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Drilling Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

Greeley, Colorado Entry-level Wells Engineers (Horizons Program) - Wells engineers have both office ... Drill Site Representatives for on-site drilling operations including exploratory wells and ...

Sierra Circuits

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational ... The Drilling Supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure all processes, special instructions ...

Sierra Circuits

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational ... The Drilling Supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure all processes, special instructions ...

Sierra Circuits

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational ... The Drilling Supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure all processes, special instructions ...

Sierra Circuits inc.

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational ... The Drilling Supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure all processes, special instructions ...

Sierra Circuits

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational ... The Drilling Supervisor's primary responsibility is to ensure all processes, special instructions ...

CRUX Subsurface Inc

Micropile Driller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

... drilling and installing micropile foundations in accordance with engineering specifications, project requirements, and Crux Subsurface procedures. This position operates specialized drilling ...

Crux Subsurface, Inc.

Micropile Driller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

... drilling and installing micropile foundations in accordance with engineering specifications, project requirements, and Crux Subsurface procedures. This position operates specialized drilling ...

CRUX Subsurface Inc

Micropile Driller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

... drilling and installing micropile foundations in accordance with engineering specifications, project requirements, and Crux Subsurface procedures. This position operates specialized drilling ...

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All JobsDrilling Engineer JobsDrilling Engineer Jobs in California

Drilling Engineer information

See California salary details

$88.8K

$115.1K

$135.2K

How much do drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling engineer in California is $115,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $126,800.00 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.
More about Drilling Engineer jobs

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

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Cities in California with the most Drilling Engineer job openings:

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Drilling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,138 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Bakersfield, CA

Cornerstone Engineering, Inc.
See more jobs at Cornerstone Engineering, Inc.external

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Senior Drilling Engineer
Company Overview
Honey Rock Engineers amp; Advisors, LLC, in partnership with Cornerstone Eng. Inc., is a leading consulting firm in oil and gas well engineering and operations. We specialize in providing technical assurance, regulatory compliance, and innovative engineering solutions across the full well lifecycle. With expertise spanning planning, execution, and optimization, our team ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective well delivery for operators across diverse drilling environments.
Role Summary
Join our team in Bakersfield, CA, for a full-time opportunity as a Senior Drilling Engineer, with California experience. This pivotal role focuses on delivering safe, reliable, and efficient wells by providing engineering design, operational planning, and real-time technical support. Collaborating closely with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams, the engineer will develop well programs, troubleshoot operational challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Salary Range: $100,000 – $175,000 depending on experience.
Key Qualifications
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in drilling engineering
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with proven ability to adapt to operational challenges.
  • Solid knowledge of drilling standards and processes, well control principles, and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficiency in drilling engineering software and data analysis tools.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and client-facing skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or related field) is required.
Desirable Certifications
  • IWCF or IADC Well Control Certification
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Relevant OSHA or HSE training.
Scope of Work
  • Planning amp; Design – Develop well plans, casing design, mud programs, and risk assessments.
  • Execution Support – Provide real-time technical input to rig teams, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
  • Optimization – Monitor performance, benchmark results, and apply lessons learned for continuous improvement.
  • Compliance – Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, industry best practices, and client requirements.
  • Collaboration – Partner with geoscience, completions, production, and contractor teams to deliver integrated well solutions.

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