Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Certification
Other Careers
Timeline
Generic

Louie Qubain

Denver

Summary

Senior petroleum engineer with 14+ years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in drilling engineering, directional drilling, well planning, and completions planning. Proven expertise in optimizing drilling performance, mitigating risks, and boosting production outcomes. Known for developing innovative tools and exploring AI applications to enhance operational efficiency and implement strategic cost-saving measures. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with business objectives, ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable operations.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sr. Completions Planning Engineer & Advisor

EQT
08.2024 - 08.2025

Spearheaded completions planning to optimize well operations, resource alignment, and cost efficiency. Forecast material and labor needs using historical data and predictive modeling. Collaborate across departments to improve planning accuracy, standardize processes, and streamline execution. Manage Salesforce objects, conduct performance analyses, and drive software enhancements to support data-driven decisions.

  • Led completions planning for 90+ wells, aligning sand, water, equipment, and layouts to reduce cycle time and improve execution consistency.
  • Forecasted material and labor needs using historical data and predictive models, cutting operational delays by 15%.
  • Managed $210M+ in AFE budgets, performed cost lookbacks, and adjust forecasts to maintain financial accuracy within 5% variance.
  • Oversaw 600+ Salesforce object updates, driving software enhancements that improved reporting clarity and reduced manual tracking by 40%.

Drilling Engineer Advisor

Helmerich & Payne
01.2024 - 08.2024

Conducted drilling engineering analyses using WellScan—torque & drag, vibration modeling, and BHA optimization to improve rig performance. Served as technical lead for rig operations, advising on bit-motor pairing, well design, and dysfunction management. Delivered client updates and supported real-time teams in resolving drilling issues. Led training to boost client adoption and software use.

  • Conducted drilling engineering analyses on 45+ wells using WellScan, optimizing BHA design, torque & drag, and vibration mitigation, which improved ROP by up to 30% and reduced dysfunction-related NPT by 35%.
  • Led technical support for 10+ rigs, advising on bit-motor pairing and drilling parameters that enhanced lateral placement accuracy and reduced slide time.
  • Delivered weekly performance reviews to 10+ clients, driving actionable improvements and aligning KPIs across operations.
  • Trained over 20 client engineers and field personnel, increasing software adoption and reducing onboarding time by 20%.

Remote Operations Engineer

Helmerich & Payne
06.2023 - 01.2024

Delivered advanced MWD analytics and survey QC support to rig-site operators across multiple basins. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve field issues, improve survey accuracy, and ensure real-time communication with stakeholders. Supported drilling operations through data analysis, documentation, and customer-focused solutions.

  • Supported 85+ rigs with MWD survey validation, reducing survey errors by 30% and enabling faster drilling decisions.
  • Resolved over 200 technical issues in real-time with MWD operators, increasing service reliability and customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated with 10+ stakeholder groups, improving communication workflows and accelerating survey data turnaround.
  • Maintained accurate daily paperwork for 100+ projects, improving billing clarity and operational tracking.

Directional Drilling Contractor

Qubain Energy Solution
05.2022 - 09.2023

Provided BHA design, drilling optimization, and geosteering services across 25+ wells for multiple Oklahoma clients. Led operations according to client SOPs, managed billing and inventory, and ensured alignment with production goals and safety standards. Trained field crews, improved drilling efficiency, and maintained strong communication with stakeholders to support performance and recovery goals.

  • Improved ROP by 15% and reduced slide percentage by 18% through optimized BHA recommendations and real-time adjustments.
  • Steered 20+ wells using geological data, increasing lateral placement accuracy and hydrocarbon recovery.
  • Reduced drilling costs by 10% by identifying inefficiencies and standardizing operational workflows.
  • Mentored 10+ rig personnel in safety, drilling methods, and client-specific procedures, reducing incidents and improving execution.

Area & Well Planner

PDC Energy
02.2019 - 08.2020

Led the end-to-end SSRD (Site Selection to Release to Drill) process, optimizing coordination between permitting, planning, and drilling. Created and managed directional well plans using COMPASS and ArcGIS, ensured regulatory compliance, and streamlined workflows across departments. Played a key role in permit acquisition, pad design, land coordination, and drilling plan finalization.

  • Submitted 280+ directional well plans, ensuring COGCC compliance and timely permit approvals.
  • Cut planning-to-drill time by 40% by building a well planning team and streamlining SSRD workflows.
  • Managed Arc GIS and Generwell data to maintain accurate site info and pad layouts.
  • Negotiated cross-operator agreements to resolve surface conflicts and speed up development.
  • Supported 5 years of drill schedules and inventory, maintaining a 12-month operational runway.

