Senior Systems Engineer AeroStratus Engineering Canada

Reservoir Optimization Specialist Positions at Core Laboratories

In the complex landscape of global energy, understanding the subsurface is the fundamental key to unlocking reservoir potential. The precise characterization of rock and fluid properties dictates the efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability of energy projects worldwide. Core Laboratories, a leader in reservoir description and production enhancement, is expanding its global team. We are initiating a recruitment campaign for Reservoir Optimization Specialists with new job openings available in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We welcome applications from all nationalities.

This role is central to our mission of providing data-driven insights that maximize hydrocarbon recovery and inform critical investment decisions. This document provides a detailed overview of the position’s strategic importance, the specific technical domains involved, the qualifications we seek, and the global career opportunities available at Core Laboratories.

The Strategic Impact of Reservoir Optimization

A Reservoir Optimization Specialist at Core Laboratories operates at the intersection of advanced geoscience, data analytics, and practical engineering. This role is not a siloed laboratory position; it is a client-facing, analytical function that transforms raw physical data from rock and fluid samples into a dynamic digital understanding of the reservoir. Your analyses form the foundational dataset used by energy companies to build accurate reservoir models, plan well placements, design completion strategies, and ultimately determine the lifetime value of an asset.

In an industry increasingly focused on efficiency and carbon-aware extraction, the work of a Reservoir Optimization Specialist is more critical than ever. By providing a clear picture of pore structures, fluid compatibilities, and formation damage potential, you directly contribute to reducing operational risk, enhancing ultimate recovery, and optimizing production strategies for some of the world’s most significant energy assets.

A Detailed Breakdown of Key Responsibilities and Technical Domains

Your responsibilities will be diverse, leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and sophisticated software to answer complex subsurface questions. The core duties can be categorized into several key technical domains.

1. Core and Fluid Analysis

• Plan and oversee routine and special core analysis (RCAL/SCAL) programs on reservoir rock samples, ensuring the highest standards of data quality and integrity.

• Perform and interpret analyses including, but not limited to:

  • Porosity, permeability, and grain density measurements.

  • Capillary pressure and relative permeability tests.

  • Formation damage assessment and core flood studies.

• Analyze reservoir fluid samples (oil, gas, water) to determine their PVT (Pressure-Volume-Temperature) properties and compositional characteristics.

• Integrate rock and fluid data to understand interactions and predict reservoir behavior under various production scenarios.

2. Data Integration and Quality Control

• Meticulously manage and quality-control vast datasets generated from laboratory measurements, identifying anomalies and ensuring consistency.

• Integrate core analysis results with other subsurface data sources, such as well logs and seismic interpretation, to create a cohesive reservoir description.

• Prepare comprehensive data packages and digital deliverables for client use in reservoir simulation models.

3. Technical Consulting and Client Support

• Act as a technical consultant, providing expert interpretation of laboratory data to help clients solve specific reservoir challenges.

• Prepare and present detailed technical reports and presentations that clearly explain methodologies, results, and actionable recommendations.

• Work closely with clients to design analysis programs that are tailored to their specific reservoir objectives and economic constraints.

• Support business development efforts by providing technical expertise during client meetings and proposal development.

4. Laboratory and Project Management

• Adhere to strict safety protocols and standard operating procedures within a laboratory environment.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to project budgets.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory techniques and analytical methodologies.

The Candidate Profile: Qualifications and Experience We Value

We are seeking individuals with a strong geoscience or petroleum engineering background who are passionate about the technical details that drive large-scale decisions. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with a meticulous approach to data.

Required Education & Technical Skills:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, Geophysics, or a closely related Earth Science field.

• Foundational understanding of petrophysics, reservoir engineering principles, and geology.

• Experience with, or a strong conceptual understanding of, routine and special core analysis (RCAL/SCAL) techniques.

• Proficiency with standard office software and a demonstrated ability to work with specialized data management and analysis tools.

• Fluent proficiency in English is mandatory for all locations, given our global client base and internal communications.

Highly Preferred Experience:

• Prior hands-on experience in a reservoir characterization laboratory or a closely related role within an energy company.

• Familiarity with reservoir simulation software and the data requirements for model population.

• Experience in a client-facing role, demonstrating the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

• Knowledge of specific geological plays and reservoir types relevant to the location of interest (e.g., unconventional shales in the USA, carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East, or offshore clastic systems in the North Sea).

Core Competencies & Soft Skills:

• Meticulous Attention to Detail: The ability to maintain extreme accuracy and consistency in data recording, analysis, and reporting.

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Mindset: You enjoy deconstructing complex problems and are driven to find root causes.

• Strong Communication Skills: You can translate highly technical findings into clear, concise, and impactful written reports and verbal presentations.

• Collaborative Team Player: You thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment, sharing knowledge and working towards a common goal.

• Proactive and Self-Motivated: You can manage your own workload, prioritize tasks effectively, and take initiative without constant supervision.

Global Opportunities and Career at Core Laboratories

Core Laboratories is a global company with a presence in over 50 countries. These new positions offer a unique opportunity to build an international career with an industry leader.

Available Locations:

• Canada: Likely focused on the prolific unconventional plays in Alberta (e.g., Montney, Duvernay) or offshore East Coast projects.

• Netherlands: Centered on the mature but complex fields of the North Sea, requiring expertise in enhanced oil recovery and production optimization.

• United Kingdom: A key hub for North Sea operations, offering exposure to a wide range of reservoir challenges in a mature basin.

• United States: Opportunities across major onshore and offshore hubs, including Houston, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with a strong focus on unconventional resource plays.

The Core Lab Advantage:

• Global Network: Gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of global projects and collaborate with industry experts from around the world.

• Technical Leadership: Work with cutting-edge technology and methodologies in reservoir characterization.

• Career Development: Core Labs is committed to the professional growth of its employees, offering opportunities for technical training and career advancement.

• Inclusive Culture: We firmly believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Our statement “All Nationality Can Apply” is a core tenet of our hiring philosophy, and we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to bring their unique skills and experiences to our global team.

The Application Process

The application process is designed to identify individuals with both the technical competency and the collaborative spirit to succeed at Core Labs.

1. Initial Application: Submit your CV and a cover letter through the appropriate channel. Your application will be reviewed by both a recruiter and a technical manager.

2. Recruiter Screening: A preliminary phone or video call to discuss your background, career interests, and location preference.

3. Technical Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager and potential team members. This will focus on your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and experience with specific core analysis concepts.

4. Final Interview & Offer: A final discussion may involve senior management and will cover broader company fit and career objectives, culminating in a formal offer for the selected candidate.

Taking the Next Step

If you are a geoscientist or engineer with a passion for subsurface analysis and are seeking a role where your work has a direct, tangible impact on global energy projects, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered for these global opportunities, please prepare the following:

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly details your educational background, work experience, and technical skills. Be specific about your experience with reservoir characterization, core analysis, or related disciplines.

• A tailored cover letter is highly recommended. In your letter, please indicate your preferred work location(s) from the list of available countries and explain why your skills and career aspirations align with the Reservoir Optimization Specialist role at Core Laboratories.

APPLY NOW by submitting your application to the designated portal or recruitment contact associated with this global hiring initiative.

Join us at Core Laboratories and play a pivotal role in optimizing the world’s reservoir resources.