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Directional Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services ... You will oversee daily field activities, support drilling operations, and ensure work is completed ...

Since 1936, we've been the Best Choice in utility engineering and construction. Safety is our top ... directional drilling experience 2. Ideal candidates will have the ability to read and interpret ...

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Directional Drilling Engineer information

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$13

$26

$34

How much do directional drilling engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for directional drilling engineer in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a directional drilling engineer do?

A Directional Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the drilling of wells that deviate from the vertical to reach oil or gas reserves that are not accessible by straight drilling. They use advanced technologies and specialized tools to control the direction and angle of the drill bit, ensuring the well follows a predetermined trajectory. Their role involves collaborating with geologists, drilling teams, and other engineers to optimize drilling efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, while minimizing environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a directional drilling engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Directional Drilling Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering or related fields, strong mathematical skills, and experience with subsurface geology. Proficiency with directional drilling software (e.g., Landmark, WellPlan), MWD/LWD tools, and familiarity with industry certifications like IWCF are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork abilities help you adapt to dynamic field environments and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure precise wellbore placement, operational efficiency, and safety in complex drilling projects.

What are some common challenges directional drilling engineers face on-site, and how are they typically addressed?

Directional Drilling Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected geological formations, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining borehole trajectory accuracy. These situations require quick decision-making and close collaboration with geologists, drilling supervisors, and MWD (Measurement While Drilling) specialists to troubleshoot and adapt the drilling plan. Regular communication, detailed pre-job planning, and staying up-to-date with the latest drilling technologies help mitigate risks and ensure successful well placement. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to overcoming these on-site challenges.

What is the difference between Directional Drilling Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectDirectional Drilling EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in directional drillingEngineering degree, general drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOil & gas sites focusing on wellbore trajectoryVarious drilling sites, including exploration and production
Industry UsageSpecialized in wellbore steering and precision drillingBroader role in overall drilling operations

The main difference is that a Directional Drilling Engineer specializes in planning and executing wellbore trajectories, ensuring precise drilling paths, while a Drilling Engineer oversees the entire drilling process, including equipment, safety, and operations. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but the Directional Drilling Engineer has specialized skills in wellbore steering and navigation.

How much money does a directional drilling engineer make?

A directional drilling engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry demand. They often work in the oil and gas sector, utilizing specialized tools and certifications to perform precise wellbore placement.

Is a directional drilling engineer a hard job?

A directional drilling engineer's job involves technical skills, problem-solving, and working in challenging environments such as underground or offshore locations. It can be physically demanding and requires knowledge of drilling equipment, safety protocols, and often long or irregular work hours, making it a demanding profession overall.
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What states have the most Directional Drilling Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Directional Drilling Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Directional Drilling Engineer jobs?

For Directional Drilling Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Directional Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Directional Drill Foreman

Zanesville, OH • On-site

Congruex
Telecommunications • 1 - 5K employees

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Congruex rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Reports To: Construction Manager
Travel Potential: 25-50%
Compensation: $30.00 - $45.00 Hourly
Company Profile:
Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services that connect communities nationwide. This includes wireline, wireless, data centers, and utility services from initial concept to market go-live.
With employees across the United States and India, the work we do enables essential infrastructure for the future of communications.
Build a Career. Build What Matters.
Job Summary:
As the Directional Drill Foreman, you will be responsible for leading directional drilling operations, operating drilling equipment, and ensuring safe and efficient execution of underground utility construction projects. You will oversee daily field activities, support drilling operations, and ensure work is completed accurately and in accordance with project requirements. Success in this role requires strong operational leadership, technical knowledge, quality workmanship, and a commitment to safety.
Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):
• Lead and perform directional drilling and utility locating activities to safely install underground telecommunications infrastructure.
• Operate directional drilling equipment and other construction machinery while supporting daily field operations and crew productivity.
• Coordinate drilling activities and ensure work is completed safely, accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with company and project requirements.
• Perform work in standard and high-risk construction environments while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and utility protection.
• Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, customers, Project Managers, and other project stakeholders regarding field activities and project requirements.
• Travel to project locations, including overnight assignments, as required to support construction operations.
• Additional responsibilities within functional scope based on business needs
Required Qualifications:
Education, Licensing, and Certifications
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Experience
• Minimum 1 year of recent experience in directional drilling and/or utility locating.
• Experience supporting underground utility, telecommunications, or construction projects.
Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of directional drilling equipment, underground utility installation, and construction practices.
• Ability to safely operate drilling equipment and perform field activities in varying construction environments.
• Strong communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively support crew productivity and project requirements.
• Ability to travel, including overnight assignments, as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or willingness to obtain.
• OSHA certification.
• Previous experience leading telecommunications or underground construction crews.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform physically demanding activities for extended periods.
• Work performed outdoors and in active construction environments in varying and inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to work around heavy equipment, machinery, and underground utilities.
• Ability to travel overnight as business needs require.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.
Congruex Culture & Benefits:
Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust. These values guide how we work with one another and how we interact with our customers.
We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel supported and recognized. We invest in employees through a comprehensive approach, including the benefits below with eligibility on Day 1 of employment:
• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits with 70% paid by the company
• 401(k) with company match up to 4% and immediate vesting
• Flexible PTO for exempt roles & competitive PTO accrual for non-exempt roles
• 10 company paid holidays (9 standard and 1 floating)
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Company Paid Maternity & Parental Leave options
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance (with employee paid voluntary options)
• Annual Safety Boot Program of up to $150 per eligible field employee per year
• Safety Points Program for eligible field employees redeemable in the company store
• Free wellness benefits like counseling, financial planning, caregiver support, and more
Additional Employment Information:
We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles. Some benefits have eligibility criteria. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. Conditions to hiring may include but are not necessarily limited to background checks, drug testing, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.

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