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Mud Engineer Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They will also need to have knowledge of using a Vactron, and mixing bore mud products, or be ... among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our ...

ESP Associates

Geotechnical Drilling Assistant

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

McClelland Consulting Engineers (MCE), an ESP Company, is a regional, multidisciplined engineering ... Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, and diamond bit core techniques.

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Bore Rig Operator

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They will also need to have knowledge of using a Vactron, and mixing bore mud products, or be ... among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our ...

TERRACON

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

Springdale, AR · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit ... minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations ...

TERRACON

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

Springdale, AR · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit ... minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Springdale, AR · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit ... minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Springdale, AR

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit ... minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations ...

All JobsMud Engineer JobsMud Engineer Jobs in Arkansas

Mud Engineer information

See Arkansas salary details

$69K

$95.7K

$100.9K

How much do mud engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for mud engineer in Arkansas is $95,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,100.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mud engineer?

Mud engineers, also known as drilling fluid engineers, are specialized professionals in the oil and gas industry responsible for designing, testing, and managing the properties of drilling fluids (commonly called 'mud'). These fluids are crucial for lubricating drill bits, controlling subsurface pressures, stabilizing wellbores, and carrying drill cuttings to the surface during drilling operations. Mud engineers monitor and adjust the chemical and physical characteristics of drilling mud to ensure safe and efficient drilling, minimize environmental impact, and reduce operational risks.

What does a mud engineer do?

As a mud engineer, also known as a drilling fluids engineer or mud man, you manage the drilling fluid used in the digging of oil wells. This involves making adjustments to the liquid being used, supervising the equipment on a rig, and helping test for oil and gas. This position offers a significant amount of control over the specifications of a drilling plan, in part because the fluid mixture must be customized to create the most effective drilling path through the unique terrain of the area. Since your presence is required during the drilling process, mud engineers spend almost all of their time on-site.

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

To thrive as a Mud Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, geology, and drilling fluid technology, often supported by a degree in engineering or earth sciences. Familiarity with drilling fluid software, mud logging systems, and relevant certifications like Well Control or H2S safety are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring safe, efficient drilling operations and maintaining wellbore stability under challenging conditions.

What are common challenges faced by mud engineers on drilling sites, and how can they be addressed?

Mud Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining the correct mud properties under varying geological conditions, preventing equipment clogging, and responding quickly to unexpected wellbore issues like lost circulation. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, effective communication with drilling crews, and the ability to adjust mud formulations on short notice. Staying up-to-date with new drilling fluids technology and working closely with geologists and drilling supervisors can help Mud Engineers implement effective solutions and ensure smooth drilling operations.

What is the difference between Mud Engineer vs Drilling Fluids Engineer?

AspectMud EngineerDrilling Fluids Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications, technical degrees in petroleum or mechanical engineeringSimilar certifications, specialized training in drilling fluids
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, oil and gas industryOffshore/onshore drilling operations, oil and gas industry
Employer & IndustryOil & gas companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas companies, drilling service companies
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Mud Engineers and Drilling Fluids Engineers work in the oil and gas industry, focusing on managing drilling fluids to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations. While their roles are similar, the term 'Mud Engineer' is more commonly used in the field, and both titles often overlap in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do mud engineers get paid?

Mud engineers, also known as drilling fluid engineers, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operation. Salaries often increase with certifications, specialized skills, and offshore or remote work environments.
More about Mud Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Mud Engineer jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Mud Engineer jobs in Arkansas are:

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For Mud Engineer jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mud Engineer jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Mud Engineer jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Mud Engineer jobs in AR?

For Mud Engineer jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Mud Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mud Engineer job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Bore Rig Operator requires experience with directional drilling or locating equipment on a drill rig for longer than six months, operating excavating equipment, drilling various types of soil - including rock, handling various types of pipe and PVC, and maintaining customer standards for installation no matter the circumstances. The Bore Rig Operator will also be expected to hand dig in various situations - including across located utilities, in highly congested areas, or in areas where equipment cannot access. They will also need to have knowledge of using a Vactron, and mixing bore mud products, or be willing to learn.

Qualifications

  • Experience with directional bore rigs and locating
  • Ability to effectively lead a crew
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Class A CDL

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

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