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Chief Engineer Drilling Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

ETX FIELD. DRILLER I

Tyler, TX

By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data ... Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year ...

NABORS

Field Engineering Robotic Technician

Odessa, TX

$20 - $27.25/hr

The Field Engineering Robotics Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing rig automation and control systems for Robotic Drilling Equipment (RZR Rig Floor Automation ...

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$32.5K

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How much do chief engineer drilling rig jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer drilling rig in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer Drilling Rig vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectChief Engineer Drilling RigDrilling Supervisor
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drilling operationsTechnical diploma or degree, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site on drilling rigs, overseeing engineering aspectsOn-site or office, supervising drilling activities
ResponsibilitiesEngineering design, equipment maintenance, technical problem-solvingOperational oversight, safety compliance, team coordination

The Chief Engineer Drilling Rig focuses on engineering and technical aspects of drilling operations, ensuring equipment and systems function properly. The Drilling Supervisor manages daily drilling activities, safety, and team coordination. Both roles are essential but differ mainly in technical versus operational focus.

Infographic showing various Chief Engineer Drilling Rig job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

ETX FIELD. DRILLER I

NABORS

Tyler, TX

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Driller is responsible for ensuring that the work in and around the drill floor and BOP as well as the rig up and rig down procedures and the drilling operations occurs in a safe and effective manner thereby meeting and / or exceeding Nabors Drilling Company's and the contracting Company's goals and objective for safety, production and budget. The Driller works under the direction and supervision of the Rig Manager.

Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.  To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.
  • Ability to perform essential functions of this position with or without reasonable Accommodations. 
  • Previous rig experience as a Floorhand, Motorhand and/or Derrickhand for Nabors Drilling or 1 year experience as a Driller for another drilling company. 
  • Strong knowledge of the Floorhand, Motorhand and Derrickhand positions. 
  • Ability to wear respiratory protective devices. 
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from the rig 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High school diploma, certificate or equivalent AC and/or SCR Rig experience 
  • Completion of Certified Supervisory Well Control course that is unexpired 
  • Experience using computer and multiple screens to monitor drilling activities
  • Anticipate potential problems, pre plan and implement corrective action in a timely manner thereby helping to ensure outcomes reach company goals for the drilling operations Work with the Rig Manager to assist with post analysis reviews of critical actions and implement ongoing best practice activities for future operations.
  • Ensuring the safety of the drill crew and all support personnel working in and about the drill floor. 
  • Oversee proper rig up and rig down, continual preventive maintenance and repair of the equipment used in the drilling operations along with ensuring continual cleaning and housekeeping in and about the drill floor.
  • Ensure drilling operations follow established plan.
  • Substitute for a Floorhand in the absence of a trained Floorhand Together with the Rig manager, continually train and develop employees working on the drilling rig so as to meet the employee's career goals while at the same time meeting the needs of the company.
  • Responsible for monitoring the progress of the drilling operation, determine when bits need to be changed while operating pumps, rotary table, draw-works and drill pipe. 
  • Ability to operate rig utilizing rig controls while monitoring operation of various equipment (pump pressures, weight indicator, drill string weight, etc.) 
  • Knowledge of Drilling rig equipment capacity and functionality including but not limited to Canrig Top Drives, accumulator units, draw works.
  • Adjust mud pumps to maintain the proper circulation rate.
  • Ability to perform basic math functions. 

Essential Functions: 

  • Attention span to stay alert and attentive for up to 12 hour tour.
  • Able to works 7 or 14 days on and 7 or 14 days off, including holidays, weekends and or days and nights.
  • Able to work well with others while working in a close environment for extended periods of time with minimal ability to leave the driller's cabin.
  • Make important judgment decisions that affect the safety of the crew.
  • Give verbal instructions clearly and concisely.
  • Advanced knowledge of the emergency shut-in procedures and be able to respond to any emergency efficiently and professionally
  • Able to stand or stand and walk throughout the tour while wearing steel toed boots. 
  • Occasionally climb steep stairs and walking on steel decking as well as gravel, board roads and area that can be covered in drilling fluids, mud, snow and ice.
  • Must be able to repetitively climb stairs and ladders, work in an unprotected environment as well as be able to lift / carry and work with items weighing upwards of 35 lbs. 
  • Assist the Rig Manager with trouble shooting and problem-solving duties and decisive manner. 
  • Other duties as required by the Rig Manager.

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