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Drilling Well Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DUTIES AND RESPSONSIBILITIES Planning Phase: * Assist the well engineering activities throughout ... Prepare the Technical Specifications (& Scope Of Works) for Drilling equipment, materials and ...

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Well Engineer with deep, hands‑on North American ... Working knowledge of the full well lifecycle, from well planning and drilling through completion ...

Drilling Engineering Internship

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

You'll gain exposure to both office-based engineering and field operations, picking up hands-on ... Support well planning and offset well analysis * Help prepare and QC daily drilling reports * Track ...

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Well Engineer with deep, hands‑on North American ... Working knowledge of the full well lifecycle, from well planning and drilling through completion ...

$77K - $105K/yr

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Well Engineer with deep, hands‑on North American ... Working knowledge of the full well lifecycle, from well planning and drilling through completion ...

Drilling Field Team Lead I

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Well Engineer with deep, hands-on North American ... Working knowledge of the full well lifecycle, from well planning and drilling through completion ...

Drilling Field Team Lead I

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Team Lead Responsibilities: • Oversee drilling/well activities including acting as Person in ... Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Drilling Well Planning Engineer information

See salary details

$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling well planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling well planning 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 does a drilling well planning engineer do?

A Drilling Well Planning Engineer is responsible for designing and coordinating the drilling plans for oil and gas wells. They analyze geological data, select appropriate drilling methods, and create detailed plans that address safety, efficiency, and environmental concerns. Their work involves close collaboration with geologists, drilling teams, and regulatory agencies to ensure that wells are drilled successfully and cost-effectively. They also monitor operations and adjust plans as needed to address challenges encountered during drilling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling well planning engineer?

To thrive as a Drilling Well Planning Engineer, you need a strong background in petroleum engineering, geology, and well design, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with drilling software like Landmark, WellPlan, and proficiency in using well modeling and simulation tools are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to optimize well plans, minimize risks, and ensure the success and safety of drilling projects.

What are some common challenges faced by drilling well planning engineers during the well design phase?

Drilling Well Planning Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating geological uncertainties, designing cost-effective drilling programs, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Collaboration with geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling teams is essential to address technical constraints and optimize the well trajectory. Adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and communicating complex technical details across multidisciplinary teams are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Drilling Well Planning Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectDrilling Well Planning EngineerDrilling Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and planning well trajectories, casing, and drilling programsExecuting drilling operations, managing drilling activities on-site
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in well planningEngineering degree, certifications in drilling operations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, planning teams, project managementOn-site at drilling locations, operational management
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, well design companiesOil & gas companies, drilling contractors

The Drilling Well Planning Engineer primarily focuses on designing and planning well structures and drilling programs, working mainly in office environments. In contrast, the Drilling Engineer is responsible for executing these plans on-site, managing daily drilling operations. Both roles require engineering credentials and are essential in the drilling process, but their responsibilities and work settings differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Well Planning Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Drilling Well Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Operations Geologist

Dallas, TX • On-site

Matador Resources Company
Oil and Gas Extraction • 51 - 200 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

# Operations GeologistDallas LBJ - Dallas, TX 75240Education LevelGraduate Degree## DescriptionAn Operations Geologist’s responsibilities at Matador, in our MAXCOM program (24-hr operations command center), are integral to our corporate success. Aspects of the role include operation geology, geosteering, well planning, collaboration with all asset teams, assisting in post-drilling well reviews, and integration with Drilling, Completion, and Production Engineers to optimize our operations program. Coordination with multi-discipline asset teams offers the opportunity to learn and be part of every facet of our operations, which are supported and monitored by MAXCOM program members. The MAXCOM program fosters the development of technical staff and future leaders while improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the operations-focused technical team.**REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES*** Analyze and interpret geological data to guide drilling operations and make real-time decisions* Coordinate mudlogging and on-site personnel to ensure successful geologic data collection* Execute geosteering plans for drilling operations to ensure optimal well placement and production* Communicate effectively with other departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful execution of drilling operations* Collaborate with drilling engineers to optimize drilling parameters and identify potential risks* Direct communication with the Asset Team members to help identify, evaluate, and execute new drilling prospects and opportunities* Collaborate with the asset development geologists to plan and execute development drilling programs* Monitor well performance and recommend adjustments to optimize production* Maintain accurate records, documentation, and data archiving from drilling operations* MAXCOM Work schedule is a rotation of 7 days on/7 days off, 12-hour shifts (alternating days and nights)**JOB BENEFITS**Compensation includes industry competitive salary commensurate with experience, performance incentives, plus medical and dental benefits, 401(k), etc. Details are available upon application.## Qualifications**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE*** M.S. Degree in Geology or Geophysics preferred; current student applicants’ graduation dates May 2024-May 2025* Previous industry internships or full-time experience preferred; Permian Basin and/or Delaware Basin field operations experience is a plus* Strong written and verbal communication skills* Detail oriented and organized with ability to work in a fast-paced setting and process work rapidly* Starsteer, Petrel, and WellView software experience are a plus #J-18808-Ljbffr