Directional Drilling Engineer & Consultant

Halliburton
10.2011 - 02.2019

Led daily directional drilling operations across the DJ, Uinta, Anadarko, Powder River, and Williston Basins. Managed tool inventory, safety documentation, and wellbore positioning to support high-performance drilling. Collaborated closely with rig crews, survey teams, and clients to optimize drilling accuracy, reduce risk, and align execution with real-time formation data.

  • Directed 300+ wells, optimizing drilling parameters and reducing NPT by up to 20% through real-time data interpretation and vibration mitigation.
  • Oversaw $3M+ in drilling tools inventory, maintaining accurate diagrams and ensuring seamless rig-office communication.
  • Implemented anti-collision protocols using advanced software, ensuring 100% well clearance in congested pads and avoiding costly sidetracks.
  • Performed critical wellbore calculations, reducing tortuosity and increasing BHA lifespan by 15-25%.
  • Adjusted plans in real time based on seismic and gamma data, enhancing well placement accuracy and drilling efficiency.

Field Engineer/Frac Specialist

Halliburton
03.2017 - 03.2017

Supported frac operations by optimizing fluid design, ensuring quality control, and enhancing safety on location and in lab environments. Provided real-time technical support, conducted lab compatibility testing, and trained new personnel to improve job performance and post-job efficiency.

  • Resolved 100+ fluid design proposals, improving stability and reducing chemical-related issues during operations.
  • Delivered real-time fluid system support on 50+ frac jobs, cutting material waste by 10% through precise tracking and job performance analysis.
  • Conducted 200+ lab tests on water, cuttings, and fluid systems, improving cleanup efficiency and production performance.
  • Audited post-job documentation across 30+ jobs, ensuring 100% compliance with reporting standards.
  • Trained 12+ engineers and lab techs in frac testing and lab equipment, enhancing team capability and reducing errors.

Education

Master of Science - Engineering Management & Leadership

University of San Diego
San Diego, CA

Bachelor of Science - Petroleum Engineering

University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK

Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering

University of Jordan
Amman, JO

Skills

    Key Skills AI & ChatGPT Hydraulic Fracturing HSE Risk Management Extended Reach Wells HTHP & Deep Drilling Cost Management & Optimization Project Scope Research & Analysis Stakeholder Management Exceptional Written and Verbal Communication Drilling Performance & Optimization BHA Design Long-Term Planning Task & Process Development Software Modification Bid Negotiations Strategy Development Data Analysis Bilingual (Arabic/Native & English/Native)

    Software Compass H&P Saphira Hawkeye 3D Power BI WinSurv II WellPlan ArcGIS R Studio Generwell WellScan MS Office Databricks LiveScan INSITE

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Developed a slide calculation Excel tool that eliminated manual errors and saved 10 hours per well.
  • Created a directional planning instrument that saved $4,000 per avoided survey visit by enabling optimal well placement.
  • Boosted oil and gas production by 12% by identifying infill opportunities, optimizing reservoir contact, and reassessing existing inventory.
  • Protected a $6 million fiber optics project by maintaining minimal doglegs through the lateral, ensuring successful cable deployment.
  • Built and implemented a mentorship program using situational leadership principles to drive engagement and professional growth.
  • Negotiated vendor bids that reduced lateral costs by $1.05/ft, delivering major savings across the completions program.

Certification

  • AI Fundamentals for Non-Data Scientists
  • University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA

Other Careers

  • Published Author | The Kingdom Series – Denver, CO 12/2019 – 12/2024
  • Petroleum Engineering Intern | The National Petroleum Company – Amman, Jordan 06/2010 – 08/2010

Timeline

Sr. Completions Planning Engineer & Advisor

EQT
08.2024 - 08.2025

Drilling Engineer Advisor

Helmerich & Payne
01.2024 - 08.2024

Remote Operations Engineer

Helmerich & Payne
06.2023 - 01.2024

Directional Drilling Contractor

Qubain Energy Solution
05.2022 - 09.2023

Area & Well Planner

PDC Energy
02.2019 - 08.2020

Field Engineer/Frac Specialist

Halliburton
03.2017 - 03.2017

Directional Drilling Engineer & Consultant

Halliburton
10.2011 - 02.2019

Bachelor of Science - Petroleum Engineering

University of Oklahoma

Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering

University of Jordan

Master of Science - Engineering Management & Leadership

University of San Diego
Louie Qubain