To be an Engineer of the Future Means to Live on the Cutting Edge of Innovation
Sergey Mishkevich: Well Logging, STREAM-Auto-Digger, and Drilling Safety
Sergey Mishkevich is a next-generation engineer whose work focuses on implementing automated solutions and reducing the influence of the human factor in drilling operations. His professional expertise includes MWD/LWD services, telemetry, remote monitoring, algorithmic drilling control, and enhancing industrial safety.
Sergey has contributed to the development of major oilfields across Russia — including Samotlor (Rosneft), Vatyegan and Uryegan (LUKOIL), Vyngapurovskoye (Gazpromneft), and assets in Eastern Siberia (Irkutsk Oil Company). At Phoenix Technology Services Russia, he coordinates one of the company’s key national projects.
Early Years and Education
Sergey Mishkevich was born on January 5, 1989, in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia. His interest in engineering emerged early: he began with handmade wooden constructions, attended a school engineering club, and eventually won the city contest “Young Engineer” with a crane model capable of lifting a 300-gram load.
He studied in the physics and mathematics class of the Center for Gifted Children (Elista Lyceum). In 2010, he graduated from the Russian State Geological Prospecting University (MGRI) with a degree in Exploration and Development of Mineral Deposits. His diploma thesis focused on selecting and justifying drilling equipment for a water well. During his studies, he completed both field and training internships.
Career Beginnings (2010–2013)
Sergey’s first professional experience took place at Samotlor, where he worked as an environmental supervision specialist at ANO Ekoterra. He was responsible for environmental control and land reclamation, which shaped his strong commitment to HSE (Health, Safety & Environment).
“The secret of a young specialist is simple — strictly follow the instructions, especially those related to safety.”
Later, he worked as an engineer at an oil refinery in Kalmykia, monitoring technical parameters, ensuring compliance with environmental and production standards, and conducting personnel training and emergency response drills.
Phoenix TSR: Technology and Growth (2013–2017)
In 2013, Sergey Borisovich Mishkevich joined Phoenix Technology Services Russia, advancing from Trainee MWD Engineer to Lead Engineer and Field Coordinator. He participated in projects for Rosneft (Samotlor), LUKOIL (Vatyegan, Uryegan, Usinsk), and Gazpromneft (Vyngapurovskoye), while mastering VERTEX and STREAM-Auto-Digger systems.
His key competence lies in customizing telemetry for both rotary and slide drilling modes in VERTEX systems: when the ROP (Rate of Penetration) increases, the LWD (Logging While Drilling) data transmission rate rises as well, while in directional sections, part of the bandwidth is allocated for toolface orientation of the downhole motor.
Irkutsk Oil Company: Scaling Automation (2017–2018)
A major milestone in his career was the partnership with Irkutsk Oil Company (INK). In 2017, Sergey became the project coordinator for Phoenix TSR’s MWD/LWD operations at INK assets. Competing with Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, and Weatherford, the project rapidly expanded and, by 2018, became one of Phoenix’s key initiatives in Russia.
Starting from scratch, the team established a local base in Ust-Kut, set up a field laboratory for real-time maintenance of telemetry systems and supporting equipment, organized a 24/7 service operation, strengthened the technical staff, and built a self-contained logistics network. These efforts paved the way for technological scaling and process optimization.
A landmark achievement came in 2018 at the Yarakta field: on Well No. 833, a 1,720-meter horizontal section was drilled without using RSS (Rotary Steerable Systems). The joint team of Phoenix TSR and INK engineers provided full telemetry, remote monitoring, and automated drilling control. The STREAM-Auto-Digger system stabilized bit weight and feed, eliminating the need for costly RSS.
Results: reduced sticking and vibration risks, lower costs, faster ROP, and enhanced operational safety.
Safety as a Core Principle
For Sergey, safety is the foundation of every engineering decision. He emphasizes that the human factor remains a major cause of incidents, while automation and data discipline maintain critical safety barriers where human health and life are at stake.
“I have seen what insufficient protection can lead to — a hydrogen sulfide release can kill a person in two minutes. Automation, first and foremost, is about safety.”
His expertise spans telemetry, real-time complication analysis and prediction, sensor and remote monitoring integration, automatic WOB (Weight on Bit) control, and the alignment of digital services with field procedures. In essence, he focuses on re-engineering existing infrastructure — extending rig life, increasing drilling speed, and aligning operations with modern HSE standards without large-scale equipment replacement.
“The engineer of the future is the one who stands at the forefront of technological progress and can turn the latest advancements into practical tools for everyday challenges.”
From Individual to Team Results
Sergey is married and passionate about sports — basketball in his youth (Elista sports school), and snowboarding and tennis today. He applies his team-playing experience to industrial collaboration, where shared goals, trust, and individual responsibility form the backbone of success.
His professional biography reflects a practical approach to drilling digitalization — precise telemetry, automated drilling, and remote monitoring. By relying on the triad of safety, efficiency, and innovation, he helps transform pilot initiatives into sustainable standards and build a predictable, high-performance operational framework.
