Digitalization is rapidly transforming the Oil & Gas sector, not only through efficient processes but also through data driven approaches that enhance carbon capture and sequestration techniques for a sustainable future.
Purushothkumar Santhana Mahalingam, our next pathbreaker, works as a Procurement Engineer at CUDD Energy Services (Texas, United States), overseeing logistics and procurement for hydraulic fracturing operations.
Purushothkumar talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his work in different aspects of the Oil & Gas sector focused on improving oil spill cleanup efficiency and reducing emissions during operations.
For students, whether it is field work or virtual simulations, the energy industry has opportunities for everyone who wants to contribute their bit to a cleaner planet !
Purushothkumar, Your background?
My name is Purushothkumar Santhana Mahalingam. I was born in Theni, Tamil Nadu. My father was a railway engineer, and my mother managed our home. I completed my schooling up to 3rd grade in Bangalore, then we moved to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, where I studied until 10th grade. One of the turning points for me was during 9th grade when my chemistry teacher’s unique way of explaining science sparked my interest in the subject. I then attended high school in Rasipuram, Tamil Nadu, where the experience of being in a boarding school broadened my perspective. I was also actively involved in extracurricular activities like yoga, volleyball, and high jump, and my early interest in science shaped my career ambition.
During my college years, I completed in-plant training at Kothari Sugars in 2011 and Chennai Petroleum Corporation in 2012. These experiences provided me valuable insights into the field. I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Petrochemical Technology, and in 2013, I interned with Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Karaikal. This experience fueled my passion for oil and gas exploration, and my final project focused on gas sweetening and enhanced oil recovery techniques.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Petrochemical Technology, I pursued my Master’s degree in Natural Gas Engineering from Texas A&M University – Kingsville, where I deepened my knowledge in separation processes, drilling, petrophysics, natural gas processing, and production. My graduate research was focused on carbon capture using simulation software.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I earned a Bachelor’s in Petrochemical Technology, followed by a Master’s in Natural Gas Engineering from Texas A&M University – Kingsville, and also did a Post-Graduate Program in Data Science & Business Analytics.
Can you talk about some of the influences that led you on such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career path in Oil & Gas?
Key influencers: My sister, who was pursuing a Master’s in GIS, inspired me. She mentioned oil and gas exploration projects along the Andhra Pradesh coast, which piqued my curiosity after high school.
Mentors: My high school chemistry teacher inspired my passion for chemistry, which naturally led me to the petroleum field. I was also mentored by Dr. Jaya, Dr. Rengasamy, Dr. Stalin, Dr. Sekar, Dr. Arulmozhi, and Dr. Aslam Abdullah during my undergraduate years, and Dr. Ali Pilehvari and Dr. Chongwei Xiao during my graduate studies.
Events: A science exhibition during my 6th grade deepened my interest in science, and lab experiments in my 10th grade reinforced my love for chemistry.
Turning points: Scoring 197/200 in chemistry in my high school board exams was a pivotal moment. It led to my pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Petrochemical Technology, marking my first significant step toward this career.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
I began by immersing myself in symposiums and paper presentations during my Bachelor’s studies.
I underwent an in-plant training at Kothari Sugars & Chemicals and Chennai Petroleum Corporation, which helped me grasp real-world chemical engineering processes. My internships with ONGC led to my focus on oil and gas exploration. I later pursued my Master’s at Texas A&M, where I also worked as a Research Assistant. As a Research Assistant at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, my initial focus was on modeling the flow behavior of Magneto-Rheological Fluids to enhance oil spill cleanup efficiency. I analyzed the properties and compared costs with other available methods until October 2015. Later, my research interest shifted towards Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Capture and Storage, where I worked on separating CO2 from flue gases, transporting it, and storing it in geological formations—a key method for reducing emissions in oil and gas operations. My master’s degree was really challenging since we must spend adequate time in solving problems, assignments, seminars and projects. The coursework involved complex subjects such as separation processes, petrophysics, and natural gas processing, required a deep understanding of engineering principles. Research on carbon capture demanded mastering simulation software like PROMAX and HYSYS, as well as conducting in-depth analysis. The hands-on nature of the projects, along with the expectation to propose innovative solutions for real-world oil and gas problems, added a high level of difficulty.
