By: Sandra Barker
USTimes: Zorab, you’ve worked on projects in over 10 countries. What motivates you to keep saying yes to such challenging assignments?
Zorab Bedros: Every new environment brings a different challenge—and with it, a different opportunity. Whether it’s harsh temperatures in Oman or unconventional oilfields in Australia, I’m drawn to complexity. That’s where I can offer the most value. For me, engineering isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about being the person that others trust to solve the toughest ones, often under real pressure and with no margin for error.
USTimes: You were deployed to lead a critical campaign for Aramco. Can you tell us about that?
Bedros: That was a defining moment. It was Aramco’s first horizontal coiled tubing logging campaign in the Khurais field. Horizontal completions introduced new mechanical stresses on traditional plug systems. There were real fears that tool seal failures could halt production, damage the wellbore, or delay results. I was called in on short notice to re-engineer the system.
We redesigned the tool head, reinforced the seals, and introduced a dual-phase testing process. This wasn’t just a fix; it became the new standard. Aramco later adopted our design across other horizontal projects. The operation went off without a hitch and became a case study internally.
USTimes: That must have raised your professional profile considerably.
Bedros: It did. Following that campaign, I was contacted for additional high-risk assignments across Southeast Asia and the Gulf. I developed a reputation for being able to step in during complex installations—particularly where automation, sensor integration, or unconventional field conditions posed a threat to project timelines.
USTimes: You’ve received praise not only for your engineering skills but also your leadership in the field. Where does that come from?
Bedros: Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. In engineering, it’s about clarity, trust, and accountability. People listen to you because you’ve been there before—and because when you say something will work, it does. During my time at Baker Hughes, I led emergency response crews, trained regional teams, and even advised on the development of predictive maintenance protocols that cut Non-Productive Time by nearly 25% in the Oman contract. That only happens when leadership and technical skill go hand in hand.
USTimes: Let’s talk about your recent transition to the U.S. How has your experience abroad shaped your work here?
Bedros: Immensely. My work abroad prepared me to handle high-value operations in real time. That perspective has been vital here in the U.S., where I’ve been helping design monitoring upgrades for energy producers. I’ve also been launching RVC Tech-Solutions, my own company, which specializes in low voltage installations, smart instrumentation, and solar energy projects. With my C-7 Low Voltage License and C-61/D-9 Specialty License—and a C-46 Solar Contractor certification in progress—I’ve built a service model that’s both scalable and tailored to industrial needs in the U.S., shaped by exposure to diverse regulatory systems, environments, and technologies.
USTimes: What’s the biggest difference between engineering work in the Middle East and the United States?
Bedros: Scale and integration. In the Middle East, projects are massive but often compartmentalized. In the U.S., there’s an increasing push toward integrated systems—combining automation, monitoring, and renewables into cohesive platforms. That’s where I’m focused now: bridging energy efficiency and field operations through real-time data and smart systems.
USTimes: Could you tell us about the technologies you’re most passionate about bringing into mainstream operations?
Bedros: I’m passionate about three things: predictive maintenance, smart monitoring, and renewable integration. With predictive systems, we can eliminate up to 30% of equipment failures before they even happen. With smart sensors and real-time tracking, operators can respond to anomalies instantly. And integrating solar into industrial settings allows us to offset energy use while improving resilience. It’s not just about new tech—it’s about making our industry more efficient, safe, and sustainable.
USTimes: You mentioned training earlier. How important is that in your career?
Bedros: Critical. One of the most rewarding parts of my job has been mentoring junior engineers. I’ve led dozens of training sessions on ESP installations, CT logging, and system interpretation. In Australia, I even developed a 40-page training manual on hybrid installations that’s still in use. There’s no better legacy than passing your knowledge to the next generation.
USTimes: Last question—what does success look like for you now?
Bedros: Success is about trust. It’s when a client says, “We need Zorab for this job,” because they know you deliver solutions that last. It’s when your installation becomes the benchmark for future projects—whether it’s a precision downhole pump system overseas or an integrated control and monitoring system for an oil production site in California. For me, success means designing and implementing systems that continue to perform reliably long after the work is done. With each project, I aim to create infrastructure that sets the standard for safety, efficiency, and long-term value.
USTimes: Thank you, Zorab. Your story shows what leadership and innovation really look like in practice.
Bedros: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
