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Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Doyon Limited

Senior Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Health and dependent care options Senior Drilling Engineer Location: Anchorage, Alaska Position: Full-Time, Regular Position Summary Fairweather is seeking an accomplished Senior Drilling Engineer to ...

NABORS

Drilling Performance Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

The Drilling Performance Engineer plays a pivotal role at the intersection of drilling operations, data analytics, and product development. In this position you will provide support to NDS product ...

Wood Plc

Drilling & Completions Engineer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

Come join Wood as a Drilling/Completions Data Technician in Houston, TX to work within a Wood ... Perform data queries and pull data for analysis * Assist Engineers on data collection and ...

Wood

Drilling & Completions Engineer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

Come join Wood as a Drilling/Completions Data Technician in Houston, TX to work within a Wood ... Perform data queries and pull data for analysis * Assist Engineers on data collection and ...

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Drilling Engineer information

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$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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.

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 does a Drilling Engineer do?

A Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the drilling operations required to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They work closely with geologists and other engineers to select drilling sites, develop drilling programs, and ensure safety and efficiency throughout the operation. Drilling Engineers also troubleshoot problems, manage costs, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their expertise is critical in optimizing drilling techniques and maximizing resource recovery.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-cost regions. High-level engineers often have advanced certifications, such as PE or PMP, and may work long hours or in challenging environments to reach this compensation level.

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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-cost regions. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, and working long or offshore schedules.

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 the complexity of projects. Senior or specialized drilling engineers can earn higher salaries, especially when working offshore or in high-demand regions, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. For example, experienced drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry often reach this salary level due to the technical expertise and high-risk environment involved.
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Drilling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Senior Drilling Engineer

Senior Drilling Engineer

Doyon Limited

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
About Fairweather
Fairweather is a trusted service provider in Alaska, delivering specialized solutions in remote and Arctic environments. Our mission is to support operations with safety, integrity, and excellence. We offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment, ensuring our employees are equipped with the tools and support needed for success.
Why You Should Work for Us
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package
  • Supportive and collaborative work culture
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth
  • Commitment to employee safety and well-being

Total Rewards & Benefits
  • Medical Coverage: Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including medical, dental, and vision
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) up to 4% company match.
  • Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and voluntary supplemental coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling and support services
  • Paid Holidays: Observance of major federal holidays
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care options

Senior Drilling Engineer
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Position: Full-Time, Regular
Position Summary
Fairweather is seeking an accomplished Senior Drilling Engineer to lead the planning, design, execution, and optimization of complex drilling and well construction projects throughout Alaska. This position is responsible for the complete engineering lifecycle of drilling projects-from concept development through execution, operational support, and post-well review. The successful candidate will possess a minimum of 15 years of drilling engineering experience, with direct Alaska oil and gas drilling experience strongly preferred, including North Slope operations.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead drilling engineering activities for exploration, appraisal, development, and workover wells.
  • Develop well designs, casing programs, cementing programs, hydraulics, directional plans, drilling procedures, AFEs, cost estimates, and drilling schedules.
  • Prepare detailed drilling programs in accordance with company standards, industry best practices, and Alaska regulatory requirements.
  • Provide real-time engineering support during drilling operations and resolve technical challenges while optimizing safety, efficiency, and well performance.
  • Ensure compliance with HSE standards, well integrity requirements, risk management processes, and participate in incident investigations and lessons learned.
  • Manage drilling budgets, monitor operational performance, and conduct end-of-well technical and financial reviews.
  • Develop technical specifications, forecast long-lead materials, and work closely with contractors and service providers to ensure quality execution.
  • Conduct regular field visits to active drilling locations throughout Alaska, including remote and North Slope operations, to support field personnel, verify execution of drilling programs, evaluate operations firsthand, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Travel to drilling locations is an expected and essential component of this position.
  • Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 15 years of drilling engineering experience; Alaska operational drilling experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong technical competency in drilling engineering, well design, and well construction.
  • Experience preparing drilling programs, AFEs, and cost estimates.

Apply