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Drilling Fluids Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Machinist

Girard, OH · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... and drill presses * Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T callouts, and work ... Exposure to metal chips, cutting fluids, lubricants, coolants, and moderate to loud noise levels

Machinist

Girard, OH

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

... and drill presses * Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T callouts, and work ... Exposure to metal chips, cutting fluids, lubricants, coolants, and moderate to loud noise levels

Machinist

Girard, OH · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... and drill presses * Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T callouts, and work ... Exposure to metal chips, cutting fluids, lubricants, coolants, and moderate to loud noise levels

Drilling Fluids Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$85.6K

$110.9K

$130.2K

How much do drilling fluids engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling fluids engineer in Ohio is $110,914.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,300.00 and $122,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

What are Drilling Fluids Engineers?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Ohio? For Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Drilling Fluids Engineer job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $110,914 per year, or $53.3 per hour.
Entry Level Driller Assistant

Entry Level Driller Assistant

Actalent

Westerville, OH

$21/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Driller HelperJob Description

We are seeking a dedicated Driller Helper to join our team and assist with geotechnical drilling exploration projects across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Michigan. This position involves supporting the Driller in setting up and operating drilling equipment, collecting soil and rock samples, and ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. The role requires physical labor outdoors in various weather conditions. Regular travel to job sites is necessary, with expected stays out of town from Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend work may be required. A company vehicle is provided, and living expenses are covered, along with a daily per diem.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in mobilizing and demobilizing drilling rigs and equipment.
  • Set up drill sites, including clearing, leveling, and preparing access.
  • Handle drill rods, casing, augers, and sampling tools.
  • Support the collection of soil, rock, and groundwater samples.
  • Classify and document soils and bedrock.
  • Mix and manage drilling fluids.
  • Clean equipment and tools.
  • Load and unload materials and supplies.
  • Perform basic maintenance and inspections on vehicles and equipment.
  • Follow safety procedures and wear appropriate PPE at all times.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate field logs and documentation.
  • Communicate effectively with the Driller and project team.
Essential Skills
  • General labor experience
  • Construction knowledge
  • Drilling experience
  • Mechanical aptitude
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • High school diploma required
  • Valid driver's license
  • Prior construction or manual labor experience
  • Mechanical aptitude is a plus
  • Prior drilling experience is a plus
  • CDL and/or OSHA certifications are a plus
Work Environment

This role involves working outdoors on job sites year-round. Candidates must be comfortable performing manual labor in the elements and should expect to get dirty. Nearly 100% travel throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia is expected. Accommodations will be in hotels from Monday to Friday.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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