What does an MPD specialist do?
An MPD specialist manages wellbore pressure during drilling operations by operating and maintaining specialized surface equipment. This role focuses on the precise control of downhole pressure to prevent fluid influx or loss into the formation. The specialist ensures the rotating control device and choke manifold function correctly to maintain a safe drilling window. They act as the primary technical authority for pressure-control hardware at the wellsite.
- Operate the rotating control device and associated choke manifold systems to regulate well pressure in real time. Monitor hydraulic power units and control software to adjust backpressure according to the drilling plan. Execute deployment and retrieval procedures for the internal riser joint while adhering to strict safety protocols. Document all operational parameters and equipment status changes in company record systems such as AIM.
- Perform maintenance and repairs on MPD equipment including surface manifolds reels and hydraulic components. Troubleshoot mechanical or hydraulic failures in the pressure-control stack and implement immediate corrective actions. Verify that all sealing elements and wear parts meet current revision levels before each job. Complete sealing element evaluation reports and upload field documentation to share with engineering teams.
- Lead pre-job task planning and risk assessment activities using standard industry tools like START and permit to work systems. Participate in safety drills and conduct after-action reviews following every internal riser joint deployment or retrieval. Collaborate with original equipment manufacturers to ensure onsite practices align with the latest operational policies. Submit detailed lessons learned and downtime records to the MPD manager for continuous process improvement.
How to hire an MPD specialist on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your drilling pressure-control needs clearly to attract qualified candidates. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description from a few sentences. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- Specify experience with Rotating Control Device (RCD) installation and maintenance for managed pressure operations.
- List required competency with MPD control software and surface equipment like chokes and manifolds.
- Request examples of sealing element evaluation reports and after-action reviews from previous wellsites.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for documented proof of onsite MPD IRJ rig-up and operational procedure execution. Uma runs instant video interviews and builds shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit.
- Verify hands-on troubleshooting history for HPU/HCS units and associated reel accessories.
- Check for completed task planning and risk assessment records using START or PTW methods.
- Confirm familiarity with company work systems like AIM for uploading downtime records and field documentation.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific scenarios involving wellbore pressure regulation and equipment corrective actions. Schedule and conduct these interviews within Upwork Messages to receive an immediate transcript and summary after each one.
- Ask how they handle sealing element failures during active drilling operations.
- Review their process for collaborating with OEMs to update onsite policies and procedures.
- Evaluate their approach to pre-job safety drills and after-action review submissions.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for equipment maintenance, documentation submission, and operational support. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define deliverables such as weekly downtime logs and completed MPD IRJ deployment reports.
- Establish protocols for sharing corrective action documents following equipment repairs.
- Agree on hourly rates between $20-$35/hr based on the complexity of pressure-control tasks.
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