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Lead Petroleum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineering Lead

Toledo, OH · On-site

$94K - $123K/yr

Process Engineering Lead Location: On-Site in the Toledo, OH area Employment Type: Full Time ... The company is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers in the United States ...

New

Lead Thermal Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Lead the hard trades: performance, mass, cost, reliability, manufacturability, schedule, and ... petroleum. * Comfortable managing engineers while staying deeply hands-on. Nice to have

Operations/Facilities Engineer

Carrizo Springs, TX · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Lead the design, execution, and commissioning of Non-D&C capital projects . * Oversee installation ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Petroleum Engineering , or a related field ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Petroleum Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead petroleum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead petroleum engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead petroleum engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Petroleum Engineer, you need a strong background in petroleum engineering principles, reservoir management, and project leadership, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Petrel, Eclipse, and well simulation tools, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and team management abilities set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient extraction processes, optimize reservoir performance, and facilitate successful coordination of multidisciplinary teams.

What does a lead petroleum engineer do?

A Lead Petroleum Engineer oversees the design, development, and management of processes for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They lead teams of engineers and technicians to plan drilling operations, evaluate production methods, and ensure safety and efficiency in extraction projects. This role also involves analyzing geological data, optimizing production strategies, and ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Lead Petroleum Engineer vs Reservoir Engineer?

AspectLead Petroleum EngineerReservoir Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Petroleum Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, or Geosciences; PE license optional
Work EnvironmentOn-site oil and gas exploration and production sites, offices, project teamsOffice-based analysis, field data interpretation, reservoir modeling teams
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, exploration firms, production companiesOil & gas companies, reservoir consulting firms, E&P companies

The Lead Petroleum Engineer focuses on overall drilling, production, and operational strategies, while the Reservoir Engineer specializes in analyzing subsurface reservoirs to optimize extraction. Both roles require petroleum engineering credentials and often work closely but serve different technical functions within the industry.

How does a lead petroleum engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during large-scale drilling projects?

A Lead Petroleum Engineer frequently works alongside geologists, drilling engineers, production teams, and safety specialists to coordinate all aspects of drilling operations. This collaboration ensures that geological data is accurately interpreted, drilling technologies are optimally deployed, and safety and environmental standards are rigorously maintained. Effective communication and project management skills are vital, as the Lead Petroleum Engineer often serves as the central point of contact, aligning technical strategies and troubleshooting issues across departments. This teamwork approach is essential for meeting project milestones and maximizing resource recovery while minimizing risks.
More about Lead Petroleum Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Petroleum Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Process Engineering Lead

1872 Consulting

Toledo, OH • On-site

$94K - $123K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Process Engineering Lead

Location: On-Site in the Toledo, OH area

Employment Type: Full Time

Company Summary: The company is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers in the United States, providing unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants, and other petroleum products. They have refineries located across California, Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Position Summary: The Process Engineering Lead will be leading the Process Engineering Department, ensuring short- and long-term process health, optimization, and engineering support for refinery operations. This role involves developing strategic initiatives, managing refinery process projects, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE):
    • Ensure full compliance with HSE policies and serve as a safety leader within the refinery.
    • Manage the safety performance of the process engineering personnel and enforce safe work practices.
  • Refinery Operations Support:
    • Deliver process design packages for refinery projects.
    • Provide technical support for operations troubleshooting and budget management for the department.
    • Monitor and optimize refinery energy usage.
  • Strategic and Long-Term Planning:
    • Participate in long-range planning and capital budgeting processes.
    • Develop key refinery programs and drive continuous improvement.
    • Create staffing and training plans to develop the engineering team.
  • Supervisory and Leadership:
    • Handle personnel issues, set expectations, and develop engineers' knowledge and skills.
    • Communicate department goals and address any concerns with upper management.
  • Communication and Collaboration:
    • Maintain communication across refinery departments, including Safety, Maintenance, Operations, and Reliability.
    • Report progress and coordinate plans for process engineering.
  • Capital Projects and Turnaround Support:
    • Provide process engineering support for turnarounds and capital projects.
  • Reporting and Documentation:
    • Maintain and update technical service reports and documentation.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in refining or petrochemical industries.
  • Supervisory experience is required.
  • Familiarity with process safety regulations, refinery operations, reliability principles, and budget management.

1872 Consulting logo

About 1872 Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

1872 Consulting, based in Chicago, IL, USA, operates within the IT consulting industry. Armed with a diverse team of experts, the company offers specialized IT consulting services, focusing on modernizing business technologies and driving innovative business strategies. Established in 1872, the company has a rich history marked by its commitment to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Its mission is to empower organizations to surpass their business goals by providing state-of-the-art IT solutions and service. The company prides itself on its core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation, instilling these principles in every project they undertake.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2014