Michael Saur

Drilling & Operations LeaderEngineering, Analytics & Performance

Bringing 25+ years of drilling engineering and operations leadership together with expertise in performance optimization, data analytics, and emerging technologies. Experienced in leading complex drilling programs, leveraging data-driven insights to improve operational efficiency, and developing and implementing effective HSE initiatives.

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Skills

Core expertise

AreaOverview
Extensive experience designing, planning, and executing drilling programs across conventional and unconventional reservoirs, from exploration and appraisal wells to large-scale, multi-rig development operations.
  • Well engineeringWell architecture, casing and cementing design, drill string and BHA selection, directional drilling, hydraulics, torque and drag, and well integrity.
  • Complex drilling environmentsExtended-reach horizontal wells, HPHT conditions, challenging pressure regimes, and technically demanding drilling programs.
  • Operational executionRig selection, drilling program development, field supervision, wellsite troubleshooting, and management of simultaneous operations.
  • Project planning and economicsAFE development, cost estimating, scheduling, equipment planning, and capital expenditure management.
  • Contractor coordinationManaging drilling contractors and service providers from pre-job engineering through execution, including technical specifications and operational readiness.
A career-long focus on improving drilling performance through better engineering, operational processes, contractor collaboration, and meaningful performance measurement.
  • Performance measurementDevelopment and implementation of drilling KPIs, performance dashboards, and benchmarking systems to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Cost and efficiencyAnalysis of drilling times, NPT, flat time, equipment utilization, and overall well delivery costs.
  • Continuous improvementApplying structured problem-solving, Lean/Six Sigma principles, and lessons learned to reduce variability and improve execution.
  • Rig and equipment optimizationWorking directly with rig contractors and service companies to identify equipment limitations, implement modifications, and improve operational capabilities.
  • Contractor performanceDevelopment and management of performance-based drilling contracts, contractor scorecards, and measurable improvement objectives.
  • Root cause analysisEvaluating equipment failures and operational inefficiencies to identify underlying causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Combining extensive operational experience with modern analytical methods to identify trends, improve decision-making, and explore opportunities for greater automation and predictive capabilities in drilling operations.
  • Operational data analyticsUsing drilling and performance data to evaluate efficiency, identify trends, quantify variability, and support operational decisions.
  • Performance visualizationDeveloping meaningful KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools that translate complex operational data into actionable insights.
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learningApplying foundational AI/ML concepts to operational challenges, including predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and performance forecasting.
  • Generative AI and LLMsExploring large language models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and AI agents to improve access to technical knowledge and automate information-intensive workflows.
  • Process automationIdentifying opportunities to streamline repetitive reporting, data collection, and analysis through integrated tools and automated workflows.
  • Technology evaluationAssessing emerging technologies for their practical value, implementation challenges, and potential to improve field performance.
Experience developing and leading comprehensive HSE programs, emphasizing practical risk management, operational integration, and safety systems that support effective field execution.
  • HSE program developmentDesigning and implementing company-wide HSE management systems, operating standards, procedures, and field-level safety processes.
  • Operational risk managementHazard identification, risk assessment, management of change, barrier management, and integration of safety controls into daily operations.
  • Incident investigationLeading investigations, identifying root causes, developing corrective actions, and sharing lessons learned across operations.
  • Auditing and assuranceConducting operational and HSE audits, evaluating contractor compliance, and verifying the effectiveness of critical risk controls.
  • Safety culture and engagementBuilding accountability, improving field communication, and encouraging proactive risk identification.
  • Demonstrated resultsLed development and implementation of an HSE program that achieved 1.8 million work hours without an OSHA-recordable incident.
Experience overseeing environmental compliance programs in oil and gas operations, integrating regulatory requirements into practical field processes and management systems.
  • Regulatory complianceOversight of environmental programs, regulatory reporting, inspections, and operational compliance requirements.
  • Air emissions managementGreenhouse gas reporting, emissions monitoring, and coordination of compliance activities.
  • Methane and leak detectionOversight of LDAR programs and associated monitoring, documentation, and corrective action processes.
  • Air quality regulationsCompliance support for applicable federal and state regulations, including OOOOa and OOOOb requirements.
  • Spill preventionDevelopment and oversight of SPCC plans, spill prevention practices, containment measures, and response procedures.
  • Program integrationIncorporating environmental obligations into operational planning, contractor expectations, management systems, and field execution.
Leadership experience across drilling engineering, operations, and HSE, focused on developing capable teams, establishing clear expectations, and creating systems that consistently deliver results.
  • Cross-functional leadershipDirecting engineering, drilling operations, field supervision, and HSE teams across complex projects and multiple operating areas.
  • Team developmentMentoring technical professionals, supporting career development, and building teams with strong technical and operational judgment.
  • Organizational improvementDeveloping roles, responsibilities, operating processes, and management systems to improve coordination and accountability.
  • Contractor and stakeholder managementBuilding productive working relationships with rig contractors, service companies, technical specialists, and executive leadership.
  • Strategic planningAligning operational resources, budgets, personnel, and contractor capabilities with business objectives.
  • Change managementLeading the introduction of new processes, operational standards, technologies, and performance improvement initiatives.

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Field map

Where I've drilled

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Map of the places Michael Saur has drilled Map of the lower 48 states with the places Michael Saur has drilled highlighted: California, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Select a pin to see the plays drilled there.

Plays