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Drill Bit Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Driller

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

... by operating drill, including rotary, churn, and pneumatic; monitoring progress; adjusting bit ... ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in ...

Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s) * Drill, ream, countersink ... Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications

Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, and internal quality procedures to ... PDC drill bit partner in North America. Operating worldwide, we deliver superior drilling ...

Intern, Engineering 2027

Kenedy, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... drill bit design/selection, sand production mitigation, and infrastructure benchmarking. The intern will work within established engineering and/or operations teams. The Engineering internship ...

Intern, Engineering 2027

Kenedy, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... drill bit design/selection, sand production mitigation, and infrastructure benchmarking. The intern will work within established engineering and/or operations teams.The Engineering internship ...

Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Finance to align material availability ... PDC drill bit partner in North America. Operating worldwide, we deliver superior drilling ...

Locate, drill pilot holes using drill motor and proper size drill bit(s) * Drill, ream, countersink ... Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications ADDITIONAL ...

Senior Driller

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Performs routine maintenance on drill rigs and support trucks and reports repair needs ... ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in ...

New

Senior Driller

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

Performs routine maintenance on drill rigs and support trucks and reports repair needs ... ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in ...

New

Senior Driller

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

Performs routine maintenance on drill rigs and support trucks and reports repair needs ... ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in ...

New

Senior Driller

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

Performs routine maintenance on drill rigs and support trucks and reports repair needs ... ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Drill Bit Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$111.5K

$164.5K

How much do drill bit engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for drill bit engineer in the United States is $111,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drill bit engineer?

Drill Bit Engineers are specialized professionals in the oil and gas industry who design, select, and optimize drill bits used in drilling operations. They analyze geological data and drilling performance to choose the best bit type and configuration for specific rock formations. Their expertise helps improve drilling efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safe operations. Drill Bit Engineers often work closely with drilling teams and manufacturers to develop innovative solutions and troubleshoot issues encountered during drilling.

How does a drill bit engineer typically collaborate with drilling teams and other engineering disciplines on a project?

A Drill Bit Engineer works closely with drilling teams, geologists, and other engineering specialists to select, design, and optimize drill bits based on specific well conditions. Collaboration often involves analyzing drilling data, discussing challenges encountered during drilling, and making real-time recommendations to improve bit performance. Frequent communication with field personnel ensures that the chosen bit design aligns with operational goals and geological formations. This cooperative environment allows Drill Bit Engineers to address challenges quickly and contributes to more efficient and cost-effective drilling operations.

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

To thrive as a Drill Bit Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or petroleum engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with drilling operations. Familiarity with CAD software, drilling simulation tools, and industry standards like API specifications is typically required, along with certifications in safety and engineering practices. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient drill bits, ensuring operational safety, and optimizing drilling performance in complex environments.

What is the difference between Drill Bit Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectDrill Bit EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Petroleum, or related engineering; certifications varyBachelor's in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and improving drill bits in labs and on-sitePlanning and overseeing drilling operations at well sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil & gas, focusing on drill bit technologyBroader in oil & gas, including well planning and execution

While both roles require engineering backgrounds and work in the oil & gas industry, Drill Bit Engineers focus on the design and development of drill bits, whereas Drilling Engineers oversee the entire drilling process. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals and employers target the right skills and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Drill Bit Engineer jobs?

For Drill Bit Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drill Bit Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,500 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Manual Machine Operator/ Welder 3rd Shift - Matrix

Fort Worth, TX

Patterson-UTI
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Manual Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining manual machinery, including mills, lathes, and other equipment, to produce precision components. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the highest quality standards in manufacturing by adhering to engineering specifications, safety protocols, and company procedures.

The Manual Machine Operator works under the direction of and will report to the Manufacturing Supervisor.

Detailed Description:

  • Operate manual mills, lathes, grinders, and other non-CNC machinery to produce precision parts according to technical specifications.

  • Perform welding and deburring tasks as required to meet product specifications and quality standards.

  • Interpret and follow blueprints, technical drawings, work orders, and bit documentation to ensure accurate machining and assembly.

  • Set up and align machinery, ensuring proper tool selection and installation for each job.

  • Use various measuring equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges, to inspect and verify dimensions of finished products.

  • Apply basic mathematical concepts, including geometry and trigonometry, to calculate dimensions and tolerances.

  • Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain product quality and efficiency.

  • Maintain a clean and organized personal workstation, ensuring tools and equipment are in good working order.

  • Follow all safety and quality policies to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.

  • Perform routine maintenance on manual machines to ensure their optimal performance and minimize downtime.

  • Identify and troubleshoot issues with machines, tooling, or workpieces, escalating complex problems to supervisors when necessary.

  • Collaborate with team members to identify and implement opportunities for process improvement.

  • Perform other shop duties as required to support manufacturing operations.

Job Requirements:

  • Proficiency in operating and maintaining manual mills, lathes, and related equipment.

  • Ability to interpret and work from technical blueprints, schematics, and documentation.

  • Familiarity with measuring tools and quality assurance processes.

  • Basic welding and deburring skills.

  • Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity to handle precision work.

  • Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with peers and supervisors.

  • Basic math skills, including geometry and trigonometry, to calculate dimensions and tolerances.

  • Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

  • 6 months of experience operating manual mills and lathes or welding with similar experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of machine shop safety standards and best practices.

  • Familiarity with basic maintenance and troubleshooting of manual machinery.

Additional Details:

The Manual Machine Operator must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. The typical work environment will be in the shop or field which will require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, working near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals, and airborne particles.

Our People, Our Service, and Our Technology

Ulterra is the #1 PDC drill bit partner in North America. Operating worldwide, we deliver superior drilling technology to companies producing the energy that powers our lives. We constantly push the boundaries of known technology to come up with new ways to improve drilling performance with higher rates of penetration (ROP) and unique designs for challenging conditions, while providing outstanding support from dedicated people.

Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.



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