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Flowback Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

Flowback information

See Denver, CO salary details

$28.3K

$53.6K

$76.2K

How much do flowback jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flowback in Denver, CO is $53,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $63,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a flowback operator do?

Flowback operators are field workers in the oil and gas industry responsible for monitoring and managing the flowback process after a well has been hydraulically fractured. Their main duties include collecting and measuring fluids that return to the surface, operating valves and equipment, and recording data on pressure, flow rates, and fluid volumes. This role is crucial for ensuring well integrity, safety, and environmental compliance during the early stages of production. Flowback operators often work long shifts in remote field locations and must adhere to strict safety protocols.

What are the most common challenges faced by a flowback operator in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Flowback operators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing well conditions, high-pressure environments, and the need for constant equipment monitoring. Dealing with fluctuating flow rates and potential equipment malfunctions requires strong attention to detail and quick problem-solving skills. Effective communication with the drilling and production teams is essential to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Regular training, adherence to safety protocols, and proactive equipment maintenance help address these challenges and support successful operations.

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 oilfield operations, equipment handling, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with flowback equipment, pressure monitoring tools, and data recording systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you respond to changing well conditions and coordinate with the team. These skills ensure safe operations, accurate data collection, and the efficient management of well fluids during critical phases of production.

What is the difference between Flowback vs Wellhead Technician?

AspectFlowbackWellhead Technician
Required CredentialsH2S, OSHA, basic technical certificationsH2S, OSHA, well control certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at well sites during flowback operationsOn-site at wellheads, maintenance, and installation
Industry UsagePrimarily during flowback and well completion phasesThroughout wellhead installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Flowback technicians focus on managing the flowback process after hydraulic fracturing, ensuring safe and efficient removal of fluids. Wellhead Technicians handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of wellhead equipment. While both roles work in the oil and gas industry and require safety certifications, flowback technicians specialize in fluid management during flowback, whereas wellhead technicians focus on wellhead infrastructure throughout the well's life cycle.

How do I get into flowback?

To get into a flowback job, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA training, and physical ability to work in outdoor and industrial environments. Experience in oil and gas operations or related fields can be advantageous, and employers often provide on-the-job training for specific equipment and safety procedures.

What is a flowback job description?

A flowback job involves managing the process of returning fluids, such as water, sand, and hydrocarbons, from a well after hydraulic fracturing. The worker operates equipment to separate and recover these fluids, ensuring well safety and efficiency. Skills in equipment operation, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like H2S awareness are typically required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Flowback job openings in Denver, CO as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,616 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 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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