Katy Dickson
Growing up in Montana, Katy Dickson knew she wanted to be an engineer but hadn’t decided on a field. It wasn’t until she graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering that she finally found her field, and it happened to be an oil-producing one in the Gulf of Mexico.
Dickson began working with Transocean as part of an offshore rig engineer training program that allowed her to receive hands-on experience working all positions from roustabout and roughneck to marine and subsea engineering. After two years, Dickson took an onshore position with Nabors Industries as a project manager and was later promoted to engineering manager, responsible for two rig-up yards and supporting an operating fleet of 200+ rigs. She joined Patterson-UTI Drilling in 2012, tasked with developing engineering, rig construction and field service programs. She shifted her focus to technology, building up the Controls & Automation and Digital Solutions departments, and growing the teams organically.
During her time at Patterson-UTI, Dickson has guided the strategic acquisitions of Warrior Rig and Current Power. She has also led several first-to-market projects, including installing battery energy storage on a land drilling rig and providing microgrid technologies for several applications.
“I’ve always been very curious and eager to learn as much as possible. By applying this mindset to every aspect of my work, I gained a deep understanding of everything from equipment and systems to company structures and industry regulations,” Dickson said. “This approach has given me a strong foundation to build and grow my career.”
Still, moving ahead that far, that fast requires mentors who are willing to take a chance on you.
“I’ve always admired leaders who recognize individual potential, regardless of experience, and assign projects or roles that challenge and promote growth,” she said. “Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentors like Steve Woelfel at Transocean and Ron Morrison at Nabors, who provided me with such opportunities. I’m also grateful to the leadership team at Patterson-UTI for trusting me to build and expand the organization’s engineering and technology departments.”
Like many who enter the energy industry, Dickson struggled with working in a sector that has won few popularity contests with the general public in recent times.
“Over time, however, my perspective evolved and I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the critical role the energy sector—particularly oil and gas—has played in shaping modern civilization,” she said.
To young professionals in the industry, her advice is to stick it out.
“It’s very probable you’ll have the same doubts I experienced regarding the negative public perception of the industry,” Dickson said. “With time, hopefully your perception evolves to appreciate how important energy is to the world.”
The compelling nature of oil and gas work acts as a boost to Dickson as a manager in motivating her team.
“It can also be important for individuals to understand the broader impact of the projects they’re working on—to ‘see the bigger picture,’” she said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks, but taking time to provide this perspective can be an effective way to inspire and energize teams.
“Celebrating success is also a powerful tool,” she added. “Engineers tend to be very focused on what needs to be fixed or improved. It’s important to remind people to reflect on their progress and recognize their achievements.”
Dickson’s leadership philosophy is to give direction; not to be a helicopter boss.
“As much as possible, I try to cast a clear vision for teams, then get out of their way,” she said. “My focus is on equipping them with the tools they need for success and proactively addressing potential roadblocks. When projects don’t go as planned, my first step is to reflect on what I might need to adjust to better support their progress.”
Her pro tip to engineers who are new to the business is to head to the fields.
“If you’re going to work in an operational or engineering role, it’s crucial to know the equipment, the processes and the challenges personnel face in the field,” she said. “In the moment, you’ll likely question why working long hours in the field adds value, but the hands-on experience will pay off significantly in the long run.”
Check out the rest of Hart Energy's 2025 Women in Energy here.
1. I have a 1972 MGB that I rebuilt in high school and still tinker on today.
2. I’ve always loved the performing arts and was involved with several plays in elementary, high school and college. Now I’m happy to be a patron whenever possible.
3. I grew up in a small Montana town with about 3,500 residents. I appreciate the sense of community this naturally established, and work to instill that same sense of community in my workplace.