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Drilling Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mariana Minerals

Drill and Blast Engineer

Moab, UT · On-site

In this role, you will lead blast design, oversee drilling programs, and partner closely with mine ... What You'll Do Blast Design & Optimization * Develop and refine blast patterns and charge designs ...

American Engineering Testing Inc

Drill Assistant

Fargo, ND · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

About Us At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation ... Perform routine maintenance tasks on drilling equipment to ensure optimal functionality. * Review ...

Hawk Group

Facility Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

This role focuses on surface engineering and planning support for development drilling, frac ... optimization. This position is located primarily in Anchorage, Alaska and may include travel to the ...

Stand-By Personnel

Radial Drill Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$17/hr

Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions to determine drilling ... Perform routine maintenance tasks on radial drilling machines to ensure optimal performance and ...

Stand-By Personnel

Radial Drill Operator

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$17/hr

Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and work instructions to determine drilling ... Perform routine maintenance tasks on radial drilling machines to ensure optimal performance and ...

Bedrock

Facilities Operations Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

This role focuses on surface engineering and planning support for development drilling, frac ... optimization. This position is located primarily in Anchorage, Alaska and may include travel to the ...

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Drilling Optimization Engineer information

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$40

$59

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How much do drilling optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling optimization engineer in the United States is $59.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $73.56 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.

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Drilling Optimization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Optimization Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $124,067 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Senior Project Engineer - Drilling Services

Weatherford International

Houston, TX • On-site

$94K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Weatherford rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Job Purpose:
This is a senior level Engineering position that will lead engineering design and optimization efforts, driving technical innovation and ensuring the highest standards in project execution. Provides expert judgment and analysis for the design, development and implementation of technical products and systems. Resolves highly complex technical issues. Recommends alterations to development and design to improve quality of products and/or procedures. As a key technical authority, incumbent will play an instrumental role in guiding projects from conception through completion, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that meet both operational and business objectives. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Extensive exercise of judgment is routinely required on details of project management and scheduling. Possesses either broad based experience in research, development, and engineering or very specific subject matter expertise or both.
Responsibilities:
  • Performs complex activities relating to the development, testing, and validation of designs for downhole tools and their constituent subassemblies and components.
  • Develops systems and documentation for efficient and effective repair of downhole components, including inspection criteria and methods, repair processes (e.g. machining, welding, coating/surface treatment, mechanical assembly), and processes for inspecting repaired components.
  • Performs product development activities including interpretation and implementation of customer specifications and documentation requirements.
  • Provides expert engineering direction, leading design and optimization projects focused on the development and enhancement of processes and systems.
  • Develops and implements innovative engineering solutions to address challenges related to reliability in severe drilling conditions, efficiency and consistency in tool assembly and repair, manufacturing lead time and cost, and cost of service delivery.
  • Coordinates all activities associated with technical developments including but not limited to project planning, design, execution, and testing phases, ensuring alignment with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
  • Acts as a technical expert providing guidance on complex projects as a recognized expert within the team.
  • Assists others with all engineering activities to include working within the Product Development Process.
  • Drives research, development, and implementation of advanced technologies and methodologies.
  • Conducts feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the viability of proposed engineering projects.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the theoretical calculations as they apply to the design of the product.
  • May utilize computer driven engineering software to create engineering drawings and perform complex simulations and analyses.
  • Anticipates possible failure modes on products and recommends solutions based on experience.
  • Proactively develops and communicates design guidelines for the department.
  • Performs comprehensive analysis of critical components to eliminate possible failure modes.
  • Routinely demonstrates the ability to converge on a solution in a commercially viable amount of time in the absence of extensive guidance.
  • Collaborates with Repair and Maintenance, Operations, and Manufacturing for modification of existing products, component selection, and component integration to support business priorities.
  • Works closely with internal and external stakeholders, including Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and HSE, to deliver cohesive and efficient project outcomes.
  • Identifies potential risks and implements mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions and ensure smooth execution.
  • Mentors and develops junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
  • Maintains thorough documentation of project specifications, engineering drawings, engineering calculations, test results, and other critical project data.

Qualifications:
  • B.Ss. or higher degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering or other engineering degree and equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering, with a strong background in design development, validation, project management, and technical leadership.
  • Experience in sustaining or new product development of electromechanical drilling services tools (MWD, LWD, RSS)
  • Advanced working knowledge of engineering tools including CAD and simulation tools
  • Experience in developing designs, processes and specifications for repair of downhole components and welding/hardfacing processes is preferred
  • Extensive knowledge of alloys and other materials used in DS tools, including non-magnetic stainless steel alloys, corrosion-resistant alloys, and high temperature elastomers and thermoplastics is preferred

Skills:
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
  • Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to health, safety, and environmental compliance.
  • Self-starter. Curious. Ability to research independently and integrate knowledge from various sources into working solutions

#LI-AM1
About Us
Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.
We are focused on technology development, digital solutions, and defining our footprint in the new energy space. Our ability to provide integrated solutions across our segments will be critical to growth in our core operations and the energy transition.
Energy producers face unique challenges every day, so it is our job to create solutions that enhance safety, streamline operations, and sustain uptime to meet or exceed their targets. We operate across the global energy landscape employing some of the best diverse talent in the industry. At Weatherford, we understand the value each individual brings to the table. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are immensely proud of our workforce. We invite you to join our passionate, talented, world-class team.
When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger - a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other's successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.
Join Us:
Weatherford is producing energy for today and tomorrow- with global opportunities as unlimited as your sense of adventure. Join us to make an impact on our customers, the industry, and the world.
Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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