Principal Analyst - Upstream Technologies
Job description
Principal Analyst covering upstream digital technologies within 451 Research's Digital Industries & Energy practice. The role owns a research agenda on how AI, digital twins, cloud, edge, IoT, industrial data platforms and automation are applied in upstream oil and gas.
At a glance
- Work mode
- Remote
What you'll do
- Own and develop a differentiated research agenda covering the application of AI, digital twins, cloud, edge computing, IoT, industrial data platforms and automation in upstream oil and gas
- Conduct primary research with oil and gas operators, technology vendors and industry experts to understand adoption priorities, investment decisions, deployment challenges and measurable business outcomes
- Produce timely, independent research on technology trends, vendor strategies, competitive dynamics and adoption patterns, translating technical developments into clear business and operational implications
- Assess how digital technologies support exploration, field development, drilling, production optimization, asset reliability and remote operations, distinguishing emerging capabilities from proven applications
- Analyze the practical requirements for deployment, including legacy-system integration, IT/OT convergence, data availability, connectivity, cybersecurity and operational resilience
- Build and maintain relationships with industry executives and technology providers, establishing a strong network that informs research and extends its market relevance
- Deliver actionable insights through published reports, client advisory sessions, presentations and industry events, helping clients evaluate vendors, prioritize investments and navigate market change
- Collaborate with analysts across 451 Research and S&P Global's energy research teams to connect technology expertise with oil and gas market intelligence and deliver integrated client insights
- Support commercial growth through research-led client engagement, collaboration with sales teams and contributions to relevant consulting and custom research opportunities
What we're looking for
- 7+ years of relevant experience in the oil and gas sector, including experience with oil and gas operators, oilfield service companies or technology providers serving the sector, field experience, or coverage of the sector as an industry analyst, market researcher, trade publication editor or journalist
- Academic or professional background in engineering, computer science, energy studies, business, economics, journalism or a related discipline, combined with relevant experience or demonstrated interest in the oil and gas sector, energy markets and industry analysis
- Strong understanding of upstream oil and gas workflows, including exploration, field development, drilling, production and asset management, and the operational and commercial priorities shaping technology investment
- Demonstrated understanding of the application of one or more relevant digital technologies in oil and gas, including AI/ML, digital twins, cloud and edge computing, IoT, industrial data platforms or automation, with the ability to assess business value and deployment challenges
- Demonstrated ability to conduct interviews and primary research, evaluate evidence and develop independent, well-supported conclusions about companies, technologies and market developments
- Strong writing and communication skills, with a track record of translating complex industry and technology topics into clear, actionable insights for business and technology decision-makers
- Ability to independently develop a research agenda, manage multiple deadlines and build productive relationships with operators, technology providers and other industry stakeholders
Nice to have
- Experience evaluating or supporting digital technology deployments in oil and gas, with insight into implementation challenges, adoption barriers and operational outcomes
- An established network of relationships with oil and gas operators, oilfield service companies, technology providers and industry experts
- A portfolio of published research, industry reporting or other substantive analysis addressing oil and gas technology trends, vendor strategies or market developments
- Experience presenting at industry conferences, briefing senior executives or delivering client advisory engagements
- Familiarity with upstream software and data ecosystems, including subsurface data platforms, operational data integration, industrial AI and digital twins
- Experience using industry datasets, survey research or financial and market intelligence to assess technology adoption, investment priorities and competitive dynamics
- Experience collaborating across research disciplines or supporting research-led commercial engagements, consulting projects or custom research
- An advanced degree in a relevant technical, business, energy or industry discipline
Your team
451 Research's Digital Industries & Energy practice
Focused on where digital innovation meets the practical demands of industry and energy; combines sector knowledge, direct industry engagement and independent technology analysis.
Benefits
Invest in Your Future: Secure your financial future through competitive pay, retirement planning, a continuing education program with a company-matched student loan contribution, and financial wellness programs
Family Friendly Perks: S&P Global has perks for your partners and little ones, too, with some best-in class benefits for families
- Health & Wellness: Health care coverage designed for the mind and body
- Flexible Downtime: Generous time off helps keep you energized for your time on
- Continuous Learning: Access a wealth of resources to grow your career and learn valuable new skills
- Beyond the Basics: From retail discounts to referral incentive awards—small perks can make a big difference
Apply
About S&P Global
Advancing Essential Intelligence
S&P Global enables businesses, governments, and individuals with trusted data, expertise, and technology to make decisions with conviction through world-leading benchmarks, data, and insights. S&P Global Energy's comprehensive view of global energy and commodities markets enables customers to make superior decisions and create long-term, sustainable value, with four core capabilities: Platts for news and pricing; CERA for research and advisory; Horizons for energy expansion and sustainability solutions; and Events for industry collaboration.
Key facts
- more than 35,000 strong worldwide
- Financial data, analytics and energy market intelligence
- S&P Global is listed on NYSE (SPGI)
- S&P Global Energy is a division of S&P Global
- S&P Global Energy's four core capabilities are Platts, CERA, Horizons and Events
- 451 Research is part of S&P Global
What they value
- Integrity
- Discovery
- Partnership