RD&E Program & Operations Director

Weatherford
Houston, TX
Job Title: Director, R&D Programs & Operations

Location: Houston, TX (Global Role)

Job Purpose

The Director of R&D Programs & Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence across Weatherford's global R&D Engineering (RDE) organization. This role ensures that all RDE activities are executed through lean, standardized, and well-documented processes, with clear KPIs to improve delivery, productivity, and quality. The role also oversees technical competency frameworks, engineering enablement, project governance, and global lab operations.

Key Responsibilities Operational Excellence & Process Governance
  • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of RDE processes, procedures, work instructions, and standards.
  • Establish and track KPIs for RDE performance (e.g., cycle time, budget adherence, productivity).
  • Promote digital workflows and AI adoption to enhance efficiency and compliance.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to identify and mitigate risks and drive standardization (e.g., design standards, components, DFM).
Engineering Enablement
  • Optimize global procurement and vendor management processes in collaboration with Engineering Directors.
  • Oversee internal project management tools and workflows (e.g., VSES).
  • Evaluate and enhance engineering software tools and systems.
Project Management Oversight
  • Conduct monthly reviews of at-risk projects and lead post-mortem evaluations.
  • Own project management as a core RDE competency and ensure team capability development.
Global Laboratory & Asset Management
  • Lead the strategic direction and operational execution of Weatherford's global RDE lab network.
  • Ensure labs meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards while optimizing resource allocation and innovation.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure clear expectations and accountability across teams.
Financial & People Leadership
  • Ensure financial responsibility across RDE operations.
  • Support talent development, succession planning, and performance management in collaboration with HR.
Qualifications Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science.
  • 15+ years in the upstream industry with cross-functional exposure (engineering, product management, manufacturing, etc.).
  • 10+ years in engineering operations, process development, and technical support.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred:
  • Advanced degree or certifications.
  • Experience in commercial, operational, or manufacturing roles.
Skills & Competencies
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change.
  • Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
  • Passion for continuous improvement and innovation.

About Us

Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.

When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger - a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other's successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.

Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Posted 2025-11-06

Recommended Jobs

Front Desk Agent (Hyatt and Opera Experienced)

Texas Hotel Management
Dallas, TX

Requirement: Hyatt and Opera experienced The Front Desk Agent is responsible for delivering exceptional guest service from check-in to check-out, ensuring every guest experience aligns with Hyatt’…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-06

Digital Assurance & Transparency - IT Audit Director Save for Later Remove job

PwC
Dallas, TX

At PwC, our people in audit and assurance focus on providing independent and objective assessments of financial statements, internal controls, and other assurable information enhancing the credibil…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-14

Data Center Technician, ADC InfraOps DCO

Amazon Data Services, Inc.
San Antonio, TX

DESCRIPTION AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-27

Remote Field Underwriter

The Gainey Agency
Dallas, TX

Remote Sales Consultant Gainey Financial Group | 100% Remote | Commission-Based Gainey Financial Group is expanding! We're seeking motivated, goal-oriented individuals to join our team as Remot…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-25

Customer Success Manager

Compass
Austin, TX

At Compass, our mission is to help everyone find their place in the world. Founded in 2012, we’re revolutionizing the real estate industry with our end-to-end platform that empowers residential rea…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-28

Lead Software Engineer

Costar
Arlington, TX

Lead Software Engineer Job Description   Overview CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online m…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-12

Systems Engineering, Advisor

Peraton
San Antonio, TX

Program Overview Provides IC data management support to modernize mega data repositories, dataflow management, data provenance and compliance validation, and streaming solutions. About The R…

View Details
Posted 2025-07-30

Crawler Crane Operator (2ND SHIFT)

Southwest Shipyard Lp
Houston, TX

SUMMARY OF COMPANY Southwest Shipyard, LP provides gas freeing and cleaning services, steaming, and flaring services, Barge and boat repair, Surface preparation and painting, water treatment and ne…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-06

Senior Branch Representative

UNIFY Financial Credit Union
Plano, TX

As a UNIFY Senior Branch Representative, you’ll help UNIFY’s credit union members safeguard their assets! At UNIFY, you matter and are supported, because your success is integral in the overall succ…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-27

Dental Front Desk Coordinator

D4C Dental Brands
Denton, TX

IKids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics has a fantastic opportunity for a dental office Front Desk Coordinator ! This position's primary responsibility is to handle all front office functions for…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-06