pulse quality, delivered energy, coupling efficiency, electrode behavior, and thermal performance.
  • Develop diagnostics and data acquisition systems using high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, HV probes, Rogowski coils, D-dot/B-dot sensors, and automated data pipelines (MATLAB/Python).
  • Drive EMI/EMC robustness through proper layout, creepage/clearance control, shielding, filtering, grounding, and insulation coordination.
  • Translate laboratory designs into field-ready systems capable of withstanding vibration, shock, temperature, pressure, and fluid exposure.
  • Support vendor collaboration, DFM activities, BOM development, FAT/SAT planning, reliability modeling, and manufacturing transition.
  • Document thoroughly - schematics, calculations, FMEAs, safety analyses, test plans, and technical reviews.
  • Champion safety in all HV activities, applying NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout (LOTO), interlock systems, and safe work practices.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering (or closely related field).
  • 5-10 years of experience designing and testing high-voltage pulsed power systems.
  • Hands-on experience with PFN, Blumlein, Marx, pulse transformers, and transmission line architectures.
  • Demonstrated experience with high-energy switching technologies (IGBT, MOSFET, SiC, GaN, triggered devices), including protection and dv/dt/di/dt control.
  • Proven ability to build and operate high-voltage laboratory environments safely.
  • Experience with finite element modeling of electrostatic and transient electric fields in HV environments.
  • Strong competency with SPICE-class simulation tools and data analysis platforms.
  • Experience with EMI/EMC design principles and insulation coordination.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
  • Experience designing pulsed systems for harsh or downhole environments.
  • Familiarity with subsea or high-temperature electronics qualification.

Candidates exceeding minimum requirements may be considered for higher-level positions based on experience, additional qualifications, and business needs. Career progression ranges from Pulse Power Engineer Senior to Pulse Power Engineer Principal.
World Class Benefits
At Halliburton, we're committed to supporting you and your family with a comprehensive and affordable benefits package that covers your physical, emotional, financial, and parental needs - now and in the future. When you join our team, you'll gain access to a wide range of programs designed to help you thrive at work and at home.
Click here to review a summary of the benefits available once you join.
Core Competencies
Pulsed Power Architecture | High-Voltage Electronics | HV Laboratory Operations | Finite Element Field Modeling | EMI/EMC Design | Reliability & Qualification Testing | Safety Leadership (HV) | Data-Driven Experimentation | Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration | Innovation & IP Development
Halliburton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/ orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.
Location
3000 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Houston, Texas, 77032, United States
Job Details
Requisition Number: 205701
Experience Level: Experienced Hire
Job Family: Engineering/Science/Technology
Product Service Line: Sperry Drilling Svcs
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Additional Locations for this position:
Compensation Information
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

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About Halliburton

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Halliburton, headquartered in Houston, TX, US, is a world-renowned corporation in the oilfield services industry. Established in 1919, the company has made significant inroads in the energy sector, playing a pivotal role in oil and gas explorations across the globe. One can visit their official website, halliburton.com, to learn more about their business operations, products, and services. Halliburton specializes in a broad spectrum of services including locating hydrocarbons, managing geological data, drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production throughout the life of the field. Halliburton’s mission is to maximize the value of oil and gas assets.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

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