Senior Production Technologist – Nairobi, Kenya

Senior Production Technologist – Nairobi, Kenya WTS International Limited is looking for an experienced Senior Production Technologist to lead technical initiatives in production engineering and well performance optimization. In this pivotal role, you will drive strategies to maximize hydrocarbon recovery, enhance asset uptime, and ensure safe, cost-effective field operations. You will take the lead on production surveillance programs, artificial lift system optimization, well performance diagnostics, and production enhancement projects. This is a Nairobi-based position requiring regular field visits to support operational excellence. What You'll Be Responsible For: Lead and oversee production surveillance and well performance monitoring initiatives, analyzing operational data to identify underperforming wells and recommend optimization and corrective actions. Conduct nodal analysis, inflow and outflow modeling, well deliverability studies, and decline curve analysis to support accurate production forecasting and strategic field development planning. Design, specify, and optimize artificial lift systems including ESP, PCP, gas lift, and rod pump technologies, prioritizing well performance and long-term reliability. Diagnose complex well performance challenges including scale buildup, sand production, wax deposition, corrosion, and rising water cut levels, then develop targeted remediation and intervention strategies. Develop and manage comprehensive production testing programs involving PLT and IFT execution, data interpretation, and integration with existing reservoir and production models. Provide critical technical guidance during well intervention planning, completion design reviews, and workover proposal development, including detailed risk assessment and execution planning support. Work collaboratively with production operations and facilities teams to fine-tune choke settings, address surface constraints, and enhance overall system efficiency. Lead detailed root-cause failure investigations for both downhole and surface equipment failures, driving corrective action plans and reliability enhancement programs. Maintain production data integrity across all systems, develop and update forecasting models and dashboards, and produce technical reports that inform management and asset-level decision-making. Research, evaluate, and implement advanced production technologies such as chemical treatments, downhole monitoring sensors, scale inhibitors, and digital solutions for enhanced visibility. Champion continuous improvement efforts aimed at boosting production efficiency, reducing operational downtime, and maximizing asset recovery rates. Mentor and develop junior production engineers and technologists while establishing technical standards, best practices documentation, and training curriculum. Uphold all HSSEQ standards, well integrity protocols, and regulatory requirements applicable to production operations and planned interventions. Undertake additional duties as needed to support production optimization goals and improve field performance outcomes. What We're Looking For: Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline. A minimum of ten years of professional experience in upstream oil and gas production engineering or production technologist roles, with substantial hands-on experience in artificial lift systems and well performance optimization. Proven track record in well performance monitoring, production surveillance, and production optimization on onshore or offshore assets. Deep technical expertise in artificial lift systems including ESP, gas lift, PCP, and rod pump technologies, encompassing design, troubleshooting, and system optimization. Solid experience applying nodal analysis, decline curve methodology, production forecasting techniques, and well test interpretation including PLT and IFT analysis. Strong foundational knowledge of flow assurance issues such as scale, wax, hydrates, corrosion, and multiphase flow dynamics. Hands-on experience supporting well interventions, workover operations, and production enhancement project execution. Proficiency with production engineering software platforms, SCADA systems, and real-time production monitoring tools is highly valued. Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities with strong communication and stakeholder management abilities. Professional certifications, advanced training, or specialized qualifications in production optimization, artificial lift systems, or multiphase flow analysis are advantageous.