MPD Supervisor

Role overview

The MPD Supervisor will support offshore Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) activities by helping set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot MPD systems and related equipment at the rig site. This position also contributes technical guidance on installation, upkeep, repair, testing, and safe operation of MPD and subsea/surface support systems.

The role requires close attention to safety, equipment integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. You will work with drilling, subsea, marine, engineering, vendor, and client teams to keep MPD systems within operating limits and aligned with corporate, local, and client requirements.

Technical scope

Work covers managed pressure drilling equipment and associated systems such as specialty riser joints, umbilical reels, control skids, manifolds, running and retrieving tools, surface well control safety equipment, pressure and latch-up tools, and test equipment. You will also support maintenance and operational decisions related to subsea and surface support equipment used in drilling and marine operations.

Key duties

• Support the setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of MPD systems for onsite applications.
• Guide teams on installation, repair, preventive maintenance, overhaul, and safe use of MPD and auxiliary systems.
• Check preservation and lubrication of MPD equipment in storage or out of service, and verify compatibility before equipment is run.
• Advise on risks or complications involving riser joints, manifolds, control systems, umbilicals, and electronic controls.
• Use system knowledge and reference materials to carry out maintenance, inspections, repairs, and overhauls as needed.
• Ensure vendors understand and follow quality assurance expectations.
• Provide design input for rig-up and rig-down of interrelated drilling, MPD, subsea, and surface systems.
• Perform operational calculations, including fluid figures, equipment weights, nitrogen pre-charge, water depth impacts, and planning inputs.
• Prepare progress updates, breakdown reports, and recommendations for improvements.
• Support review of purchase requests for MPD spare parts, tools, materials, and services.
• Monitor and correct design issues that could affect personnel safety.
• Review and supervise design outputs connected to drilling and support equipment.
• Act as a link between rig-based subsea staff, client experts, corporate engineering, and suppliers.
• Review technical matters during engineering projects and support equipment certification compliance.
• Coordinate equipment rotation to maintain Certification of Conformity requirements.
• Work with manufacturers and service providers, including facility and service audits.
• Review OEM notices and well control alerts and ensure action plans are implemented where relevant.
• Arrange approved Management of Change documentation when deviations from subsea standards are needed.
• Provide support to rigs even when offsite, including incident investigations, end-of-well support, and annual audits.
• Assess MPD and drilling personnel competence and contribute to succession and staffing planning.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times.
• Assist with installation and commissioning projects for MPD equipment.
• Track vendor progress on new builds and equipment repairs.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years of technical experience in managed pressure drilling and related support systems.
• At least 5 years of hands-on MPD operations experience.
• Ability to draft functional specifications, review design and test records, and oversee manufacturing, testing, installation, commissioning, and operation of subsea well control systems.
• Experience with MPD system sourcing, bid package preparation, and bid evaluation.
• Working knowledge of industry codes, standards, and recommended practices for subsea well control systems, including participation in industry groups such as API and ISO.
• Prior exposure to certification bodies such as API, DNV, and ABS, with strong knowledge of API, U.S. CFRs, ABS-CDS, and DNV OSE-101.
• Current awareness of MPD technologies and emerging trends.
• Strong troubleshooting ability across hydraulic, electronic, and mechanical systems.
• Good understanding of machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Familiarity with offshore and at-sea operations.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in team settings.
• Good time-management skills and the ability to set priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including MS Project; additional project management tools are an advantage.
• Knowledge of SAP/ERP Plant Maintenance and Material Management modules is preferred.
• Willingness to travel extensively; this is an offshore rotational role with roughly 100% travel.
• Engineering degree or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience with dual gradient or controlled mud level operations and equipment is preferred.
• Knowledge of well engineering in CML operations is preferred.
• Experience with installing and commissioning CML systems is preferred.

Additional information

This is a full-time offshore rotational position based in Global Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Travel is an essential part of the role and may account for approximately 100% of working time. The supervisor will have no direct reports, but will indirectly support rig-based subsea personnel.

Supervisory structure

Direct reports: None

Indirect reports: Rig-based subsea personnel

Other notes

The selected candidate is expected to support corporate and regional goals, maintain compliance with subsea standards, and contribute to the long-term competence and staffing needs of the organization.