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Mud Engineer Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.25/hr

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 Baton Rouge, LA

Mud Engineer information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$74.9K

$103.8K

$109.4K

How much do mud engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for mud engineer in Baton Rouge, LA is $103,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are mud engineers?

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.

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.

What does a Mud Engineer do?

A Mud Engineer, also known as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, is responsible for designing, testing, and managing drilling fluids used during oil and gas well drilling. They ensure the fluids maintain well stability, control pressure, and prevent contamination, often working with specialized equipment and requiring knowledge of geology and chemistry. The role typically involves monitoring fluid properties and making adjustments to optimize drilling operations.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications or security clearances.

Is it hard being a Mud Engineer?

Being a Mud Engineer involves working in challenging environments, often on offshore or remote sites, and requires technical knowledge of drilling fluids and equipment. The job can involve long hours, physical labor, and adherence to safety protocols, making it demanding but essential in the drilling process.

What Is the Job of a Mud Engineer?

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 some 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.
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Mud Engineer jobs near you
Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Driller Assistant - Baton Rouge

Tetra Tech

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Like working outdoors?  Want an entry level position with FULL BENEFITS that could lead to a career in test drilling? 

Ardaman & Associates, Inc. is one of the largest geotechnical, materials testing, and environmental engineering consulting firms in the Southeastern U.S. Ardaman has the following opportunity available:


DRILLER ASSISTANT

Our Baton Rouge office has an opportunity available for a Driller Trainee.  A driller trainee will assist the crew chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site investigation/geotechnical drilling is done to determine the soil characteristics on sites to be developed as building, roadways and bridges. Work is outdoors.  The work is generally physically demanding.  However, safety is in our work is an uncompromised value and we are proud of our safety record.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in drilling operations.
  • Expedite field supplies.
  • Perform duties at multiple job sites.
  • Perform yard duties at direction of supervisor.
  • Assist in measuring test boring locations
  • Load and unload trucks.
  • Smoothly and quickly connect and disconnect the lower parts of the drill pipe when it is being lowered into and raised from the hole.
  • Catch samples of drilled cuttings to be analyzed.
  • Clean and maintain equipment.
  • Help move drilling rig and equipment from site to site and set up.
  • Dig and clean mud pits and drains.
  • Assist with well development and pumping tests.
  • Operate equipment such as pumps for air, water and mud, and equipment and tools used to correct problems in drilled holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural conditions.
  • Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, including lubrication and cleaning.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience preferred, but will train

  • Mechanical skills preferred

  • Class A or Class B CDL license a plus

  • Must be able to obtain DOT Medical Examiners Certificate or have current certificate prior to employment

  • Available to work overtime, out of town, and weekends as required to meet client schedules

  • Ability to lift drill steel and materials weighing up to 80 lbs.

  • Must pass company background checks including drug screen

  • Must have acceptable driving record within company standards

  • Local candidates preferred; no relocation assistance.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, and much more.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ardaman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, who is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Ardaman is a Drug Free Workplace.

We invite applications from all interested parties.  No agencies.

Learn about Ardaman and explore our open positions at www.ardaman.com

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Additional Information
  • Organization: 113 AAI

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