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How AI And Technology Are Reshaping The Oil And Gas Workforce

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The term ‘roughneck’ conjures up images of rough-looking, greasy oilfield workers, sort of an iconic visual depiction, like those of cowboys of the old West. In those days, long past, the progress of operations carried out on an oilfield location was determined solely by the grit and tenacity of the workers involved, the roughnecks. Today, the industry is undergoing a transformation driven by artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Times are uncertain for those old-school roughnecks that still go to work every day in the patch; their numbers are much smaller in size as operations move at the speed of light due to efficiency; new workers come in with new skills.

Efficiency Displaces Workers

First came significant gains in efficiency, making operations that would historically take months now trimmed down to just days or weeks. The new speed of these operations resulted in a significant reduction in the number of workers required. One example is the state of Oklahoma, which has lost nearly a third of its oil and gas workforce since 2019; much of that workforce was lost during a time of prosperity and record profits. Twenty percent of Oklahoma’s workforce is in oil and gas, so they have some challenges ahead when it comes to retraining workers who this shift in the industry will displace.

Another efficiency gain in the industry is reducing unplanned downtime costs. By utilizing technology that can significantly reduce human error, companies can save millions of dollars annually. According to Aberdeen Research, a company will spend thirty-eight million dollars a year on unplanned downtime costs, primarily due to human error ( Ryan Arsenault, 2016). AI predictive maintenance is changing this by catching equipment failures before they occur.

Advanced Technology Requires More Skilled Workers

Traditionally, most oil and gas workers could start their careers with no formal college education. These were manual labor positions that could only be learned through on-the-job training. Today, robotics and drones are used to inspect pipelines and rigs. At the same time, autonomous drilling systems utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust parameters in real time, thereby reducing the nee human oversight. This shift means that companies are now seeking AI specialists, data scientists, and robotics engineers. There is a growing demand for hybrid-type roles that combine petroleum engineering with AI expertise. This shift in technology and streamlined corporate structures where oilfield service companies transition from owning more expensive assets to being technology focused is also creating better profit margins without the need to increase capex (Linnane, 2025).

Fortunately, the very thing that is reshaping the workforce in the oil and gas industry is also the thing that can train the workers. As the oil and gas industry faces a workforce crisis, where forty percent of skilled workers are expected to retire by 2030, it is AI itself that can bridge the gap and equip existing workers with the skills they need moving forward. Augmented Reality training teaches workers to use AI-guided simulators instead of shadowing veterans. Digital twins, combined with AI, can recreate a digital version of any project or job to train workers on a step-by-step basis of how to perform tasks.

Tech Is Replacing the Roughneck

The oil and gas workforce of today looks significantly different from what it was just a decade ago, as the industry relies less on instinct and grit and more on data and technology. Many existing jobs will be replaced as part of this change, while new ones will emerge. One thing is sure: this is creating a much safer workplace than ever before, as we utilize technology to remove people from the most hazardous situations. Shell was able to achieve a forty percent reduction in equipment failures, and a thirty-five percent reduction in unplanned downtime (Insights Global, 2025). Reducing equipment failures and downtime also reduced the amount of time that employees are exposed to hazardous situations. This is particularly beneficial for oil and gas workers who labor through the boom-and-bust cycle of the industry, as these new skills will provide them with access to more opportunities and jobs outside of the industry during those downturns.



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DataBahn.ai Announces New Chief Security and Strategy Officer and Two New Sales Leaders » Dallas Innovates

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July 10, 2025

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Left to right: Preston Wood, Payman Faed, and Trevor Crompton [Photos: DataBahn]

DataBahn.ai has appointed Preston Wood as chief security and strategy officer of the Dallas-based provider of a security-native data pipeline platform built for modern enterprise workloads.

Wood brings 25 years of leadership experience in cybersecurity to his new role. He will help drive DataBahn’s mission to transform security data management and enable intelligent automation across global enterprises, the company said.

“I’ve always believed that security and IT teams need the right data, at the right time—enriched with context and real-time analytics—to make smarter, faster decisions,” Wood said in a statement. “DataBahn’s platform is uniquely positioned to solve persistent challenges in data discovery, ingestion, and real-time visibility. I’m excited to join a team so deeply focused on customer success and innovation, and I look forward to helping advance DataBahn’s mission to deliver secure, intelligent, and highly scalable data solutions.”

