When Waqas Ahmed sought to launch his career in the energy industry, he knew he wanted to find a company that aligned with his aspirations of hands-on, operational excellence and structured career progression.
In 2015, he found just that when he joined KCA Deutag in Pakistan as a roustabout after graduating from university.
“I began my career shortly after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering,” he said. “Through valuable hands-on experience, I gained practical knowledge of rig and drilling operations, something that fascinated me during my time studying.”
Throughout his career, he has held various roles including floorhand, derrickhand, assistant driller and trainee driller before being promoted to performance improvement engineer. During his time as a performance improvement engineer, he learned to manage daily rig operations. He is now the rig manager for Rig T-72 and 75, overseeing a crew of 125 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“As a rig manager, I am responsible for the efficient and cost-effective control of drilling operations under my authority,” he explained. “I manage rig equipment inspections, contribute to the annual operational and capital expenditure budget planning process and implement innovative solutions to enhance operational and safety standards. I also coordinate with our customer and prioritize the well-being of the rig team, including their health and career development.”
Embracing Being One Team on One Journey
He believes the constant evolution of drilling technology and the emergence of new challenges keep his work exciting. In early 2025, he joined H&P as part of the company’s acquisition of KCA Deutag. He values the chance to be at the forefront of innovation and contributing to the energy industry's future on a global scale is a significant motivator for him.
“I find the most rewarding aspect of my role to be the impact I have on the successful execution of drilling operations,” he said. “The challenge of managing complex projects, optimizing resources, and ensuring safety while meeting tight deadlines is incredibly fulfilling.”
He is most excited about the opportunity to combine the companies' strengths to drive innovation and operational excellence. H&P’s advanced drilling technologies and legacy KCA Deutag’s extensive experience will enhance H&P’s capabilities and efficiency.
“Being part of our new organization with an enhanced geographical footprint offers new avenues for professional growth and collaboration with industry experts,” he added. “Knowledge sharing is going to be so important as we continue our journey to provide the energy the world needs today. And I’m very much looking forward to what we can achieve together.”