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Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning

Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning

Mud Engineer Sr

Midland, TX ยท On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Role: Senior Mud Engineer Our Vision: RigUp is where the best workers power the world's most ... Preference will be given to candidates with a mud school certification from a major drilling fluids ...

The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support the planning, execution, and oversight of geothermal ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

Salary: The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support the planning, execution, and oversight of ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support the planning, execution, and oversight of geothermal ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support the planning, execution, and oversight of geothermal ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel. The Driller Assistant ... Monitors the fluid properties of the drilling fluids (mud)7. Equipment repairs and maintenance in ...

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel. The Driller Assistant ... Monitors the fluid properties of the drilling fluids (mud)7. Equipment repairs and maintenance in ...

Driller Assistant

Bell City, LA ยท On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

... Engineers with the daily functions of geotechnical (with occasional environmental) drilling ... drilling fluids (mud) 7. Equipment repairs and maintenance in the field and at shop Other ...

Driller Assistant

Westlake, LA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

... Engineers with the daily functions of geotechnical (with occasional environmental) drilling ... drilling fluids (mud) 7. Equipment repairs and maintenance in the field and at shop Other ...

Driller Assistant

Westlake, LA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

... Engineers with the daily functions of geotechnical (with occasional environmental) drilling ... drilling fluids (mud) 7. Equipment repairs and maintenance in the field and at shop Other ...

Driller Assistant

Mobile, AL ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

... Engineers with the daily functions of geotechnical (with occasional environmental) drilling ... drilling fluids (mud) 7. Equipment repairs and maintenance in the field and at shop Other ...

Showing results 21-40

Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee information

See salary details

$13

$21

$36

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling fluids engineer trainee in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 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.
More about Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drilling Fluids Engineer Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Fervo Energy Company

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Fervo is working to build the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Delivering on this mission requires first-of-a-kind well designs, disciplined execution in the field, and continuous learning across the full well lifecycle. Joining Fervo's Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets real-world execution, with safety, reliability, and capital efficiency as non-negotiables.
We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design and execute advanced geothermal drilling in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for an engineer with strong drilling engineering background, deep drilling experience, and the ability to operate effectively where standard oil and gas playbooks must be adapted-or reinvented-for geothermal applications.
The Senior Drilling Engineer is responsible for well planning, design, engineering, and daily operations support. The Senior Drilling Engineer will also support contract management and work with partners and suppliers to deliver continuous improvement in drilling performance.
Requirements
Responsibilities
  • Detailed well planning including design, engineering, and drilling procedure
  • Provide drilling engineering support for all well operations within a cross-functional operations team and coordinate recovery plans during NPT events
  • Conduct risk assessments for all operations and prepare mitigation plans to ensure safe and effective delivery
  • Prepare detailed time and cost estimates and ownership of tracking plan vs actual
  • Coordinate and manage drilling contractors supporting planning and execution activities, including NPT resolution and technical review
  • Budgeting, building AFEs, and managing cost throughout operations
  • Tracking performance with micro-KPI's and driving continuous improvement initiatives in well cycle time and cost
  • Post well closeout and reporting including lessons learned and best practices to implement in future wells

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • 10+ years of experience in drilling engineering / operations (minimum 5 years with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling)?
  • Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning
  • Proficient in standard well engineering design software
  • Experience in risk assessment and well time / cost estimates
  • Planning complex drilling operations
  • Experience in executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells
  • Experience with supply chain and cost management
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (a team player)
  • Ability to develop ideas and technical proposals with aligned organization intent.
  • Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement
  • Hands-on field experience across drilling operations
  • Unwavering commitment to protecting Health, Safety, and Environment in all aspects of design and operations

Preferred
  • Experience mentoring or supporting early-career engineers
  • Experience working on first-of-a-kind, non-standard, or technically complex well designs