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Flowback Operator Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Facilities Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$95 - $168/hr

Operating across roughly 400,000 net acres in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado, we're proving ... Collaborate with water operations on produced water/flowback infrastructure and water balance ...

Facilities Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$95K - $168K/yr

Operating across roughly 400,000 net acres in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado, we're proving ... on produced water/flowback infrastructure and water balance tracking Other Duties and ...

Flowback Operator information

See Denver, CO salary details

$12

$20

$30

How much do flowback operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for flowback operator in Denver, CO is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flowback operator?

Flowback Operators are professionals in the oil and gas industry responsible for managing the flowback process after a well has been hydraulically fractured. Their main job is to monitor and control the flow of fluids, such as water, oil, and gas, that return to the surface once the well is opened. They ensure equipment is functioning properly, collect and analyze samples, and maintain safety standards on site. Flowback Operators play a critical role in the initial production phase, helping maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. This position often requires working long hours in challenging outdoor conditions.

What does a flowback operator do?

As a flowback operator, you work at an oil and gas rig and monitor flowback equipment. Your responsibilities in this career include maintaining a safe work environment, recording measurements from a rig’s gauges, and replacing malfunctioning parts. You may also work with fluids like water. Your duties also include promoting every work safety procedure, maintaining interpersonal relationships with customers, and conducting various functionality tests on equipment. Quality control is a vital element of the job, as is developing the skills of other employees through mentorship. You might work onshore, offshore, or both in various geographical locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flowback operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flowback Operator, you need a solid understanding of oil and gas production processes, mechanical aptitude, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant field experience. Familiarity with flowback equipment, pressure monitoring systems, and safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly to changing site conditions. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient well operations and minimizing environmental and operational risks.

What are some common challenges faced by flowback operators during well testing operations?

Flowback Operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating flow rates, handling high-pressure equipment safely, and troubleshooting mechanical issues under time constraints. The work can involve long shifts and exposure to harsh weather conditions, especially at remote drilling sites. Effective communication with the rig team and supervisors is essential to ensure safety and successful data collection, making teamwork and attention to detail critical skills in this role.

What is the difference between Flowback Operator vs Wellhead Technician?

AspectFlowback OperatorWellhead Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentOil and gas sites, outdoor, physically demandingOil and gas facilities, outdoor/indoor, technical tasks
Industry UsagePrimarily during well completion and flowback operationsDuring wellhead installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Both roles require safety certifications and technical training, often working on-site in the oil and gas industry. While Flowback Operators focus on managing flowback operations during well completion, Wellhead Technicians handle installation and maintenance of wellhead equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and career goals.

How much does a flowback operator make?

A flowback operator typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Overtime, certifications, and working in remote or challenging environments can also influence compensation.

What are popular job titles related to Flowback Operator jobs in Denver, CO?

For Flowback Operator jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flowback Operator jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Flowback Operator jobs in Denver, CO are:

What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Flowback Operator jobs?

Cities near Denver, CO with the most Flowback Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Flowback Operator job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,545 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

$95 - $168/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Information

QB Energy is on a clear path to becoming one of the top natural gas producers in the country, backed by Quantum Energy Partners, one of the top private equity firms in energy, with a 20-year drilling inventory and integrated upstream and midstream operations built to compete with the best gas projects in North America. We create long-term value through continuous improvement and bold innovation — and we're looking for entrepreneurial people who want to help build that future, not just work in it.


Operating across roughly 400,000 net acres in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado, we're proving that aggressive growth and real environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Join a team that takes as much pride in how we build this company as in what we produce.


Job Summary

Facilities Engineering role supporting QB Energy's Midstream & Regulation department, focused on the design, evaluation, and optimization of surface production and gathering infrastructure across the Piceance Basin (Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties, Colorado).


The Facilities Engineer supports compression, gas gathering, liquid handling, pipeline, and production facility systems on federal, split estate, and fee acreage under BLM (WRFO, Grand Valley) and ECMC jurisdiction — building core engineering skills alongside hands‑on exposure to regulatory compliance, capital projects, and field operations in one of Colorado's most active gas basins. QB Energy supports PE licensure pursuit and offers early-career exposure to a technically diverse, ESG‑focused environment. Ideal candidates are motivated self‑starters able to manage multiple assignments with limited supervision and travel regularly to field locations.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Safety



  • Treat safety as the primary responsibility in all operations, field visits, and engineering activities


Facilities Design & Engineering



  • Perform engineering calculations and sizing for compression, separation, gas processing, pipeline, and liquid handling infrastructure

