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Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee Jobs in California

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

... drilling, tapping, fitting, and basic machining. * Help select components (valves, fittings ... engineer guidance. * Run tests, collect/clean data, and summarize results to inform design ...

We provide crucial design feedback to our engineering team and can rapidly iterate on design and ... Perform critical structural operations: drilling, reaming, countersinking, deburring, and ...

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Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee information

See California salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do drilling fluids engineer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling fluids engineer trainee in California is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainees during their first assignments?

As a Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee, one of the main challenges is adapting to the fast-paced, field-based work environment, often in remote locations with extended shifts. Trainees must quickly learn to monitor drilling fluid properties, troubleshoot unexpected changes, and communicate findings effectively with the drilling team. Balancing the technical aspects of fluid management with real-time problem-solving and safety compliance is key. Building strong relationships with experienced engineers and rig personnel helps trainees develop confidence and practical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee, you need a background in engineering or geoscience, strong analytical skills, and a basic understanding of drilling operations, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with drilling fluid simulation software, laboratory testing equipment, and safety certifications such as H2S awareness are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you adapt to dynamic field environments and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure efficient drilling operations, minimize environmental risks, and promote safety and cost-effectiveness on site.

What is the difference between Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee vs Drilling Fluids Engineer?

AspectDrilling Fluids Engineer TraineeDrilling Fluids Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degree or certificationRequires a degree in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or related field, with some experience
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised on-site or in officeFull responsibility for fluid design, testing, and management on drilling sites
ResponsibilitiesLearning and assisting with fluid operations, gaining practical experienceDesigning, implementing, and optimizing drilling fluid systems independently

The main difference between a Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee and a Drilling Fluids Engineer is experience level. Trainees are in learning and development stages, while engineers have full responsibilities in managing drilling fluids. Trainees focus on gaining knowledge, whereas engineers apply expertise to ensure efficient drilling operations.

What does a Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee do?

A Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee assists in managing and optimizing the drilling fluids (also known as drilling mud) used during oil and gas drilling operations. Their responsibilities include monitoring fluid properties, conducting tests, and supporting the drilling team in maintaining well stability and preventing formation damage. Trainees typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers and gradually gain hands-on experience with various fluid systems and field operations. They also help ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards while learning to troubleshoot issues that may arise during drilling.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,414 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Drilling/Workover Superintendent

Sentinel Peak Resources

Bakersfield, CA โ€ข On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Title: Drilling/Workover Superintendent
Department: Field Services
Reports To: VP-Field Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Overview of Position:
The Drilling/Workover Superintendent oversees the safe, efficient execution of drilling and workover operations, ensures regulatory, environmental health & safety compliance, emergency preparedness, quality assurance/control throughout each operation. This role directs execution of the drilling plan and supervises Drilling/Workover personnel supporting drilling location construction and reclamation.
The position optimizes drilling team resources, mentors engineering staff and field supervisors, and provides expertise for planning and executing critical or complex wells.
The Superintendent also serves as a professional, tactful stand-in for the Drilling/Workover Manager when needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
โ€ข Approves rig selection, ensuring that pre-acceptance audits are performed and negotiates contract terms (operational) with the chosen drilling contractor.
โ€ข Ensures that contractors are qualified operationally and in accordance with the Company's Environmental Health & Safety standards.
โ€ข Ensures that the operations within area of responsibility are evaluated for risk through the use of appropriate procedures and/or industry standards.
โ€ข Ensures that all regulatory requirements for the operation are met.
โ€ข Approves the drilling program and associated operational plans.
โ€ข Ensures and directs the operational and safe execution of the drilling program.
โ€ข Monitors daily expenses, tracking well costs, and ensures invoices for all drilling services are correctly processed and paid timely.
โ€ข Ensures accuracy of the well's final drilling cost reconciliation.
โ€ข Approves the well's post drilling analysis report.
โ€ข Approves the quarterly drilling performance reports.
โ€ข Presents a proper example of work ethics for subordinates.
โ€ข Champions a strong safety culture, participates in incident investigations and root-cause analyses.
โ€ข Identifies operational, environmental, and regulatory risks across the well lifecycle and implements mitigation strategies to protect schedule, cost, safety, and compliance.
โ€ข Supervises assigned company employees and contractors, setting performance expectations and supporting professional development.
โ€ข Performs all other job-related duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education and Experience
Required
โ€ข High school graduation or equivalent.
โ€ข Current certification in Well Control.
โ€ข 15 years' drilling, completions, and workover experience in oil & gas operations.
โ€ข Leadership experience managing employees, contractors, or multidisciplinary field teams in drilling, completions, or workover operations.
Desired
โ€ข College-level coursework in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Required
โ€ข Base of experience in engineering, operational practices and latest technology to produce continuous improvements to the Drilling/Workover Organization's performance.
โ€ข Professionalism and expertise in all phases of well planning and drilling operations for wells of all types and locations.
โ€ข Expertise in directional wells including extended reach wells and horizontal wells.
โ€ข In-depth knowledge of top drive units, advanced MWD technology, rotary steerable drilling systems, open and cased hole completions, basic fishing operations, running long string of casing, cementing with multistage tools, running and cementing large size casing, and water based and oil based drilling fluids.
โ€ข Proven job knowledge to handle operational responsibilities on shallow thermal (cyclic steam) wells using heavy mud weights as high as 14ppg in high H2S concentrations of 30%.
โ€ข Proficiency with personal computers and software to include working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft, and e-mail.
โ€ข Excellent oral and written communication skills.
โ€ข Ability to deal logically and effectively with department heads and engineering personnel to accomplish the goals for the Drilling/Workover department.
โ€ข Valid California driver's license with a driving record deemed acceptable by the company's auto insurance carrier is required due to regular travel to field and operational sites.
Environment & Physical Demands
Work is performed extensively in outdoor environments, exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures (both heat and cold), wetness, and humidity. The essential functions of this position include adjusting/moving in all directions objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and 100 pounds with assistance rarely; sitting, standing, walking, walking on uneven surfaces, bending, kneeling, stooping; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers; visual acuity for reading computer screens or preparing data, inspecting objects, and operating vehicles; operating a motor vehicle and/or heavy equipment; working near moving mechanical parts, tight spaces, and on high and precarious surfaces; and/or communicating with others to exchange information. Exposure to environmental elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, odors, and loud noises should be expected. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all tasks is required. Incumbents must adhere to all safety protocols, especially those concerning heat illness prevention (access to water and shade).
Disclaimer:
The position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. The essential duties, responsibilities and physical requirements above describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. The above description does not include all the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Sentinel Peak Resources Management LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law.
Salary Description
$175,000-$230,000