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Drilling Fluids Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solcoa Industries

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Alameda, CA · 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 ...

All JobsDrilling Fluids Engineer JobsDrilling Fluids Engineer Jobs in California

Drilling Fluids Engineer information

See California salary details

$88.8K

$115.1K

$135.2K

How much do drilling fluids engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling fluids engineer in California is $115,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling fluids engineer?

Drilling Fluids Engineers, also known as Mud Engineers, are professionals responsible for designing, testing, and managing the drilling fluids (or 'mud') used in oil and gas drilling operations. Their primary duties involve ensuring the properties of the fluids meet the requirements for efficient drilling, wellbore stability, and safety. They monitor and adjust fluid parameters to prevent issues such as blowouts, stuck pipes, or formation damage. These engineers work closely with drilling teams on-site and play a crucial role in both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

What does a drilling fluids engineer do?

Oil companies are more likely to refer to a drilling fluids engineer as a “mud engineer.” As a mud engineer, your duties are varied and require specialized technical skills. Your primary responsibilities include creating the required mud combinations used at each stage of the well drilling process. You are in charge of all related tasks from ordering the needed materials from the stores to mixing the mud and making adjustments, checking stock, maintaining equipment, and forecasting what material you need next. You also test, monitor, and relay each day’s activities in the Daily Mud Report. Drilling fluids engineers generally work in an off-shore oil rig setting.

How does a drilling fluids engineer typically collaborate with drilling and geology teams on-site?

A Drilling Fluids Engineer works closely with drilling supervisors and geologists to ensure the drilling fluid properties are optimized for wellbore stability, formation protection, and drilling efficiency. Daily, they monitor mud properties, interpret test results, and recommend adjustments to fluid systems in response to downhole conditions. Effective communication is essential, as they must relay technical findings and collaborate on problem-solving, especially when unexpected well conditions arise. This teamwork helps minimize downtime and ensures safety and compliance with environmental standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling fluids engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or petroleum engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with fluid mechanics and drilling practices. Familiarity with drilling fluids software, mud logging systems, and certifications such as Well Control or HSE training are generally required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities enable effective collaboration with drilling crews and rapid response to operational challenges. These skills ensure optimal drilling performance, minimize risks, and maintain safety and environmental compliance on-site.

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

AspectDrilling Fluids EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drilling fluids or petroleum engineeringEngineering degree, certifications in drilling operations or petroleum engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, drilling sites, fluid testing facilitiesDrilling rigs, field locations, project planning offices
Industry UsageFocuses on fluid properties, testing, and managementFocuses on overall drilling operations, well planning, and execution

The main difference is that Drilling Fluids Engineers specialize in the properties, testing, and management of drilling fluids, ensuring wellbore stability and safety. Drilling Engineers oversee the entire drilling process, including planning, operations, and safety protocols. Both roles require technical expertise and often work closely on drilling projects, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

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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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For Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Fluids Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,138 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Solcoa Industries

Alameda, CA • On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Making the Metals Powering the World
Solcoa is building the next generation of American metalmaking, starting with rare earths - the metals of power and motion. We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals - the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center - cleaner, cheaper, and faster than any conventional process. Now we're scaling it to thousands of tonnes of annual production.
The Role - Mechanical Engineering Intern
Join our hardware team and help turn designs into working systems. You'll support reactor subsystem design in CAD, assist with prototype builds and testing, and keep our documentation tight-working with engineers, machinists, and technicians to move quickly from concept to operation.
What You'll Do
  • Update and create CAD (Fusion) models/drawings, BOMs, and simple GD&T for thermal, vacuum, and handling subsystems.
  • Assist with prototype fabrication and assembly: cutting, drilling, tapping, fitting, and basic machining.
  • Help select components (valves, fittings, heaters, sensors) for high-temperature and vacuum environments under engineer guidance.
  • Run tests, collect/clean data, and summarize results to inform design iterations.
  • Perform leak checks, pressure tests, maintain organized logs.
  • Support vendor outreach, quotes, and purchasing; keep parts and tooling organized.
  • Contribute to safety-first culture and continuous improvement on the shop floor.
What You Bring
Required
  • Pursuing a BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • Working proficiency with CAD (Fusion preferred; SolidWorks ok).
  • Hands-on build experience from labs, clubs, internships, or personal projects (machine shop tools, 3D printing, or fabrication).
  • Detail-oriented, disciplined documentation, and reliable follow-through.
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, hardware-centric environment and willing to get your hands dirty.
  • On-site availability; able to start soon.

Preferred
  • Exposure to high-temperature or vacuum systems (furnaces, pumps, flanges) and basic thermal/fluids coursework.
  • Simple analysis skills (hand calcs, spreadsheets; FEA/thermal tools a plus).
  • Welding or TIG familiarity; basic machining on mill/lathe.
  • Python/MATLAB for data analysis.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Company-provided lunch daily
  • J1 Visa sponsorship available if needed

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