Principal Analyst - Upstream Technologies

About the Role:

Grade Level (for internal use):

Principal Analyst – Upstream Digital Technologies

The Team: Join 451 Research’s Digital Industries & Energy practice, focused on where digital innovation meets the practical demands of industry and energy. Our approach combines sector knowledge, direct industry engagement and independent technology analysis to deliver insights clients can act on. You will have ownership of your research agenda, alongside opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and shape our oil and gas coverage.

Responsibilities and Impact

• 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

Basic Required Qualifications

• An S&P Global employee at this level would typically have 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.
• We are open to professionals with an 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.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

About S&P Global Energy
At S&P Global Energy, our comprehensive view of global energy and commodities markets enables our customers to make superior decisions and create long-term, sustainable value. Our four core capabilities are: Platts for news and pricing; CERA for research and advisory; Horizons for energy expansion and sustainability solutions; and Events for industry collaboration.

S&P Global Energy is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global enables businesses, governments, and individuals with trusted data, expertise, and technology to make decisions with conviction. We are Advancing Essential Intelligence through world-leading benchmarks, data, and insights that customers need in order to plan confidently, act decisively, and thrive economically in a rapidly changing global landscape. Learn more at www.spglobal.com/energy.

What’s In It For You?

Our Mission:

Advancing Essential Intelligence.

Our People:

We're more than 35,000 strong worldwide—so we're able to understand nuances while having a broad perspective. Our team is driven by curiosity and a shared belief that Essential Intelligence can help build a more prosperous future for us all.From finding new ways to measure sustainability to analyzing energy transition across the supply chain to building workflow solutions that make it easy to tap into insight and apply it. We are changing the way people see things and empowering them to make an impact on the world we live in. We’re committed to a more equitable future and to helping our customers find new, sustainable ways of doing business. Join us and help create the critical insights that truly make a difference.

Our Values:

Integrity, Discovery, Partnership

Throughout our history, the world's leading organizations have relied on us for the Essential Intelligence they need to make confident decisions about the road ahead. We start with a foundation of integrity in all we do, bring a spirit of discovery to our work, and collaborate in close partnership with each other and our customers to achieve shared goals.

Benefits:

We take care of you, so you can take care of business. We care about our people. That’s why we provide everything you—and your career—need to thrive at S&P Global.

Our benefits include: 

• 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.

• 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: It’s not just about you. S&P Global has perks for your partners and little ones, too, with some best-in class benefits for families.

• Beyond the Basics: From retail discounts to referral incentive awards—small perks can make a big difference.

For more information on benefits by country visit: https://spgbenefits.com/benefit-summaries

Global Hiring and Opportunity at S&P Global:

At S&P Global, we are committed to fostering a connected and engaged workplace where all individuals have access to opportunities based on their skills, experience, and contributions. Our hiring practices emphasize fairness, transparency, and merit, ensuring that we attract and retain top talent. By valuing different perspectives and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration, we drive innovation and power global markets.

Recruitment Fraud Alert:

If you receive an email from a spglobalind.com domain or any other regionally based domains, it is a scam and should be reported to reportfraud@spglobal.com. S&P Global never requires any candidate to pay money for job applications, interviews, offer letters, “pre-employment training” or for equipment/delivery of equipment. Stay informed and protect yourself from recruitment fraud by reviewing our guidelines, fraudulent domains, and how to report suspicious activity here.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

S&P Global is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military veteran status, unemployment status, or any other status protected by law.  Only electronic job submissions will be considered for employment.  

If you need an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please send an email to: EEO.Compliance@spglobal.com and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person.  
 
US Candidates Only: Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal

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