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Drilling Operation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Promote a culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and teamwork. * Collaborate closely with the well engineering and geoscience teams to build robust drilling programs to support ...

We are seeking a Drilling Operations Lead who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to lead a team of engineers and field personnel executing advanced geothermal drilling operations in a highly ...

Senior Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Work closely with Drilling Manager, Operational Geologist(s), and Field Operations to ensure well ... Work closely with Geologists and Reservoir Engineers to perform post appraisals on all drilling ...

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Technical Judgment in High-Consequence Operations - Applies rigorous, risk-based engineering and ... kind drilling program. * First-of-a-Kind Problem-Solving - Comfortable solving construction ...

Technical Judgment in High-Consequence Operations - Applies rigorous, risk-based engineering and ... kind drilling program. * First-of-a-Kind Problem-Solving - Comfortable solving construction ...

Lead drilling engineering and consulting efforts * Develop detailed well designs and comprehensive ... Provide project oversight for safe, efficient, and compliant field operations * Monitor project ...

Showing results 21-40

Drilling Operation Engineer information

See salary details

$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling operation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling operation engineer in the United States is $116,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drilling Operation Engineer vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectDrilling Operation EngineerDrilling Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesDesigns and plans drilling operations, ensures safety protocols, and monitors technical performance.Oversees daily drilling activities, manages drilling crews, and ensures operational efficiency.
CertificationsEngineering degree, IWCF certification often preferred.Experience in drilling operations, IWCF certification common.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, technical focus.On-site supervision, hands-on management.
Industry UsageUsed across oil and gas companies for planning and technical support.Used for operational oversight and team management.

While both roles are integral to drilling projects, the Drilling Operation Engineer focuses on planning, technical design, and safety protocols, whereas the Drilling Supervisor manages daily operations and team coordination on-site. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job role in the drilling industry.

What states have the most Drilling Operation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling Operation Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Operation Engineer jobs?

For Drilling Operation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV • On-site

Ormat
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Ormat rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary
The Drilling Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling operations across multiple geothermal projects. This role ensures that drilling programs are implemented in accordance with company standards while maintaining alignment with corporate safety, operational, and financial objectives.
The Drilling Superintendent provides field leadership to drilling personnel and contractors, oversees operational performance, and ensures the delivery of high-quality wells through effective planning, coordination, and problem solving.
Essential Functions
Safety & Compliance
  • Champion and enforce Ormat's safety culture across all drilling operations.
  • Ensure all drilling operations are conducted in compliance with established well control procedures and drilling standards.
  • Participate in safety audits and work closely with the HSE department to maintain safe operations.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of emergency response and contingency plans.
  • Participate in investigations related to safety and environmental incidents.

Personnel Leadership
  • Provide leadership, training, and supervision to Drill Site Managers and field personnel.
  • Ensure field teams are properly prepared and equipped to execute drilling operations.
  • Hold third-party contractors accountable for safety performance, operational execution, and compliance with contract requirements.
  • Promote a culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
  • Collaborate closely with the well engineering and geoscience teams to build robust drilling programs to support operational excellence

Operational Leadership
  • Oversee the safe and efficient execution of drilling programs at assigned projects.
  • Ensure drilling operations comply with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership in addressing operational challenges including well control events, stuck pipe, and other drilling hazards to minimize non-productive time (NPT).
  • Ensure accurate and consistent operational reporting including daily drilling reports, NPT tracking, flat time, and cost documentation.
  • Coordinate logistics and operational sequencing with internal teams and third-party service providers.
  • Oversee rig mobilization, demobilization, and major operational transitions.

Operational Standards & Vendor Management
  • Develop and maintain written drilling procedures to standardize operations across projects.
  • Lead supplier quality meetings (SQMs) with key vendors and communicate performance outcomes internally.
  • Ensure adequate inventory and availability of consumables and operational equipment required for drilling activities.
  • Review and approve field expenses and invoices in accordance with company cost control policies.

Other Responsibilities
  • Support the evaluation and implementation of new drilling technologies and techniques applicable to geothermal development.
  • Provide technical input to office-based teams related to drilling optimization, scheduling, planning, and permitting.
  • Support cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and project management teams.
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned by management.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required
  • Must have 15+ years of drilling experience
  • Must be well control certified at IWCF supervisor level
  • Proven leadership in safety and drilling operations
  • A Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred but not required
  • Geothermal experience preferred but not required
  • Willing to travel internationally and be on drilling location during operations (Up to 30% travel)
  • Be familiar with invoicing and cost control as it applies to approval of Ormat expenses
  • Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal using Microsoft Office suite and Teams
  • Must be able to communicate with other employees and third parties and read and write at a level that will enable work to be performed in a safe and efficient manner

Physical Requirements
  • This job requires sitting approximately 50% and standing up to 50%
  • This job requires standing and sitting with moderate bending, stooping, and kneeling
  • Must be able to wear any required protective equipment, as required by safety procedures and regulations
  • Must be able to frequently climb to and work off of elevated platforms, ladders and walkways
  • Must be able to work in severe weather conditions
  • Up to 30% travel is expected

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