1

Mud Engineer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

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

Be Seen First

... traffic, mud, dust, and active construction sites. Overtime or weekend work may be required ... engineering, and support roles. As a utility construction and network infrastructure company ...

HDD Drill Operators

Joplin, MO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Mears is a leading provider of engineering and construction solutions in oil and gas, electric ... Implement measures to control mud and fluid discharges * Participate in daily job hazard analyses ...

Mud Engineer information

See Missouri salary details

$78.3K

$108.6K

$114.4K

How much do mud engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for mud engineer in Missouri is $108,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $114,000.00 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Mud Engineer jobs in Missouri? For Mud Engineer jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mud Engineer jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Mud Engineer jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Mud Engineer jobs in MO? For Mud Engineer jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mud Engineer job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,608 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

TERRACON

Saint Louis, MO

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Limited or no experience required
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
Preferred Certification and Skills:
  • Experience in diesel mechanics, welding, fabrication, heavy equipment operation, and construction.
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.
  • This is an entry level position. No experience is required.
  • The employee will be expected perform following tasks:
    • Load tooling and materials.
    • Assist in drilling operations and instrumentation and monitoring well installation.
    • Collect soil and rock samples and log field data.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
    • Perform basic surveying and site reconnaissance.
    • Drive a medium-duty truck and trailer.
    • Learn to inspect and how to maintain equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

What Terracon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom