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Drilling Optimization Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Sr Optimization PDC

Midland, TX · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer The Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer will drive performance analytics and optimization initiatives for Patterson-UTI Drilling Company, LLC by analyzing ...

Engineer Sr Optimization PDC

Midland, TX

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer The Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer will drive performance analytics and optimization initiatives for Patterson-UTI Drilling Company, LLC by analyzing ...

The Digital Drilling Engineer (DDE) is responsible for the implementation, office adoption and ... Participates in technical discussions for customer workflow optimization and requirements.

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Provide operational guidance across the full well lifecycle: spud‑to‑TD drilling optimization ... Mentor and train Chinese D&C engineers and field supervisors through workshops, written procedures ...

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Provide operational guidance across the full well lifecycle: spud‑to‑TD drilling optimization ... Mentor and train Chinese D&C engineers and field supervisors through workshops, written procedures ...

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Provide operational guidance across the full well lifecycle: spud-to-TD drilling optimization ... Mentor and train Chinese D&C engineers and field supervisors through workshops, written procedures ...

Technical Sales Engineer Business Unit: Downhole Location: Houston, TX Reports To: Sales Director ... Analyze drilling and tool performance data to identify optimization opportunities and communicate ...

This role will play a crucial role in the planning, execution, and optimization of drilling (and ... The Drilling Engineer's expertise will contribute to efficient and consistent well delivery ...

Analyze drilling data and provide performance studies to support drilling optimization efforts in ... Use engineering principles to recommend product modifications or obsolescence based on application ...

Technical Sales Engineer Business Unit: Downhole Location: Houston, TX Reports To: Sales Director ... Analyze drilling and tool performance data to identify optimization opportunities and communicate ...

Analyze drilling data and provide performance studies to support drilling optimization efforts in ... Use engineering principles to recommend product modifications or obsolescence based on application ...

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Drilling Optimization Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$37

$55

$76

How much do drilling optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling optimization engineer in Texas is $55.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.29 and $68.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling optimization engineer?

Drilling Optimization Engineers are professionals in the oil and gas industry responsible for improving the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of drilling operations. They analyze data from drilling sites, recommend adjustments to drilling parameters, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize drilling performance. Their work includes selecting appropriate drilling technologies, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring best practices are followed throughout the drilling process. The ultimate goal is to minimize non-productive time and maximize well productivity while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

How does a drilling optimization engineer typically collaborate with drilling teams and other departments on a project?

A Drilling Optimization Engineer works closely with drilling teams, geologists, and data analysts to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations. They analyze real-time drilling data, recommend adjustments to parameters, and participate in daily meetings to discuss progress and address challenges. Effective communication is essential, as they often serve as a bridge between field operations and engineering teams, ensuring that best practices and innovative solutions are implemented across the project.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Optimization Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering, drilling operations, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with drilling simulation software, real-time data monitoring systems, and industry certifications such as IWCF or Well Control are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills are crucial for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and making informed decisions quickly. These competencies are vital for ensuring drilling efficiency, minimizing operational risks, and achieving cost-effective project outcomes.

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

AspectDrilling Optimization EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field; certifications in drilling practicesBachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on optimizing drilling processes, data analysis, and efficiency improvementsOversees entire drilling operations, including planning, execution, and safety
Industry UsagePrimarily in companies seeking to improve drilling performance and reduce costsInvolved in all aspects of drilling projects, from design to execution

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, the Drilling Optimization Engineer specializes in enhancing drilling efficiency through data analysis and process improvements. The Drilling Engineer oversees the entire drilling operation, ensuring safety and project success. The optimization engineer's role is more focused on technical analysis and performance enhancement within the broader drilling process.

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Optimization Engineer jobs in Texas?

For Drilling Optimization Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drilling Optimization Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Drilling Optimization Engineer jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Drilling Optimization Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Drilling Optimization Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Optimization Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,587 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Drilling Optimization Engineer - Midland, TX

ConocoPhillips

Midland, TX • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


ConocoPhillips rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Welcome to ConocoPhillips, where innovation and excellence create a platform for opportunity and growth. Come realize your full potential here.

