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Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee Jobs in Tennessee

Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$19

$32

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling fluids engineer trainee in Tennessee is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,926 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Construction Superintendent Trainee

Maine Drilling & Blasting Inc

Lebanon, TN

$59K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Maine Drilling & Blasting rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us

Come work with the best! At Maine Drilling & Blasting (MD&B) we work like owners because we are owners. As a majority employee owned ESOP Company, we work with the unity of family and the determination of business owners. Our standard is to achieve operational excellence at all levels of the organization, whether we are serving internal or external customers. We are fueled by success, because we are personally vested in the outcome. In addition to our employer-contributed Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) retirement program, we also have a traditional Company matched 401(k), health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.

About The Opportunity

If advancement is what you’re looking for, we offer that also. Our learning and development opportunities are industry leading, and the formula for our success is centered on promotion from within.

Intrigued? Read on to learn more about specific opportunities to join our dedicated team.

Salary: $59,800 plus vehicle/fuel allowance. Target incentives up to an additional $150 per week as you achieve deliverable milestones!

We are experiencing explosive growth and looking to build an even more robust pipeline of future business leaders. Our Construction Superintendent Trainee (CST) program is designed introduce you to the drilling and blasting industry the MD&B way. Our CSTs join an internal Leadership Development Program aimed at building and developing a broad range of skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to move into career paths toward future manager, supervisory, and leadership positions in support of the Company’s growth.

You will learn:

Safety and compliance as they relate to drilling and blasting operations;
All aspects of drilling in both construction and quarry environments;
You will build the skills and experience required to become a State licensed Blaster;
Procurement and logistics related to drilling and blasting activities (materials, supplies, equipment);
How QC efforts support project profitability;
Project budgets and standards;
Project supervision and leadership.

In order to facilitate your learning, here’s what we will need from you:

Our geographic footprint is large (and growing), the pace of your professional growth will be directly related to your willingness to follow opportunities wherever they are presented. This means travel within a multi-state area (don’t worry, your meals and hotels are covered);
You will be learning our trade from the ground up, which means laboring, drilling, and blasting. It’s a manual process, and we need you to be excited about all the steps;
We work outside on varied terrain. All the time. And in all the weather. We’re not always happy about it, but drilling and blasting are rarely done inside (ok, never inside), and we get it done safely and on time. Did we mention, in all the weather?
The CST program builds future leaders, and part of the process is an established roadmap for you. We call this a Development Plan, and you will be highly engaged in the success of this Plan. In fact, you own it. We will assign you a dedicated mentor to support you at all times, but the motivation to succeed is all you.

About You

This is an entry level leadership development position, and as such you are most likely a recent College grad with a degree in Construction, Engineering, Mining, or similar. You may also be recently separated from Military service and looking for an opportunity that will value your self-discipline and standards for safety and excellence. But honestly, this is not the only blueprint for success at MD&B. Dedication, enthusiasm, hard work, integrity, honesty, and responsibility are key indicators for us in any candidate interested in joining our world class team. Our leaders are good communicators, highly competitive (we want to win!), and can build teams through influence and building consensus.

Skeptical about advancement opportunities? Check out these videos:

Dante (CST) talks about what it’s like to work at MD&B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrSWPW4Qbgo

Dan (CEO) talks about career advancement opportunities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvloIft9KPY

Does this sound like you? If it does, then go ahead and hit that APPLY button because we cannot wait to meet you!


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