Wireline and Perforating

Halliburton's Wireline and Perforating product service line (PSL) uses electronic tools and computerized surface systems at the wellsite to record and analyze geological and geophysical formations. Its services also include "perforating," which is the use of explosives to provide maximum well and reservoir productivity. Wireline and perforating services help reduce the risks that customers face at the well and also minimize nonproductive time at the well.

Wireline and Perforating Field Engineers use electronic tools and computerized surface systems at the wellsite to perform openhole, borehole seismic, and cased-hole logging to record and analyze subsurface formations in oil and gas wells. They also perform perforating services to facilitate the flow of oil and gas from the well.

During openhole logging, field engineers use electronic imaging tools (such as nuclear, 3-D, seismic and gamma ray) to measure the downhole formation's viscosity, density, resistivity, permeability and anisotropy, and the well's fluids (water and hydrocarbons). Sensor readings travel up an electric wireline and produce a log (similar to what a medical EKG reading looks like). The engineer analyzes the log to determine if oil and gas are present and, if so, how much and if it can be produced economically.

After openhole field engineers determine that the well can produce oil and gas, the hole is cased and cemented in place so that cased-hole logging services can be performed. Cased-hole field engineers inspect the cement casing with acoustic tools, electromechanical tools and video to help ensure that the well will produce oil and gas at optimum levels.

Cased-hole field engineers also perform perforating services, which is the process of using explosive charges to make holes in the casing to provide connectivity between the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir and the wellbore, thereby allowing oil or gas to flow to the surface. Perforating is accomplished by using a perforating gun - loaded with shaped charges - that is lowered into the well and electronically fired from the surface.

Borehole Seismic engineers are a specialty group who work in both openhole and cased hole environments providing data to bridge the gap between surface seismic and the wellbore with customized reliable high-resolution borehole seismic images to improve reservoir analysis using industry leading borehole seismic energy source & downhole array technologies.

The first year
Wireline and Perforating Field Engineers actually spend the first 8-10 months of their careers receiving a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. At our training center in Fort Worth, Texas, you’ll learn everything from “Oilfield 101” to equipment theory and practical applications. You’ll work a 24-hour, on-call schedule while in training and also after your training is complete.

While you are training in the field, a mentor – typically, an experienced engineer – will provide you with guidance on how to perform tasks critical to your job, including:

• Analysis of petrophysical data acquired through wireline services
• Equipment preparation and calibration
• Tools and equipment operation
• Rig-up of tools to the rig.

The objective of the training you receive is to learn and master the skills of an equipment operator and to begin functioning as the “second engineer” on wellsite jobs.

Depending on your career path, you will learn and become proficient in openhole, cased-hole or perforating services.

After training
Once your training is complete, you will be a lead engineer, managing a crew of two to three equipment operators, and conquering new challenges each day.

You’ll typically work seven days on call, with three days off. While on call, it is not uncommon to spend one or two nights away from home.

Due to the nature of the job, you will spend the majority of your time outdoors at the rigsite, working in sometimes extreme weather conditions for extended hours.  

Work locations are subject to change, depending on our customers' needs.

Halliburton currently has opportunities for Wireline and Perforating Field Engineers in the following locations: