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Drilling Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Sr. Manager- AI Products & Solutions

Houston, TX · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Partner with Drilling Operations, Engineering, HSE, Maintenance, and Commercial organizations to ... Partner closely with the Data Science organization to integrate predictive models, optimization ...

Onesubsea

WEC Drilling Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and delivers optimized technical job designs for the area of responsibility. This person identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of service delivery and ...

Schlumberger Limited

WEC Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and delivers optimized technical job designs for the area of responsibility. This person identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of service delivery and ...

Onesubsea

WEC Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and delivers optimized technical job designs for the area of responsibility. This person identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of service delivery and ...

SLB

Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and delivers optimized technical job designs for the area of responsibility. This person identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of service delivery and ...

SLB

Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The WEC Drilling Engineer develops and delivers optimized technical job designs for the area of responsibility. This person identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of service delivery and ...

Bedrock

Senior Drilling Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Prepare well trajectories optimization (directional drilling planning). * Prepare Offset wells ... Support DS in all operational issues with engineering calculations, service company's management ...

Tallgrass

Project Manager-CCS

Lakewood, CO · On-site

... through engineering, execution, and transition to operations. This role provides influential ... Direct real-time monitoring of drilling operations, drilling optimization initiatives, and data ...

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 ...

Teck

$147K - $203K/yr

The Senior Mine Engineer will coach and mentor engineers responsible for D&B activities, drive ... optimization of overall mining performance and cost by evaluating the relationship between drilling ...

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Drilling Optimization Engineer information

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$40

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How much do drilling optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

Sr. Manager- AI Products & Solutions

Patterson-UTI

Houston, TX • On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Patterson-UTI Drilling Company is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to define, develop, and drive the adoption of AI-powered products and digital solutions that improve drilling performance, operational efficiency, equipment reliability, HSE, and customer value.
Reporting to the Vice President of Digital Solutions, the Director of AI Products & Solutions will own the AI product strategy and roadmap for the Drilling Company, partnering with Operations, Product Management, Software Engineering, Data Science, and strategic technology partners to deliver innovative, production-ready AI solutions.
The successful candidate will identify opportunities to leverage Generative AI, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, intelligent automation, and modern data platforms to solve operational challenges and create differentiated products. This role focuses on product strategy, solution delivery, and organizational adoption while collaborating closely with the Data Science organization responsible for physics-based models, predictive analytics, and control-system integration.
Detailed Description:
  • Partner with Drilling Operations, Engineering, HSE, Maintenance, and Commercial organizations to identify high-value opportunities where Artificial Intelligence can improve operational performance, safety, efficiency, customer experience, and create new digital products.
  • Lead the vision, strategy, execution, and lifecycle management of AI-enabled products supporting drilling operations, drilling optimization, HSE, equipment reliability, and customer-facing digital solutions.
  • Develop and execute a multi-year AI product roadmap aligned with Patterson-UTI's Digital Solutions strategy and business objectives.
  • Identify opportunities where AI can deliver measurable business value by integrating operational, engineering, and business data. Define product requirements for consuming telemetry, sensor data, drilling reports, downhole data, equipment diagnostics, maintenance information, HSE events, ERP data, customer systems, and third-party service provider data into AI-enabled products.
  • Manage the complete product lifecycle from ideation through deployment, commercialization, and continuous improvement.
  • Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing AI Products & Solutions organization, including Product Managers, Product Owners, Data Analysts, UX professionals, AI Specialists, and other technical resources as the organization grows.
  • Recruit, coach, conduct performance reviews, establish development plans, and build future leadership capability within the organization.
  • Provide organizational leadership across multiple concurrent AI initiatives, product portfolios, and strategic programs.
  • Champion the adoption of Generative AI technologies including OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Azure OpenAI, Amazon Bedrock, Snowflake Cortex AI, and other emerging AI platforms.
  • Evaluate and establish standards for AI platforms, orchestration frameworks, and emerging technologies including LangChain, LangGraph, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel, MCP, agentic AI architectures, and commercial foundation models.
  • Define AI-enabled capabilities such as natural language search, AI copilots, document intelligence, computer vision, workflow automation, predictive analytics, and operational decision support.
  • Partner closely with the Data Science organization to integrate predictive models, optimization algorithms, and physics-based AI into customer-facing products and operational workflows.
  • Collaborate with Software Engineering and Data Engineering teams to design and deliver secure, scalable, cloud-native AI solutions.
  • Develop strategic relationships with AI technology providers, cloud vendors, software partners, and system integrators.
  • Drive organizational change management, rollout strategies, training, and adoption across the Drilling organization.
  • Represent Patterson-UTI with customers, strategic partners, and industry organizations.

Job Requirements
  • Proven experience leading and managing multidisciplinary technical teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated success building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing product and technology organizations.
  • Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to influence Operations, Engineering, Data Science, Commercial, and Executive Leadership without direct authority.
  • Strategic thinker capable of translating business opportunities into executable product roadmaps and measurable business outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to build business cases, prioritize investments, and manage an AI product portfolio.
  • Excellent organizational and program management skills.
  • Passionate product leader willing to spend time on drilling rigs and customer locations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in drilling technology, AI products, industrial software, digital solutions, or product management.
  • Proven track record delivering business value through experience with an E&P operator, drilling contractor, or oilfield service company supporting drilling operations.
  • Experience leading software, AI, or digital product initiatives from concept through commercial deployment.
  • Strong understanding of drilling operations, rig workflows, drilling performance, and well construction.
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating, designing, or delivering AI-enabled products utilizing Generative AI, LLMs, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, intelligent automation, and modern AI frameworks.
  • Experience integrating operational, telemetry, equipment, reporting, and third-party data using APIs, cloud platforms, data warehouses, and time-series databases.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Azure OpenAI, Amazon Bedrock, Snowflake Cortex AI, LangChain, LangGraph, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel, MCP, or similar frameworks.
  • Experience launching AI-enabled SaaS or industrial software products.
  • Experience defining AI governance, responsible AI practices, security considerations, and AI adoption strategies.
  • Experience working directly with customers and executive leadership.

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