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Contract Mud Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Overland AI

Software Engineer, Platforms

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $300K/yr

Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national ... You are passionate about building systems that work in the real world: despite rain, snow, and mud.

All JobsContract Mud Engineer JobsContract Mud Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Contract Mud Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$34

$55

$112

How much do contract mud engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract mud engineer in Seattle, WA is $55.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.78 and $57.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract mud engineer?

Contract Mud Engineers are specialists in drilling fluid (or 'mud') systems who work on a contract basis for oil and gas companies. They are responsible for designing, testing, and managing the drilling fluids used during the drilling process to ensure safe and efficient operations. Their role includes monitoring mud properties, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Unlike staff mud engineers, contract mud engineers are typically hired for specific projects or drilling campaigns.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract mud engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Mud Engineer, you need a strong background in chemistry, geology, and drilling fluid technology, often supported by a degree in engineering or earth sciences. Familiarity with drilling fluid software, mud testing equipment, and industry certifications like Well Control are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for maintaining wellbore stability, optimizing drilling performance, and ensuring operational safety on drilling sites.

What are common challenges faced by contract mud engineers when working on remote drilling sites?

Contract Mud Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to resources, rapidly changing drilling conditions, and communication barriers with multi-disciplinary teams on remote sites. They must be adaptable, able to troubleshoot issues with drilling fluids in real time, and maintain accurate documentation despite sometimes unpredictable work environments. Additionally, balancing safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental compliance requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Contract Mud Engineer vs Contract Drilling Engineer?

AspectContract Mud EngineerContract Drilling Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications in mud engineering, such as IWCF or IWCF-certified mud engineerEngineering degree, often with certifications in drilling or petroleum engineering
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, focusing on mud systems and fluid propertiesOn-site or office-based, overseeing entire drilling operations and planning
Industry UsagePrimarily in drilling and mud management companiesIn drilling contractors and oil & gas exploration firms

The Contract Mud Engineer specializes in managing drilling fluids and mud systems, ensuring wellbore stability. In contrast, the Contract Drilling Engineer oversees the entire drilling process, including planning, safety, and operations. Both roles require technical expertise but focus on different aspects of drilling projects.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Mud Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Contract Mud Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Mud Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Mud Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Contract Mud Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Mud Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,829 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, Platforms

Overland AI

Seattle, WA • On-site

$140K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Overland AI
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.
Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.
Role Summary:
We are looking for experts in embedded and Linux-based systems for robotics to develop and manage interfaces to sensors and actuation on aggressive off-road autonomous vehicles.
In this role, you will:
  • Bring up new autonomy platforms from initial boot up to autonomy-ready.
  • Build, configure, and deploy Linux systems for high performance autonomy.
  • Develop and deploy drivers for sensors (cameras, LIDARs, etc.) and drive-by-wire systems on autonomous ground vehicles.

Qualifications
  • Strong technical background: BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar with 4+ years industry experience.
  • Extensive experience deploying software in a Linux environment, including familiarity with the Linux networking stack and a variety of Linux distributions.
  • Experience working with robotic systems.
  • Field-test forward: You are passionate about building systems that work in the real world: despite rain, snow, and mud.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Security Clearance.
  • Ability to relocate to Seattle, WA.

Nice to have
  • Experience with data protocols such as RS 232, CAN, SPI, and I2C.
  • Experience with drive-by-wire systems
  • Deep technical expertise in sensors such as cameras and LIDARs.
  • High-performance, low latency, and/or real time C / C++ development.
  • Experience building Linux kernels and tinkering with low level device drivers.
  • Experience with safety critical software.
  • Experience with time synchronization protocols such as NTP and PTP.

Benefits
Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day.
  • The salary range for this position is $140K to $300K annually
  • Equity compensation
  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans.
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 401k with company match
  • Parental leave

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.
Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [peopleops@overland.ai] to request an accommodation.

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