1

Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead drilling engineering and consulting efforts * Develop detailed well designs and comprehensive drilling programs * Prepare casing and tubular designs * Develop drilling fluid and mud systems

Drilling Engineer Duration: Through June 2028 Schedule: Standard 5-day work week during planning phases, with additional hours and out-of-hours operational support as required during drilling ...

ProSidian Seeks a Drilling Engineer | Technical Due Diligence & Engineering Validation For Upstream Oil & Gas (Exploration / Production) [DOE0082082] for Program Support on a Exempt 1099 Contract: No ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer reports directly to the Drilling Engineering Supervisor and is expected to work closely with the Drilling Superintendents, Drilling Engineering Team, and the Drilling ...

Interpret drilling and testing information for personnel 7.Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment. 8.Write technical reports for engineering and ...

The WEC Drilling Engineer is responsible for assisting the PSD team to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable product and service delivery for our customers. The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and ...

The WEC Drilling Engineer is responsible for assisting the PSD team to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable product and service delivery for our customers. The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

Posting Close Date: 09/16/2026 Job Title: Sr. Drilling Engineer Position Summary Ovintiv is seeking an experienced Drilling Engineer with a proven track record of accomplishments to support drilling ...

The WEC Drilling Engineer is responsible for assisting the PSD team to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable product and service delivery for our customers. The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

Our Client is currently looking for a contact drilling engineer for a 6-9 month assignment in the Great Pittsburgh area. Must be local or willing to stay in the area 95% of the time for duration of ...

Drilling Engineer - ACES JOB SUMMARY The Drilling Engineer will be accountable for engineering activity covering the planning, program preparation and execution of drilling and workover operations ...

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design and execute advanced geothermal drilling in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Drilling Engineer information

See salary details

$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling engineer in the United States is $116,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling engineer?

Drilling engineers plan and execute the drilling operations for oil, gas, and mining companies. In this job, you extract minerals, metal ores, oil, and natural gas from mines, various landforms, and underwater. Your responsibilities may include inspecting new sites, analyzing data on production levels, and troubleshooting issues. Additionally, your job is to assist other energy professionals with the cost and budgeting of heavy equipment and necessary tools for drilling.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering or a related field, with expertise in drilling operations, well design, and safety protocols. Familiarity with drilling software (such as Landmark or WellPlan), hydraulic modeling tools, and certifications like IWCF or Well Control are often required. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing operational challenges. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling of wells, minimizing risks and maximizing project success.

How does a drilling engineer typically collaborate with geologists and other team members during a drilling project?

Drilling Engineers work closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling supervisors to ensure drilling operations are efficient and safe. They rely on geologists for subsurface data and formation analysis, which helps in planning well trajectories and anticipating potential drilling hazards. Regular meetings and real-time data sharing are common, allowing the team to make quick decisions when unexpected conditions arise. This collaborative environment ensures that drilling objectives are met while adhering to safety and environmental standards.

What is the difference between Drilling Engineer vs Well Engineer?

AspectDrilling EngineerWell Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and supervising drilling operationsDesigning and managing well construction and completion
Work EnvironmentDrilling rigs, field sitesOffices, field sites, wellsites
CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field; certifications like IWCFBachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering; similar certifications
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling companiesOil & gas operators, service companies

While both roles involve oil and gas well development, Drilling Engineers focus on planning and executing drilling operations, whereas Well Engineers concentrate on designing and managing the entire well lifecycle, including completion and workover activities.

How much money do drilling engineers make?

Drilling engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior or specialized drilling engineers with extensive experience or certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 annually.

Is drilling engineering a good career?

Drilling engineering is a specialized field within the oil and gas industry that involves designing and managing drilling operations. It offers high earning potential, opportunities for advancement, and requires technical skills, problem-solving, and safety knowledge. The career can involve working in remote locations and demanding schedules but provides strong job stability in the energy sector.

What cities are hiring for Drilling Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Drilling Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Drilling Engineer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Drilling Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Drilling Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Drilling Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Drilling 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 $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
  • Lead and support a diverse portfolio of drilling projects, including exploratory drilling, solution-mining wells, geothermal wells, and disposal wells
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to develop well designs, drilling programs, and execution strategies
  • Manage the full project lifecycle from proposal development and project planning through execution
  • Maintain schedule and budget objectives
  • Lead drilling engineering and consulting efforts
  • Develop detailed well designs and comprehensive drilling programs
  • Prepare casing and tubular designs
  • Develop drilling fluid and mud systems
  • Develop cementing programs
  • Develop well testing and completion programs
  • Prepare and manage Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) documents, cost estimates, and budget approvals
  • Coordinate with drilling contractors, service providers, and project stakeholders
  • Provide project oversight for safe, efficient, and compliant field operations
  • Monitor project performance, identify risks, and implement solutions
  • Collaborate with clients and internal technical teams to deliver practical, cost-effective engineering solutions
Requirements
  • Bachelor of science degree in petroleum, geological, or mining engineering
  • Minimum of 5 years of drilling engineering experience
  • Strong technical background in well design and drilling program development and execution
  • Prior experience in AFE preparation, cost tracking, financial accountability, and procurement services
  • Strong client relationships and the ability to support business development efforts
  • Experience with completions engineering and design would be an asset
  • Professional license or the ability to achieve professional license
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to prioritize work demands to meet deadlines while exercising judgement and working independently
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed
  • Must be willing to travel 10% of the time
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in drilling engineering, well design, and project management, with a strong focus on developing comprehensive drilling programs and maintaining budget and schedule objectives. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to deliver effective engineering solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Drilling Engineering
  • Well Design Development
  • AFE Preparation
  • Project Management
  • Client Relationship Management
Hard Skills
  • Drilling Program Development
  • Casing Design
  • Tubular Design
  • Drilling Fluid Systems
  • Cementing Programs
  • Well Testing
  • Completion Programs
  • Cost Estimation
  • Financial Accountability
  • Exploratory Drilling
Soft Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Judgment
  • Independence
  • Prioritization
  • Communication
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Professional License
Industry Keywords
  • Drilling Projects
  • Exploratory Drilling
  • Geothermal Wells
  • Solution-Mining Wells
  • Disposal Wells
  • Project Lifecycle Management
  • Cost Tracking
  • Procurement Services
  • Field Operations
  • Risk Management
Tools & Technologies
  • Microsoft Office Suite
#J-18808-Ljbffr