About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Horizontal Directional Driller (HDD) to join our team at our testing facility in Austin, Texas.

This is not a standard utility drilling job.

You will work directly with our engineering team to test and develop new horizontal drilling technologies, equipment, drilling methods, tooling, and experimental systems.

The work is highly hands-on and takes place primarily outdoors. Some days will involve operating drilling equipment, while others may involve modifying equipment, preparing experiments, troubleshooting problems, collecting data, or helping engineers understand what is happening downhole.

This position is currently offered as contract or consulting work that could convert to full-time if the demo gets funded based on our testing schedule and performance. Travel may be needed.

What You'll Do

Operate and assist with horizontal directional drilling equipment

Support drilling experiments and field testing

Help set up, operate, and break down drilling equipment

Work directly with engineers during testing

Provide practical feedback based on real-world drilling experience

Monitor drilling performance, pressure, fluids, tooling, and ground conditions

Handle drill rods, tooling, hoses, drilling fluids, and other equipment

Assist with equipment modifications and troubleshooting

Perform basic maintenance and inspection of drilling equipment

Record observations and help document test results

Maintain a clean and safe outdoor test site

Perform general physical field work when required

What We're Looking For

Required:

Previous experience working with Horizontal Directional Drilling & Vertical Drilling

Mechanic & Fabrication experience

Comfortable working around drilling rigs, rods, tooling, mud systems, hydraulics, and heavy equipment

Mechanically inclined and comfortable troubleshooting equipment

Willing and able to perform physical work outdoors

Able to lift approximately 50 lbs

Comfortable working in Texas heat and changing weather conditions

Reliable transportation to our Lockhart test site

Strong safety mindset

Comfortable working in a fast-moving experimental environment where not every day looks the same

Preferred:

Experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, Grundodrill, Grundopit, or similar HDD equipment

Experience with drilling mud and fluid systems

Experience locating or steering HDD bores

Experience maintaining or repairing drilling equipment

CDL or experience transporting heavy equipment

Construction, utility, pipeline, boring, or underground infrastructure experience

Who This Job Is Good For

This is a good fit for an experienced driller who enjoys machines, problem-solving, experimentation, and figuring out how to make equipment perform better.

We are less interested in formal education and more interested in someone who understands drilling, knows how equipment behaves in the field, works hard, and isn't afraid to get dirty.

Compensation

Starting pay: $30/hour.

Higher compensation available for candidates with significant HDD operating, locating, mechanical, or equipment troubleshooting experience.

This position is initially guaranteed a one month contract at a time. There may be opportunities to extend the position as our testing program continues.

Schedule

Schedule will depend on our testing program. Candidates should have some flexibility for for travel and longer test days when required.

All work is performed primarily outdoors at our Lockhart, TX testing facility.

ITAR / EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires access to technical data, software, and/or hardware controlled under U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a "U.S. person" as defined in 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, which includes a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Learn more about the ITAR at https://www.pmddtc.state.gov.