A top-tier oilfield service company with a century-long track record, Baker Hughes delivers solutions that help oil and gas operators make the most of their reservoirs. Collaboration is the foundation on which we build our business. We listen to our clients to understand their unique challenges and then develop solutions designed to help manage operating ...

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Drilling Operator

Job Type

Full Time

Qualification

BA/BSc/HND

Experience

Nairobi

Job Field

Engineering / Technical

As a Drilling Operator, you will be working at the center of rig operations, supporting drilling crews with tubular handling and mechanical operations fundamental to safe well construction. You will be operating drilling‑floor tools, assisting in running casing and tubing, inspecting equipment, and supporting the driller and floorhands with the tasks required to keep drilling progressing efficiently.

As a Drilling Operator, you will be responsible for:

• Operating drilling and tubular‑handling equipment on the rig floor—including elevators, slips, spiders, mechanical tools, and hydraulic/pneumatic devices used during pipe handling and well construction.
• Assisting with running and pulling tubulars (casing, drill pipe, and tubing), supporting safe alignment, stabbing, latching, and connection integrity during drilling operations.
• Inspecting tools and equipment before, during, and after drilling activities to ensure operational readiness and identify potential failures or hazards.
• Communicating effectively with the driller, rig floor operators, and supervisors to coordinate safe movement of tubulars, tools, and equipment.
• Following all drilling and client safety requirements, attending rig safety meetings, and maintaining constant awareness of hazards on the rig floor.
• Supporting general rig‑floor duties such as assisting with rig‑up/rig‑down, basic equipment troubleshooting, and completing operational documentation.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have general knowledge of the oil and gas industry, preferably with direct exposure to drilling or tubular‑handling operations.
• Have strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate and understand mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools used on drilling rigs.
• Have the ability to work well and communicate effectively with drilling crews, supervisors, and subcontracted personnel in high‑pressure environments.
• Have a two‑year technical degree (preferred) or equivalent technical training combined with field experience.
• Have previous industry experience and product‑line exposure (drilling, TRS, rig operations), with the ability to follow procedures and maintain safety compliance.
• Have the willingness to work variable schedules— ncluding offshore, shift‑based, or on‑call assignments and adapt to changing operational demands

Check how your CV aligns with this job

• Operating drilling and tubular‑handling equipment on the rig floor—including elevators, slips, spiders, mechanical tools, and hydraulic/pneumatic devices used during pipe handling and well construction.
• Assisting with running and pulling tubulars (casing, drill pipe, and tubing), supporting safe alignment, stabbing, latching, and connection integrity during drilling operations.
• Inspecting tools and equipment before, during, and after drilling activities to ensure operational readiness and identify potential failures or hazards.
• Communicating effectively with the driller, rig floor operators, and supervisors to coordinate safe movement of tubulars, tools, and equipment.
• Following all drilling and client safety requirements, attending rig safety meetings, and maintaining constant awareness of hazards on the rig floor.
• Supporting general rig‑floor duties such as assisting with rig‑up/rig‑down, basic equipment troubleshooting, and completing operational documentation.

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Ability to safely operate and understand mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with drilling crews, supervisors, and subcontracted personnel in high‑pressure environments
• Ability to follow procedures and maintain safety compliance

• General knowledge of the oil and gas industry, preferably with direct exposure to drilling or tubular‑handling operations.
• A two‑year technical degree (preferred) or equivalent technical training combined with field experience.
• Previous industry experience and product‑line exposure (drilling, TRS, rig operations)