Wood has served as a three-time chief information security officer and two-time chief technology officer at major financial institutions, including Zions Bancorporation, Bank of the West, and City National Bank. The company said that Wood is known for aligning security and technology strategies with business goals, and he has led the development of robust security frameworks, real-time threat detection programs, and advanced analytics initiatives.

At DataBahn.ai, Wood will partner with engineering and product teams to expand the platform’s strategic vision and deepen customer relationships, the company said.

Wood will lead the development of next-generation solutions, such as intelligent, AI-powered Data Broker workflows, that bring automation, context, and precision to enterprise-scale data orchestration, the company said. DataBahn said that Wood will draw on his dual experience as CISO and CTO in serving a dual role: evangelizing DataBahn’s innovation to enterprise customers while channeling next-generation customer requirements back into the product roadmap.

Sales leadership additions

In addition to Wood, DataBahn.ai said it strengthened its go-to-market capabilities with two key sales leadership appointments.

Payman Faed joins as SVP of sales, West, bringing over 15 years of enterprise cybersecurity sales and leadership experience. He has held senior roles at leading MDR and SIEM providers, including Lumifi and Castra. Faed is recognized for building high-performing teams and scaling partner-first go-to-market strategies, the company said.

At DataBahn, Faed will oversee strategic accounts across the Western U.S., accelerate national expansion, and lead a team of account executives focused on customer value and revenue growth.

Trevor Crompton has been appointed vice president of sales, EMEA. Crompton has more than 30 years in the IT industry—nearly half spent building and leading startup organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—and he brings deep expertise in helping security professionals gain visibility into complex data environments.

At DataBahn.ai, Crompton will lead the company’s expansion in EMEA, helping customers address growing data complexity while reducing storage costs and simplifying operations.

“With the addition of Preston, Payman, and Trevor, we’re assembling a powerhouse leadership team that combines technical excellence, deep customer empathy, and proven go-to-market execution,” Nanda Santhana, co-founder and CEO of DataBahn.ai, said in a statement. “Their collective experience across security, data management, and global GTM strategy positions us to accelerate our growth and deliver even greater value to enterprises worldwide.”

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R E A D   N E X T

  • Fort Worth-based marketing agency The Starr Conspiracy has officially rebranded as TSC, signaling a new era with fresh leadership. CEO Ashley Bernard is steering the agency toward innovation, AI investment, and cutting-edge marketing strategies, with the rebrand unveiled at the 2024 HR Technology Conference & Exposition.

  • Trinity Christian Academy has named Lisa Wong, a former Raytheon engineer and TCA’s director of technology, as its first chief innovation officer. Wong will lead the integration of cutting-edge technology, foster innovation, and prepare students for future careers.

  • Meghan Baivier is the new CFO of the technology infrastructure company that offers innovative, sustainable, and adaptive scale data centers and build-to-scale solutions for global hyperscale and enterprise customers. Aligned also announced the transition of former CFO Anubhav Raj to Aligned’s new chief investment officer.

  • Kekin Ghelani previously held senior positions at Summit Materials, DuPont de Nemours, Celanese, McKesson, and Honeywell.

  • The investment in Kirkland, Washington-based American Binary marks “a significant step towards fortifying digital security as civilization moves toward the quantum computing era,” the Dallas-based private equity firm said.



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Sheriff T.K. Waters discusses AI facial recognition technology use – Action News Jax

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July 10, 2025

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Sheriff T.K. Waters discusses AI facial recognition technology use  Action News Jax



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California IT Leaders to Talk AI, Security and More at State of Technology

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3 hours ago

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July 10, 2025

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On Aug. 7, IT leaders from across the California state enterprise will gather to talk tech at the annual State of Technology — California Industry Forum.

The event will feature several California tech leaders, including:

The one-day event will cover subjects including procurement, innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Joe Morris, chief innovation officer for the Center for Digital Government*, will give a breakdown of the California budget.

Industry Insider — California members will receive a discount on registration. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and the event ends at 5:15 p.m. The event will take place at Hilton Sacramento Arden West. For questions or registration, contact Brad Loebs.

*The Center for Digital Government is part of e.Republic, Industry Insider — California’s parent company.



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