Who We Are

We are one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. With operations and activities in 13 countries, we explore for, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas globally. We are challenged with an important job to safely find and deliver energy to the world. Our employees are critical to our success, and with them we power civilization. We’re grounded by our SPIRIT Values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. These values position us to deliver strong performance in a dynamic business – but not at all costs. We believe it’s not just what we do – it’s how we do it – that sets us apart. Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment To deliver superior performance, we create an environment that respects the contributions and differences of every individual. Wherever possible, we use these differences to drive competitive business advantage, personal growth and, ultimately, create business success.

Job Summary

The Lower 48 segment consists of operations located in the 48 contiguous U.S. states, with a portfolio mainly consisting of low cost of supply, short cycle time, resource-rich unconventional plays and commercial operations. The majority of our acreage is unconventional. Based on 2025 production volumes, the Lower 48 is our largest segment and contributed 67 percent of our consolidated liquids production and 74 percent of our consolidated natural gas production. In 2025, net production averaged 1,484 MBOED.

Position Overview

ConocoPhillips is seeking a highly motivated Drilling Optimization Engineer to join the Drilling Intelligence Group (DIG) within our Wells Remote Operations Center. This role is responsible for improving drilling performance through real-time operational support, engineering analysis, performance optimization, and data-driven decision making. Working in a collaborative environment alongside drilling engineers, directional drilling teams, geologists, field operations, and analytics professionals, you will help maximize drilling efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of safety, wellbore quality, and excellence of execution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Identify and prioritize opportunities to improve drilling performance, then partner with engineering and functional teams to implement solutions and capture measurable operational value.
  • Serve as Permian’s Drilling Automation Champion, promoting effective automation solutions and support adoption across the organization.
  • Use historical well and operational data to identify repeatable practices and support standardization across discipline engineering teams, improving program predictability and reliability.
  • Analyze operational data, offset performance, and drilling trends to provide actionable recommendations that improve Rate of Penetration (ROP), slide efficiency, wellbore quality, and execution consistency.
  • Collaborate with drilling engineers, directional drilling teams, geologists, and field operations personnel to optimize execution and achieve development objectives.
  • Evaluate new technologies and solution options, recommend fit-for-purpose approaches, and lead improvements to processes, procedures, and technology, with a primary focus on real-time and cloud-based solutions.
  • Develop and maintain performance dashboards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and analytical tools to improve operational visibility and decision making.
  • Partner with the Global Wells organization to enhance the suite of wells analytics tools and help scale successful solutions across teams.
Success Profile

Leadership Competencies critical to success in this role:

  • Takes Accountability: Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments by courageously dealing with important problems, holding others accountable, and standing up for what is right.
  • Makes Decisions: Generates effective solutions based on available information and makes timely decisions that are safe and ethical.
  • Partners Collaboratively: Builds strong relationships based on trust and seeks opportunities to collaborate across the matrix/organizational boundaries to achieve business goals.
Required Qualifications
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, another related technical field, or foreign equivalent.
  • 5 or more years of experience working in drilling.
  • Willing and able (with or without reasonable accommodation) to travel up to 20% annually.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced knowledge of drilling processes and operational data used to evaluate performance.
  • Advanced knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) for retrieving, preparing, and analyzing data.
  • Advanced knowledge of Corva and its user interface.
  • Advanced knowledge of TIBCO Spotfire, Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or similar data visualization and analytics software.
  • Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to communicate technical insights to a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices.
Sponsorship

ConocoPhillips’ sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.

Benefits Overview

ConocoPhillips offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:

  • Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.
  • Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.
  • Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.
  • Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.
  • Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.
Apply By

Sep 14, 2026

Why ConocoPhillips

At ConocoPhillips, we believe our people power the future of energy. We’re committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow—professionally and personally. We don’t just offer jobs—we offer meaningful careers in a company that values how we work as much as what we achieve.

EEO

In the US, ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Candidate "How to Guide" ConocoPhillips: Accountability + Performance

We're ConocoPhillips, a global oil and gas company with thousands of people challenged with an important job - to safely find and deliver energy for the world.

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