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Drilling Fluids Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Drilling Fluids Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$81.2K

$105.2K

$123.6K

How much do drilling fluids engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling fluids engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $105,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $115,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

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

What job categories do people searching Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Drilling Fluids Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Fluids Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,230 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Structural Mechanic III - $2,500 Sign On Bonus or $4,500 Relocation

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Gulfstream Aerospace rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Structural Mechanic III - $2,500 Sign On Bonus or $4,500 Relocation in GAC Mesa
Unique Skills:
At Gulfstream, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in inspiring and empowering every individual to reach their fullest potential. From workforce development and meaningful connections to a culture of trust, respect, and integrity, we invest in our employees so they can do their best work and achieve success together. Creating and delivering the world's finest aviation experience starts with our people and when our people thrive, so does our mission.
Heavy structures MOD experience preferred.
Education and Experience Requirements
High School Diploma or GED required. 4 years related structural assembly experience. Experience working with Solumina and Smarteam preferred.. Q-stamp preferred.
Position Purpose:
In a team oriented work environment, under little to no supervision, Structural Mech III perform a variety of structural assembly operations using required. tools and appropriate prints, specs and operational requirements to complete work assignment, and ensure conformance to specification. All work performed should be in accordance with company design specifications, quality standards and completed work should meet customer expectations. May assist and instruct other team members.
Job Description
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
  1. Safely perform assembly and fitting of detail parts and structures and varied drilling and riveting operations; ensures parts/assembly meet requirements. Safely perform sheetmetal layout, fabrication, and installation of parts, equipment or fabricated items on aircraft .
  2. Possess the proven ability to move to new tasks with only a moderate, short-term impact to established goal hours and schedule .
  3. Rivet structural members, assemblies and parts using all tools required. to do the job (e.g. portable riveting guns, pneumatic drills, counter sinks, rivet shavers, files, reamers, rivets). Ability to remove fasteners without damaging structures .
  4. Read work orders, blueprints, lofts, sketches, and operation sheets to determine sequence of operations, type size and hole pattern for rivets, cut and form plastics and follow standard operating procedures when using adhesives, sealants, and solvents .
  5. Check all work and ensure a defective free assembly prior to final inspection .
  6. Instruct and assist other team members in interpretation of blueprints, drawings, and engineering orders; develop methods and shop aids to resolve production installation difficulties and problems .
  7. Maintain and use all logs and records (e.g. MIR sheets, DMTs, Crabs, PCOs) .
  8. Align and assemble parts to be riveted using jigs, holding fixtures, pins, clamps, and fasteners. Utilizing proper tooling, shape and form complex angles and configurations according to blueprint specifications or written/verbal information .
  9. Make repairs per Discrepant Material Tags (DMT), Material Review Request (MRR), Production Change Orders (PCO), performs necessary rework to ensure installations meet conformity .
  10. Maintain a neat and orderly work area, supports the company 5S & Lean Initiative Program and complies with all safety regulations. Use of personal protective equipment as required.

Additional Functions:
  1. Participate in continuous improvement activities .
  2. Properly use and maintain company-provided tools and equipment and returns items to tool room after use .
  3. Ensure standard operating procedures are followed when operating ground support equipment .
  4. Properly collect and dispose of waste fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids, de-icing fluids, and solvent rags .
  5. Ensure accurate daily job charging to the aircraft .
  6. Exchange job related information and coordinate work activities between shifts through turn over report meetings and direct contact with leadership .

Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Requirements:
  1. Basic computer and basic shop math skills.
  2. Read and comprehend basic documents and instructions and read a scale.
  3. Must have essential personal skills and possess aptitude for hands-on craftswork, a professional attitude, attention to detail, ability to work with people and to meet demanding schedules.
  4. Must be skilled in close tolerance work and have knowledge of use of special tools and equipment.
  5. Ability to work with composite resins and materials.
  6. Must be able to work any shift.
  7. Must be able to climb ladders, stands, stairs, and work in small spaces or restricted areas & lift 50 lbs.
This job requires one to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Additional Information
Requisition Number: 233918
Category: Operations
Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%
Shift: Multiple Shifts
Employment Type: Full-time
Posting End Date: 08/31/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.
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Copyright © 2025 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. All Rights Reserved. A General Dynamics Company.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft

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About Gulfstream

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Copyright © 2020 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. All Rights Reserved. A General Dynamics Company ( . Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Savannah, GA, US

Year founded

1958