SMP - Senior Reservoir Engineer

Job Family Group:

Subsurface Group

Job Description:

Let me tell you about the role

 

Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) was formed by bp, Equinor and TotalEnergies to develop the offshore infrastructure to transport and store millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions safely in the UK North Sea. The project will kick-start decarbonization of industry in two of the UK’s largest industrial clusters, Teesside and Humberside. The NEP was selected in 2021 as one of the first two carbon capture, usage, and storage clusters to be taken forward by the UK government.  In December 2024, Endurance was awarded the first carbon storage permit in the UK and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirmed funding for the construction of the first phase of the project, as well as for appraisal of additional stores. The first phase of development is expected to start injection from 2028.

 

The subsurface workscope is handled through a Construction and Operating Services Agreement (COSA), with bp committed to undertaking these duties on behalf of the IJV. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a first of a kind project, for bp and the UK. 

 

The role is deployed within the NEP Subsurface COSA Team. The Reservoir Engineer (RE) will be supporting preparations for start up of the first phase of operations (Endurance Phase 1) as well as assisting in delivering a rig campaign that consists of 6 development wells and the analysis of extensive new datasets. In addition, the RE will work with the dynamic models of the storage sites and wider aquifer which are key to the delivery of Phase 1 and underpin proposals for development of future stores.   

 

What you will deliver

 

• Expected to take the lead on Reservoir Engineering technical analysis, judgement, and guidance in aid of identification, evaluation and progression of value-generating resources, applying appropriate use of models.

• Identify and take lead on reservoir engineering inputs for NEP Phase 1 well delivery planning and operational activities

• Ability to incorporate subsurface and wells results in the evaluation of well performance, including updating static and dynamic reservoir models, and identify and plan future surveillance requirements to improve monitoring procedures (working closely with the operational team)

• Lead CS001 preparation for start-up by ensuring that the necessary operating procedures and associated user interfaces have been developed both internally and in the wider project.

• Work with and influence the project organization, IJV and regulators to deliver Execute phase work scope and permit commitments in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

• Lead analyses, appraisal and development plans, and recommendations to progress expansion projects through decision gates to sanction, providing coaching and technical leadership for less experienced colleagues.

• Ensure subsurface products align to bp’s technical expectations for sanction decision quality of development engaging subject matter experts where required.

• Describe subsurface uncertainties and define work products needed to sufficiently explore those uncertainties and risks.

• Lead reservoir engineering discipline input to internal and external decision documentation and technical reviews to ensure cost recovery and timely delivery of agreed work scope and milestones.

• Lead multi-disciplines teams to develop Storage Site Management Plan, Metering Plan & Commissioning Plan by required licence deadlines.

 

What you will need to be successful (experience and qualifications)

 

Essential criteria

• Deep technical reservoir engineering understanding in simulation/ensemble modelling, depletion planning, reservoir management, surveillance planning and analysis, subsurface integration and classical RE techniques.

• Deep technical experience with analytical / numerical RE toolkits (e.g. OpenGoSim, Nexus, IPM-Petex suite including Reveal and Prosper, Pressure Transient Analysis, Decline Curve Analysis) and track record of coaching less experienced colleagues in effectively using toolkits.

• Demonstrated track record of the identification and coordination of key workfronts, strong interpersonal skills, integration skills, and technical leadership.

• Experience in setting up contracts with subsequent technical oversight and management of RE related lab work programmes (SCAL & fluid analysis)

• Reservoir Performance Prediction and Integrated Subsurface Description expertise.

• Experience with bp processes including Subsurface Uncertainty and Risk Management, Subsurface Discipline Reviews, Major Project common process, and Development Planning.

• Experience providing support for well and project planning processes, including drilling operations, well evaluations and facility options.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to share technical learnings.

• Ability to cope with short-term deadlines and flexible prioritization.

• Skilful stakeholder management experience.

 

Desirable Criteria

Technical

• Awareness of wider technical concepts of CCS and associated developments

 

Personal

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work closely with cross-functional teams including Subsurface, Wells, and Projects.

• Technical experience and technical judgment to be able to respectfully influence others, ensure technical best practice is used.

 

You will work with

 

The role is deployed within the NEP Subsurface COSA Team, a team of around 20 geoscientists, petrophysicists and engineers, most of whom are based in the Sunbury office, with a subset of the team in Aberdeen. The subsurface team is co-located with the wider project and wells teams and has regular engagements with both technical and commercial teams to support delivery of this high-profile UK based project.

 

The role is likely to involve extensive engagement with the UK technical and economic regulators, both virtually and in person. There are also likely to be opportunities to present and publish work externally. The first of a kind nature of the project and the team's role in delivery for the IJV means that the successful candidate will need to be comfortable applying existing processes and skills in an evolving external environment, ensuring technical excellence and cost efficiency in delivery and future operations is taken into account in decision making.

Important   

This vacancy is being advertised as part of the Subsurface Streamlined Moves process and is open to internal staff only. Streamlined Moves opportunities are limited to moves at your current grade with no change in geographic location. Applications are limited to individuals who meet the Streamlined Moves eligibility requirements and have Line Manager approvals to participate in the process. Please see the Subsurface People Processes SharePoint for more details on Streamlined Moves.   

Some roles advertised have incumbents. If those individuals are unsuccessful in finding a new role through the streamlined moves process, those roles will be withdrawn.   

You may apply for up to 3 roles within the streamlined moves process. Only apply for roles you are sure you would accept. Please ensure your line manager is aware of your role preferences and how they align with your development needs. Timing of moves will be agreed by the relevant line managers and may be several months after the selection events.   

Some multi-graded role vacancies may be advertised at more than one grade to allow for flexibility in filling roles. In this case a single position would be open to candidates from different grade levels. There will be no change of grade for the successful candidate. If interested in one of these roles,  please apply for the version posted at your current grade.   

Travel Requirement:

No travel is expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Data acquisition strategy, Data Analysis, Data Management, Depletion and Storage Development Planning, Fluid Properties, Fluid sampling and analysis, Geological Reservoir and Storage Unit Modelling, Integrated Resource Progression, Measuring and Verification for Carbon Storage, Monitoring, Operations Geology, Petrophysical Dynamic Reservoir Description, Petrophysical Static Reservoir Description, Reservoir Forecasting and Business Planning, Reservoir quality, Rock Properties Framework, Subsurface integration, Subsurface uncertainty and risk management, Subsurface verification and assurance, Well and Area Performance Management

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Future Location Notice:  This role will start in Sunbury, London. bp has announced a planned office move to Timber Square, London, with all positions currently advertised in Sunbury, including this one, expected to relocate around Q4 2027-Q1 2028. This presents an exciting opportunity for all employees and leaders to come together in one London location. The specific date of the move will be confirmed closer to the time.

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