Felix Benavides
Alice,TX
Summary
Results-driven Well Control Certified professional with rich experience leading all phases of drilling site management and complex horizontal and vertical drilling operations across major U.S. shale plays. Proven expertise in multi-well pad drilling, well planning, and execution in formations including Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp, Sprayberry, and Austin Chalk. Demonstrated success in optimizing rig performance, reducing non-productive time, and driving cost efficiencies exceeding industry benchmarks. Strong background in coordinating with teams, third-party contractors, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in implementing advanced drilling technologies and off-line cementing strategies to enhance operational integrity. Adept at managing high-pressure environments with a focus on safety, precision, and environmental stewardship. Track record of delivering wells projects on time and under budget. Recognized for leadership, operational excellence, and consistent delivery of high-value assets.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Drilling Consultant
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)
Houston, Texas
01.2021 - Current
- Executed multi-well horizontal pad drilling in the Delaware Wolfcamp and Sprayberry formations, optimizing up to three wells per location to reduce rig move time and lower operational costs.
- Collaborated with directional drilling teams and interpreted directional plans to maintain a precise borehole trajectory, reducing non-productive time, and increasing drilling accuracy.
- Applied oil-based mud systems across all drilling operations, ensuring enhanced lubrication, reduced formation damage, and improved drilling performance in complex formations.
- Drilled high-pressure, high-gas intercept wells safely and efficiently, minimizing blowout risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance under extreme formation conditions.
- Deployed both standard and integrated shoe tracks with production casing, promoting reliable cementing, and zonal isolation in extended-reach wells.
- Utilized differential drill pipe strings (Range 2 and 3) with 4 1/2" IF and Delta 544 threads, optimizing downhole tool integrity, and minimizing equipment failure rates.
Drilling Consultant
Independence Resource Management (IRM)
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Delivered high-efficiency horizontal pad drilling operations with up to six wells per pad in Wolfcamp and Sprayberry formations, reducing drilling cycle times and cutting rig mobilization costs.
- Led off-line cementing operations for surface, intermediate, and production casings, improving wellbore integrity and accelerating drilling schedules.
- Performed floating casing installations and conducted bursting procedures, preventing collapse and maintaining pressure integrity during challenging operations.
Drilling Consultant
Laredo Energy Co
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Directed horizontal drilling operations across Eagle Ford, Escondido, Olmos, Woodbine, and Austin Chalk formations, enhancing reservoir contact and boosting production potential.
- Executed underbalanced drilling using gas busters and Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) equipment, improving formation evaluation and reducing reservoir damage.
- Installed and rotated two- and three-string casing systems with toe subs based on custom well designs, ensuring structural integrity and enhanced wellbore stability.
- Led and executed numerous primary and remedial cementing operations, enhancing well integrity, preventing fluid migration, and ensuring long-term production success.
- Drilled natural gas wells up to 23,000' deep with 12,000' laterals in Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk formations, increasing regional production efficiency and maximizing resource extraction in South Texas.
- Completed successful drilling operations in Olmos and Escondido formations, enhancing company well portfolio and contributing to diversified field development.
Drilling Consultant
Paloma Resources Llc.
Zapata, Texas
Drilling Consultant
Houston Exploration Inc.
Rig Manager / Tool Pusher
Pioneer Drilling Co.
Rig Manager / Tool Pusher
Grey Wolf Drilling Co.
Floor Hand, Derricks, Driller, & Rig Manager
Flournoy Drilling Co.
Skills
- Horizontal & Vertical Drilling Operations
- Mud Weight Management
- Multi-Well Pad Drilling Optimization
- Drilling Program Execution & Planning
- Well Control & Safety Compliance
- Preventive Management & NPT Reduction
- Loss Circulation & High-Pressure Wells
- Drilling Site Management
- Low Angle Directional & Horizontal Wells
- Rig Performance Optimization
- Contractor & Crew Management
- Drilling Consultations
- Drilling Cost Control & Reduction
- Team Training & Leadership
- Cross-functional Collaboration
Timeline
Drilling Consultant
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)
01.2021 - Current
Drilling Consultant
Independence Resource Management (IRM)
01.2015 - 01.2021
Drilling Consultant
Laredo Energy Co
01.2008 - 01.2015
Drilling Consultant
Paloma Resources Llc.
Drilling Consultant
Houston Exploration Inc.
Rig Manager / Tool Pusher
Pioneer Drilling Co.
Rig Manager / Tool Pusher
Grey Wolf Drilling Co.
Floor Hand, Derricks, Driller, & Rig Manager
Flournoy Drilling Co.