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Lwd Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Katy, TX · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Define and own the firmware architecture for MWD/LWD tools -- including high-speed mud pulse ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Katy, TX · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and development of MWD/LWD downhole tools, with an initial primary focus on high-speed mud pulse ...

... engineering workflows used to evaluate in-place volumes and development performance ... Support the planning and execution of wireline, LWD, coring, and other formation-evaluation ...

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Lead Electrical Engineer

Cypress, TX · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

The Lead Electrical Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the design, development ... For MWD/LWD specifically: * Experience with downhole telemetry systems including mud pulse ...

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 ... Strong understanding of drilling optimization, geosteering, casing and cementing, MWD/LWD, and ...

Pavement Engineering Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Pavement Engineer to lead and deliver innovative ... Evaluate complex laboratory and field data (e.g., FWD/HWD, GPR, coring, DCP, LWD) for analysis ...

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 ... Strong understanding of drilling optimization, geosteering, casing and cementing, MWD/LWD, and ...

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 ... Strong understanding of drilling optimization, geosteering, casing and cementing, MWD/LWD, and ...

$77K - $105K/yr

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Sr. Well Engineer with deep, hands‑on North American ... Strong understanding of drilling optimization, geosteering, casing and cementing, MWD/LWD, and ...

S. in Geology, Geosciences or Engineering * Must have the Legal right to work in US * Excellent ... Understanding of geophysics, geology, petrophysics, LWD, and directional drilling * Knowledge of ...

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Lwd Engineer information

See salary details

$27.5K

$95.5K

$176K

How much do lwd engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for lwd engineer in the United States is $95,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an LWD engineer?

A Logging While Drilling (LWD) Engineer is responsible for collecting real-time downhole data during drilling operations. They operate specialized tools to measure formation properties, aiding in well placement and optimization. LWD Engineers work closely with drilling teams to ensure efficient and safe operations by providing critical data on well conditions. This role requires expertise in data interpretation, tool maintenance, and troubleshooting in high-pressure environments.

What does an LWD engineer do?

As an LWD Engineer, your daily responsibilities include overseeing the setup and operation of logging tools, collecting and interpreting real-time formation data, and ensuring that drilling parameters are optimized for efficient and safe operations. You will frequently collaborate with drilling supervisors, directional drillers, and geologists to provide critical data that influences drilling decisions. Additionally, you’ll troubleshoot technical issues with equipment, generate detailed reports, and maintain close communication with both on-site and remote teams. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring quick thinking and adaptability to changing downhole conditions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an LWD engineer?

To thrive as an LWD Engineer (Logging While Drilling Engineer), you need a solid background in petroleum engineering, geoscience, or a related field, paired with experience in drilling operations and well logging. Proficiency in using LWD tools, data acquisition software, and certifications like IWCF or Well Control are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are highly valued soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring accurate real-time data delivery, maintaining safety standards, and collaborating efficiently with drilling teams in challenging environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lwd Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Lwd Engineer jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Lwd Engineer jobs?

For Lwd Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lwd Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,513 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Katy, TX • On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Location: Houston, Texas

Position status: Permanent

Exempt Status: Exempt


Company Profile:

CNPC USA is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company and serves as the North American headquarters. Our mission is to drive innovation through advanced research and development of next-generation technologies for oil and gas exploration and production.


Job Summary:

CNPC USA is seeking a highly experienced Senior Firmware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and development of embedded firmware for MWD/LWD downhole tools, with a primary focus on high-speed mud pulse telemetry (MPT) and MWD system integration. This position is a key technical role responsible for end-to-end firmware architecture, real-time signal processing, telemetry encoding and decoding, sensor and measurement integration, power management, and system-level performance across the downhole-to-surface data chain.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing high-speed mud pulser systems and other MWD/LWD products, combined with a strong systems and architecture perspective spanning firmware, electronics, sensors, and telemetry encoding and decoding. This role will drive technology from concept and architecture definition through field deployment and commercialization, and will help establish firmware standards and design practices for the broader downhole product portfolio.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Define and own the firmware architecture for MWD/LWD tools — including high-speed mud pulse telemetry — from system requirements through implementation, qualification, and field release.
  • Design and optimize high-speed mud pulse telemetry schemes, including pulser generation and control, modulation/encoding, power-efficiency optimization, and surface decoding algorithms.
  • Develop, test, and debug embedded firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller, microprocessor, or DSP-based downhole measurement and telemetry systems. Architect firmware-to-hardware and firmware-to-sensor interfaces, defining data flow, timing, synchronization, and communication protocols across subsystems.
  • Develop signal-processing and noise-mitigation algorithms for telemetry, vibration, and sensor data in harsh, high-noise downhole environments.
  • Take a system-level view across firmware, electronics, mechanical, and surface software to ensure end-to-end tool performance, data integrity, and reliability. Work closely with electronics, mechanical, test, operations, and field teams to improve tool reliability and field performance.
  • Lead firmware integration, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, performance optimization, verification, qualification, and reliability testing of embedded telemetry systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and environmental testing
  • Support field deployment and product sustainment by investigating and resolving firmware, telemetry, sensor, and electronics issues to ensure reliable system performance.
  • Establish firmware development standards, coding practices, version control, and design documentation for the downhole engineering team.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced firmware and electronics engineers.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related discipline; Master’s degree or above is preferred.
  • 8+ years of embedded firmware development experience, with demonstrated experience at a lead or principal level.
  • Direct, hands-on experience developing high-speed mud pulse telemetry (MWD) systems and other MWD/LWD products.
  • Strong system and architecture perspective, with a proven ability to define firmware architecture and interfaces spanning firmware, electronics, sensors, and surface software. Familiar with various electronic communication Bus systems and implementations.
  • Expert-level embedded firmware development in C/C++ for MCU, MPU, or DSP-based real-time systems.
  • Solid understanding of hardware-software integration, including sensor interfaces, communication interfaces, and timing/synchronization.
  • Proficiency with laboratory and debug tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, emulators/debuggers, and automated or HIL test methods.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capability for mixed firmware/hardware systems.


Preferred Experience:

  • Deep experience with mud-pulse telemetry (positive, negative, or continuous-wave/siren pulsers), especially, with high-data-rate downhole telemetry.
  • Experience with EM telemetry, short-hop, directional drilling tools, downhole sensors, and MWD/LWD measurement systems.
  • Strong background in real-time signal processing, digital communications/telemetry, modulation and encoding, and algorithm development.
  • Familiarity with high-temperature electronics, shock/vibration survivability, and pressure-compensated or sealed downhole systems.
  • Experience defining firmware architecture and standards across a product portfolio.
  • Experience with surface decoding software and optimization of the downhole-to-surface data chain.
  • Experience with manufacturing test systems, qualification testing, and product commercialization.
  • Prior experience supporting both new product development and sustaining engineering for deployed tools.


Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is a sedentary role; however, some filing, bending, and the ability to lift 20 lbs are required.


Travel:

This position requires some overnight international and domestic travel. Local travel between other CNPC USA locations and testing facilities is required.


Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, it serves as a technical lead, mentor, and point of contact for less-experienced engineers.


CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.


Disclaimer: The job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.