After completing my Master’s, I started as an Operations Specialist at Inteplast Group and later transitioned to Field Service Crew Member at Aly Energy Services. Inteplast is a plastics manufacturer. At Inteplast Group, I was involved in manufacturing processes, focusing on PVC foam production. Aly Energy Services is an oilfield rental and services company. I worked on rig sites, handling surface equipment rentals like mud circulation tanks (MCTs) and mud mixing plants (MMPs). My role involved working with this equipment, performing rig-up and rig-down, as well as troubleshooting pumps and ensuring operational efficiency on well sites. Although brief, this role gave me hands-on field experience in oilfield operations, particularly in rigging and troubleshooting of oilfield service equipment.
This hands-on experience in West Texas gave me practical exposure to oil and gas fieldwork, leading to my current role.
How did you get your first break?
My first major break came when I was hired as a Field Engineer in 2017. I started as a Fluid Technician, familiarized myself with hydraulic fracturing operations, and progressed through roles such as Field Engineer I, Trainer, and eventually Field Engineer II. I have been working as a Procurement Engineer since 2022.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: My Master’s coursework was quite challenging due to its problem-solving nature. I spent time in university libraries, collaborated with peers, and practiced through seminars to overcome it.
Challenge 2: Finding a job after my Master’s in 2016 was tough due to a slowdown in the oil & gas sector, but attending conferences, networking, and job fairs helped me secure opportunities.
Challenge 3: Working in the oil & gas field presented physical challenges, such as dealing with extreme weather in West Texas and long working hours. I overcame these challenges by adapting and embracing leadership responsibilities with my crew.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I currently work as a Procurement Engineer at CUDD Energy Services, overseeing logistics and procurement for hydraulic fracturing operations. I ensure that essential materials like proppants, acids, and chemicals are delivered on time to well sites.
Cudd Energy Services is a well services company that provides a wide range of oilfield services, including hydraulic fracturing, well control, and coiled tubing. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked as a Fluid technician, Field Engineer-I, Field Engineer trainer, Field Engineer-II & Procurement engineer, managing hydraulic fracturing projects and overseeing the procurement of proppants and chemicals. My responsibilities have spanned field operations, troubleshooting equipment, and conducting technical analysis. I also utilized FracPro and FracLink software for monitoring pressure, chemical rates, and generating reports, which involved mathematical modeling and data-driven decision-making in real-time operations.
Hydraulic Fracturing: Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into underground rock formations to release trapped oil and gas. It enhances production of oil from wells that might not be economically viable otherwise. In my role, I’ve been responsible for coordinating the setup and execution of fracturing operations, ensuring optimal fluid and proppant performance, and adhering to quality and safety standards.
Youtube video for hydraulic fracturing
What are the skills required for your role? How did you acquire them?
Research, simulation software, hands-on training, and project management are essential for my role.
What is a typical day like?
My day starts at 8:00 AM, coordinating chemical deliveries and preparing reports for the Director of Procurement. I also manage project documentation and oversee tasks with consultants and contractors.
What I love about my job:
Continuous learning—every day brings new insights into the oil & gas market.
How does your work benefit society?
By ensuring compliance with health, safety, security, and environmental standards, my work supports the hydraulic fracturing process, which contributes to energy production and economic growth.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
A memorable moment for me was being invited as a panelist for the IEI Technical Webinar in March 2021, where I discussed opportunities and challenges in the oil & gas industry.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
My advice to students is to embrace continuous learning, build strong foundational knowledge, be open to hands-on training, attend industrial visits, and network through symposiums and presentations.
Future Plans?
Digitalization is rapidly transforming the oil & gas sector. I plan to apply my data analytics skills to the completion domain in oil & gas. I’m also passionate about researching carbon capture and sequestration techniques to contribute to a sustainable future.