  • Develop and maintain PFDs and P&IDs using internal or contracted resources

  • Conduct hydraulic modeling and pipe sizing for gas gathering and produced water pipelines

  • Evaluate wellpad facility configurations, including inlet separators, tank batteries, and emission control devices

  • Support compressor station design and optimization (cylinder configuration, operating conditions, BHP/altitude derating)

  • Support methane reduction project engineering across QB Energy's assets

  • Assist with basis‑of‑design documents and conceptual capital cost estimates


Capacity Planning & System Performance



  • Contribute to gathering system capacity planning, including throughput modeling, compression tracking, and constraint identification

  • Identify facility bottlenecks, underperforming equipment, and cost/technical improvement opportunities

  • Collaborate with reservoir and production engineers to integrate production forecasts into infrastructure planning

  • Support scenario comparisons for CTF and gathering system operating cases


Capital Project Support



  • Support engineering and project management for capital projects from AFE through construction and commissioning

  • Support procurement (RFQs, bid tabulation, lead‑time tracking) for compression, processing, power, and piping equipment

  • Participate in project controls, including schedule/cost tracking and reporting

  • Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and field operations for on‑budget, on‑schedule delivery


Regulatory Compliance & Permitting



  • Build working knowledge of ECMC and BLM WRFO permitting requirements for surface facility construction/modification

  • Support facility‑related permit applications (ECMC Form 2/2A, air quality permits, BLM APD surface use plans)

  • Assist with Regulation 7 (Section II.H) and Regulation 22 GHG/methane compliance analysis

  • Support regulatory submittals, compliance reports, and permit renewals


Environmental & Emissions



  • Support methane reduction and emissions control engineering, including VRUs, combustors, and other control devices

  • Assist in maintaining facility‑level emissions inventories and design compliance with air quality thresholds

  • Evaluate engineering controls for emissions minimization aligned with QB Energy's ESG goals


Field Operations Support



  • Conduct field visits to Piceance Basin assets to assess equipment condition and support troubleshooting

  • Coordinate with district superintendents, technicians, and operations staff to resolve facility issues

  • Maintain accurate facility files, drawings, and as‑built documentation

  • Collaborate with water operations on produced water/flowback infrastructure and water balance tracking


Other Duties and Responsibilities



  • Other duties and projects assigned as necessary


Qualifications

Education



  • B.S. in Mechanical, Chemical, or Petroleum Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution required

  • Advanced degree in engineering or business preferred


Licenses / Certification



  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

  • EIT preferred; PE licensure pursuit encouraged and supported


Specialized Knowledge



  • Understanding of gas processing fundamentals (compression, TEG dehydration, amine treating)

  • Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and pipe hydraulics for gathering system design

  • Familiarity with process simulation/hydraulic modeling tools (e.g., HYSYS, Pipesim) preferred

  • Developing knowledge of ECMC and BLM WRFO regulatory frameworks

  • Understanding of economic analysis and decision‑making under uncertainty


Skills & Abilities



  • Strong analytical and quantitative problem‑solving skills

  • Clear written and verbal communication; able to prepare technical reports for mixed audiences

  • Organized, resourceful self‑starter managing multiple activities in a dynamic field environment

  • Collaborative in multi‑discipline team settings and open to feedback

  • Integrity, professional judgment, and composure under pressure

  • Strong computer skills (MS Office); CAD or P&ID software experience a plus

  • Flexible to travel and work irregular hours as needed


Industry Experience



  • Open to entry‑level engineers or those with up to 7+ years in oil and gas facilities engineering, production, or midstream operations

  • Piceance Basin or comparable Rocky Mountain tight‑gas basin experience strongly preferred

  • Exposure to one or more of: gas compression systems (reciprocating or centrifugal), gas gathering/pipeline design, production separation and liquid handling, or methane reduction/emissions control projects preferred


Compensation

The base compensation for this role in this location is targeted between $95,000 and $168,000 annually. Final offer amounts and job level are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the range listed above.


Benefits and Perks

As a QB Energy employee, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (lowest‑tier medical premiums covered 100% for employees and dependents), company‑paid life, AD&D, and long‑term disability insurance, a 401(k) with a 100% match up to 6% of compensation, paid time off and holidays, gym membership reimbursement, an onsite gym, cellphone reimbursement, and paid parking or an RTD pass.


Additional Information

This posting does not list every duty or responsibility of the role, and QB Energy may adjust responsibilities at any time. QB Energy is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with applicable law. Need an accommodation during the application process? Contact HR@qb-energy.com.


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