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Land Rig Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Machinist IV

Boulder, CO · On-site

$66K - $105K/yr

Safely set-up and rig materials using overhead crane. * Thorough knowledge of GD&T: Positional as ... air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology ...

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Showing results 1-20

Land Rig information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$48

$87

How much do land rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for land rig in Colorado is $48.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.63 and $50.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are land rigs?

Land rigs are drilling rigs specifically designed to operate onshore, as opposed to offshore drilling platforms. They are used to drill wells into the earth’s surface to extract oil, natural gas, or other subsurface resources. Land rigs come in various sizes and configurations depending on the depth and type of well being drilled. Their mobility and adaptability make them suitable for a range of drilling environments, from deserts to forests. Land rigs typically include all necessary equipment for drilling, including derricks, engines, blowout preventers, and drilling mud systems.

What Are Land Rig Jobs?

A land rig is a drilling rig used to drill holes onshore rather than offshore and requires a crew to function. The size and function of the rig determine the positions available, but typically there are six people in the crew: rig manager, derrickhand, leasehand, motorhand, driller, and floorhand. Your duties and responsibilities in any of these careers involve cleaning, maintaining, and operating the rig. Drills operate 24 hours a day, so multiple crew members rotate to fill 12-hour shifts. There are additional land rig positions, including truck drivers to transfer material to various locations, managers to oversee production, and oil and gas support staff.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a land rig, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working on a land rig often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, long shifts, and the need to maintain strict safety protocols at all times. Working in remote locations can also present difficulties related to communication and access to amenities. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize teamwork, participate in regular safety training, and maintain open lines of communication with supervisors and crew members. Additionally, staying physically and mentally prepared helps ensure both personal well-being and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Land Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Land Rig Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, control panels, and safety certifications such as H2S or Well Control are typically required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime on drilling sites.

What is the difference between Land Rig vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectLand RigDrilling Engineer
Primary RoleOperates and maintains drilling equipment on land rigsDesigns and plans drilling operations, oversees drilling processes
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, experience with rig equipmentEngineering degree, specialized drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, field-basedOffice-based with site visits, technical planning
Industry UsageCommonly employed in onshore oil and gas drillingInvolved in planning and execution of drilling projects

While both roles are integral to drilling operations, a Land Rig operator focuses on operating and maintaining the drilling equipment on-site, whereas a Drilling Engineer is responsible for designing and managing the drilling process. The roles often collaborate closely but require different skill sets and certifications.

Infographic showing various Land Rig job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,875 per year, or $49 per hour.
Machinist IV

Machinist IV

BAE Systems

Boulder, CO • On-site

$66K - $105K/yr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description


Machinist IV - Horizontal Mill - 2nd Shift:
The Machinist IV position at BAE Systems Inc.'s Space and Mission Systems (SMS) manufacturing facility in Boulder, CO, involves working on precision prototype spaceflight hardware and ground support equipment. The role requires operating CNC mills, performing dimensional checks, and maintaining process disciplines. 2nd shift position, the shift can be a 5-day work week or a 4-day work week, Monday thru Friday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM or Monday thru Thursday, 2:00 PM - 12:30 AM. Our 2nd shift includes a shift premium to your base wage.
This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for individuals with experience in CNC machining and manufacturing. The role requires attention to detail, ability to work under general supervision, and a commitment to maintaining process disciplines. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development.
The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution - from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.
What You'll Do:
  • Setup and operate Kuraki AKB-11 HBM (Horizontal Boring Mill), New 2021.
  • 2nd shift Machinist IV working in team environment working in conjunction with 1st shift.
  • Capable of using programming software (Mastercam) to support the operation.
  • Assemble toolholders, learn and understand tooling offsets for wear, machine setups, and changeovers.
  • Safely set-up and rig materials using overhead crane.
  • Thorough knowledge of GD&T: Positional as tight as .0005, Profiles .001, Flatness .0005, Diameters to .0002, etc.
  • Review and interpret electronic documents for machining requirements.
  • Fabricate basic to complex holding fixtures for standard and irregular configurations.
  • Maintain required electronic build records and process logs, records, and reports.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Required Skills and Education
  • High School diploma or equivalent plus 3 years or more related experience.
  • Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor's or Master's, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • Mastercam experience required.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and work with heavy equipment, tooling, and fixtures.
  • GD&T understanding.
#LI-JL2
Preferred Skills and Education
  • 8 years Aerospace manufacturing experience with large parts.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.