Petroleum Production Expert

Are you a petroleum engineer with a desire to make the world a better place? Are you passionate about the energy transition? Do you want to join a diverse and highly skilled global team where you will make a lasting impact? If yes, then this is the role for you!

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply!

Your Impact

Our Experts are creative project leaders who guide and manage innovative research strategies, crafting visionary yet practical solutions for our industry partners and advocates. As a Petroleum Production Expert at RMI, you will be a primary project manager and subject matter expert, and work closely with and under the direction of RMI’s Principals and Managing Directors to design and execute projects.  The Petroleum Production Expert

• Is a highly analytic individual contributor. 
• Manages projects and/or significant portions of initiatives. 
• Contributes to strategy-level conversations about initiatives and RMI. 
• Represents RMI externally at mid-level technical events and presents to small and mid-sized groups. 
• Participates in business and policy development, and sometimes has a significant role in that area.   

You’ll be part of RMI’s Climate Intelligence Program’s Oil and Gas Solutions Initiative (OGSI), which aims to identify measurable reductions in the oil and gas sector that can be activated through financial, corporate, and government channels. OGSI leverages the insights and expertise of staff across Climate Intelligence and RMI and collaborates closely with many teams. Regardless of your background or level of experience, you will have the opportunity to help bring about change in the world that you might not find anywhere else in your career.

This role will report to Debbie Gordon, Senior Principal, who serves as co-leader of OGSI.

Major Roles And Responsibilities

The primary role of the Petroleum Production Expert is to lead the design and execution of novel research and thought leadership on oil and gas production greenhouse gas emissions, and use this analysis to inform internal and external strategy and engagement.

To perform this role successfully, the Petroleum Production Expert is expected to: 

• Build out the Oil Climate Index plus Gas (OCI+) tool and the Oil Production Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimator (OPGEE) model to analyze upstream oil and gas emissions reductions to serve technology, policy, and financial stakeholders. [Links to OCI+ and (OPGEE)].
• Maintain deep expertise in areas crucial for the advancement of the implementation of net zero emissions strategies in the oil and gas sector and develop expertise in areas key to supporting other objectives of OGSI. The priority of these areas may shift over time, reflecting team needs and industry, economic, and policy dynamics. 
• Build and leverage working knowledge and networks to inform ongoing and future work in pursuit of the objectives of OGSI. 
• Collaborate on projects across RMI teams to advance the decarbonization of the Oil and Gas Sector.
• Work closely with leadership to advance the work of the initiative. This may include securing funding, setting annual objectives, supporting recruitment efforts and skillfully prioritizing and reprioritizing work. 
• Mentor colleagues and share petroleum knowledge in OGSI and other teams.  

Manage Projects and Model Expansions to Yield Breakthrough Insights and Results 

With senior guidance, shape model development and project strategies from inception to conclusion. This includes:

• Determine change models, research methods, timelines, resource plans, communications plans, stakeholder engagement, and how results will be measured. 
• Be accountable for project results, rigorously challenging and validating findings from RMI teams and partners. 
• Act as the lead relationship manager with project partners and stakeholders, when appropriate. 
• Coach project team members and develop internal capacity, while resolving any issues throughout project life cycle.  
• Structure and deliver clear, compelling written and oral communications to synthesize and disseminate the insights and approaches developed by OGSI.  

Core Skills And Experiences

• Graduate, research-focused degree in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or another related field AND at least 6 years of experience working in and/or with the oil and gas sector in either a corporate or academic institution (e.g., oil and gas company, consultancy, financial institution, think-tank, or academia).
• Proficiency in python and SQL, and a working knowledge in other software languages
• Data analysis experience.
• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive.
• Proficiency, sound knowledge, understanding of the priorities and relevant landscape of the climate impacts of oil and gas systems.   
• Professional experience designing, modeling, and executing thought-leadership research.  
• Demonstrated relationship-building, presentation, and facilitation skills.   
• Fluency in written and spoken English.   

Desired Skills And Experiences

• Geospatial familiarity and knowledge about methane satellites.
• Expertise in one or more relevant fields, such as: production and process engineering, reservoir engineering, greenhouse gas life cycle analysis, oil, and gas policy.  
• Competency in various levels of key upstream oil and gas activities and decision making with at least one near mastery level, including reservoir assessment, geologic, topside operations, brownfield projects, greenfield projects, end-of-life sealing, fiscal terms modeling, or others.
• Experience in designing and delivering research methodologies and change leadership.  
• Proficient in writing for broad audiences and demonstrated ability to deliver clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences. Especially experience tailoring research and communications to technical, corporate, and financial audiences.  
• Experience working across teams and at the interface of diverse stakeholders.  
• Prior knowledge of model development, program design and assessment processes.   

We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all the skills listed above. We offer professional learning and training opportunities to help you develop the skills you may not have had the opportunity to cultivate yet.

Location

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols For Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.

Compensation

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary range of this position is $103,000 – $125,000. You would also have an additional 10% bonus target!  

Benefits: 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment):

• Medical, dental, vision insurance  
• 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)   
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)   
• Generous paid time off  
• Parental leave   
• Work from home and commuter allowance

Diversity      

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.    

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:    

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.    
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.    
• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.    

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.