Drilling Operator

About the role

Baker Hughes is hiring a Drilling Operator in Nairobi (Westlands). The operator works at the centre of rig operations, supporting drilling crews with tubular handling and mechanical operations that are fundamental to safe well construction. The role involves operating drilling-floor tools, assisting in running casing and tubing, inspecting equipment and supporting the driller and floorhands.

Key responsibilities

• Operate drilling and tubular-handling equipment on the rig floor, including elevators, slips, spiders, mechanical tools and hydraulic/pneumatic devices used during pipe handling and well construction.
• Assist with running and pulling tubulars (casing, drill pipe and tubing), supporting safe alignment, stabbing, latching and connection integrity.
• Inspect tools and equipment before, during and after drilling activities to ensure operational readiness and spot potential failures or hazards.
• Communicate with the driller, rig floor operators and supervisors to coordinate the safe movement of tubulars, tools and equipment.
• Follow drilling and client safety requirements, attend rig safety meetings and stay alert to hazards on the rig floor.
• Support general rig-floor duties such as rig-up/rig-down assistance, basic equipment troubleshooting and operational documentation.

Required profile

• General knowledge of the oil and gas industry, preferably with direct exposure to drilling or tubular-handling operations.
• Two-year technical degree (preferred) or equivalent technical training combined with field experience.
• Previous industry experience and product-line exposure (drilling, TRS, rig operations), with the ability to follow procedures and maintain safety compliance.
• Willingness to work variable schedules, including offshore, shift-based or on-call assignments.

Required skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely operate and understand mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic tools used on drilling rigs.
• Effective communication with drilling crews, supervisors and subcontracted personnel in high-pressure environments.