Nuclear Physicist - Downhole Instrumentation - Sperry Drilling

About Sperry Drilling

Sperry Drilling delivers industry-leading Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD), Logging-While-Drilling (LWD), and Rotary Steerable System (RSS) technologies that help operators drill safer, faster, and more precisely. Through advanced downhole tools, real-time data acquisition, and reliability-driven engineering, Sperry enables customers to maximize well placement, efficiency, and reservoir understanding in every drilling environment.

About the Role

The Scientist, Physics supports the research, development, and optimization of advanced nuclear-based downhole technologies, including the LithoStar platform and related formation evaluation tools.

This role applies principles of nuclear physics, radiation measurement, and instrumentation, combined with simulation and data analysis, to develop and improve products used in complex drilling environments. The position contributes to both new technology development and sustaining engineering efforts critical to Sperry’s core business.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research and experimentation supporting development of nuclear-based downhole tools and technologies.

• Apply principles of nuclear physics, radiation detection, and measurement systems, including MCNP simulation and data analysis, to product development and optimization.

• Support ongoing development and sustaining work for LithoStar and related nuclear evaluation tools.

• Design, execute, and document experiments; analyze results and provide technical recommendations.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including lab notebooks, reports, and procedures.

• Collaborate with engineers and scientists across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software) to develop integrated solutions.

• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving technical challenges related to tool performance.

• Support interactions with internal stakeholders and, as needed, technical customer discussions.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing methods, processes, and product performance.

• Participate in professional societies and stay current with advancements in nuclear science, simulation, and instrumentation.

Qualifications

Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related STEM discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in research, laboratory, or applied physics environments
OR advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field.
• Foundational understanding of nuclear physics, radiation detection, or related instrumentation.
• Experience conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting technical results.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred
• Master’s or PhD in Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with nuclear logging tools, radiation sources, or downhole instrumentation.
• Familiarity with oil & gas, formation evaluation, or drilling environments.
• Experience with simulation, modeling, or data analysis tools.
• Exposure to product development or sustaining engineering processes.

World Class Benefits

At Halliburton, we’re committed to supporting you and your family with a comprehensive and affordable benefits package that covers your physical, emotional, financial, and parental needs — now and in the future. When you join our team, you’ll gain access to a wide range of programs designed to help you thrive at work and at home.

Click here to review a summary of the benefits available once you join.

Core Competencies

Nuclear Physics & Radiation Measurement | MCNP Simulation & Modeling | Experimental Design & Analysis | Downhole Tool Development | Data Interpretation & Problem Solving | Technical Documentation | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Instrumentation & Testing | Innovation & Continuous Improvement