INTRODUCTION

Job Title: Professional Field Engineer
Name: Steve Thornhill
Company Overview: Steve Thornhill is a Professional Field Engineer with Schlumberger, where he plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry. His work involves managing offshore operations and addressing complex engineering challenges.

Job Overview

In his position, Steve oversees a crew working offshore, splitting his time between drill rigs and the office in Mount Pearl. His day may involve planning meetings to set up offshore operations or directly engaging with sophisticated equipment used for drilling oil. A significant part of his job includes troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and computer-related issues, often located kilometers deep into wells beneath the ocean floor.

Career Path

Steve holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Memorial University. His high school interests in math and science, along with a fascination for architecture and design, led him to pursue engineering. “Engineering seemed to represent a combination of these interests,” he shares. Steve's journey began with his education at Memorial University, where he honed his technical skills and developed a strong foundation in engineering principles.

Day in the Life

Steve’s workdays vary greatly depending on operational demands. His offshore work requires him to be adaptable and attentive to detail, especially in high-stress environments. Safety is paramount; Schlumberger emphasizes a robust workplace safety program to ensure the well-being of both onshore and offshore teams.

Skills and Tools

Technical Skills: Troubleshooting, equipment management, project planning, and operations coordination. Soft Skills: Problem-solving, quick thinking, organization, and effective communication. Tools Used: Specialized drilling and troubleshooting equipment, engineering software, and communication systems.