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Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Targa Resources

Sr. Well / Drilling Engineer

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with Engineering management, plant management, team members and stakeholders. * Estimate the resources and ...

NABORS

WTX - MOTORHAND I

Odessa, TX

By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Covington, LA

$113K - $136K/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 ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Houston, TX

$113K - $136K/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 ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$113K - $136K/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 ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Midland, TX

$113K - $136K/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 ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Greeley, CO · On-site

$113K - $136K/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 inc.

Drilling Supervisor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsDrilling Engineer Jobs

Drilling Engineer information

See salary details

$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Pitwatcher (Expression of Interest)

Pitwatcher (Expression of Interest)

Doyon Limited

Prudhoe Bay, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Overview
This post is to build a talent pool for upcoming projects this fall/winter.
JOB SUMMARY
The Solids control operator will perform drilling fluid mixing operations, drilling fluid property sampling, monitoring of well bore returns, maintenance of mud pumps and drilling fluid circulation system.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Record drilling fluid properties and chemicals used
  • Maintain spare parts list for solids control and circulation equipment
  • Record maintenance performed on solids control and circulation equipment
  • Maintain drilling fluid solids control and circulation equipment
  • Carry out routine drilling fluid property sampling
  • Mixing of drilling fluid chemicals and maintenance of drilling fluid properties.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of rig drilling fluid pits
  • Follow DDI and customer operating and reporting procedures
  • Maintaining clear communications with relief, mud engineer, Derrickman, Driller
  • Follow DDI and customer operating and reporting procedures
  • Perform other duties assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Commitment to Excellence - Identifies what needs to be done and takes action to achieve a standard of excellence beyond job expectations.
  • Corporate Values- Understand, embraces, and integrates Doyon corporate values into everyday duties and responsibilities.
  • Customer Service - Identifies and responds to current and future client needs by providing excellent service to internal and external clients.
  • Safety and Security - Promotes a safe work environment for co-workers and customers.
  • Teamwork - Resourceful team player that builds, strengthens, and maintains collaborative relationships with others inside or outside the organization.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
  • Adaptability- Adapts to changing conditions and work assignments, sets priorities and manages multiple assignments, and tasks.
  • Attention to Detail- Ensures one's own and other's work and information are complete and accurate.
  • Communication Skills- Listens, writes, and speaks effectively, and positively relates and interacts with co-workers, customers and others.
  • Dependability- Consistently adheres to operational standards, ensures smooth operations and positive customer experiences, builds a productive workplace, is reliable, and improves team morale
  • Self-motivated- Requires little to no supervision, works well both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Record drilling fluid properties and chemicals used
  • Maintain spare parts list for solids control and circulation equipment
  • Record maintenance performed on solids control and circulation equipment
  • Maintain drilling fluid solids control and circulation equipment
  • Carry out routine drilling fluid property sampling
  • Mixing of drilling fluid chemicals and maintenance of drilling fluid properties.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of rig drilling fluid pits
  • Follow DDI and customer operating and reporting procedures
  • Maintaining clear communications with relief, mud engineer, Derrickman, Driller
  • Follow DDI and customer operating and reporting procedures
  • Perform other duties assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Commitment to Excellence - Identifies what needs to be done and takes action to achieve a standard of excellence beyond job expectations.
  • Corporate Values- Understand, embraces, and integrates Doyon corporate values into everyday duties and responsibilities.
  • Customer Service - Identifies and responds to current and future client needs by providing excellent service to internal and external clients.
  • Safety and Security - Promotes a safe work environment for co-workers and customers.
  • Teamwork - Resourceful team player that builds, strengthens, and maintains collaborative relationships with others inside or outside the organization.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
  • Adaptability- Adapts to changing conditions and work assignments, sets priorities and manages multiple assignments, and tasks.
  • Attention to Detail- Ensures one's own and other's work and information are complete and accurate.
  • Communication Skills- Listens, writes, and speaks effectively, and positively relates and interacts with co-workers, customers and others.
  • Dependability- Consistently adheres to operational standards, ensures smooth operations and positive customer experiences, builds a productive workplace, is reliable, and improves team morale
  • Self-motivated- Requires little to no supervision, works well both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Three years rig experience associated with this position
  • NSTC (North Slope Training Certificate)
  • Valid Driver's License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Alaska North Slope experience

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions both on and off shore. Temperatures reach as low as 50 degrees below zero during the winter months. Employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places, extreme heat and high noise levels. Employee will be required to work at various heights on the rig. Employee will work in an environment where there is risk that they will be exposed to toxic, caustic and/or hazardous chemicals, fumes or airborne particles. Workers are required to wear personal protective equipment while on the job.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
An individual will be required to work the majority of hours in a remote industrial environment, and will need to be able to quickly respond to a change in work demands. Occasional lifting up to (1-50 lbs.) is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Doyon Drilling's business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Doyon grants preference to qualified Doyon Shareholders first, and second to qualified shareholders of other Alaska Native corporations that grant a similar preference in all phases of employment and training, which include, but are not limited to hiring, promotion, layoff, transfer, and training.

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