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Mud Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cnpc Usa Corporation

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 ...

M&S Engineering LLC

Civil Project Engineer (P.E.)

Spring, TX · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

M&S Engineering is seeking an experienced, licensed Civil Project Engineer (P.E.) to lead and stamp ... Proficiency in HDPE pipe/conduit specification and HDD pull force and mud pressure calculations

Premium Oilfield Technologies

MPD Operator

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Work alongside Drillers, Mud Engineers, and MPD Supervisors * Communicate effectively during shift changes for continuity * Provide feedback to improve system performance and operations What You ...

Premium Oilfield Technologies

MPD Operator

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Work alongside Drillers, Mud Engineers, and MPD Supervisors * Communicate effectively during shift changes for continuity * Provide feedback to improve system performance and operations What You ...

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

Description GPI seeks a full-time Traffic Engineer for our growing Pennsylvania operations in one ... mud, gravel, rutted ground, etc.) * Able to wear GPI required PPE, i.e., hard hats, safety vest ...

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Mechanicsburg, PA · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Description GPI seeks a full-time Traffic Engineer for our growing Pennsylvania operations in one ... mud, gravel, rutted ground, etc.) * Able to wear GPI required PPE, i.e., hard hats, safety vest ...

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Scranton, PA · On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

Description GPI seeks a full-time Traffic Engineer for our growing Pennsylvania operations in one ... mud, gravel, rutted ground, etc.) * Able to wear GPI required PPE, i.e., hard hats, safety vest ...

Thompson Engineering

Driller Assistant

Mobile, AL · On-site

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel, but based in our Mobile ... Picks up sacks filled with mud and empties the mud into the mixer container6. Monitors the fluid ...

Thompson Engineering

Driller Assistant

Dallas, TX · On-site

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel. The Driller Assistant ... Picks up sacks filled with mud and empties the mud into the mixer container6. Monitors the fluid ...

Thompson Engineering

Driller Assistant

Dallas, TX

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel. The Driller Assistant ... mud into the mixer container 6. Monitors the fluid properties of the drilling fluids (mud) 7. ...

Thompson Engineering

Driller Assistant

Lafayette, LA · On-site

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel. The Driller Assistant ... Picks up sacks filled with mud and empties the mud into the mixer container6. Monitors the fluid ...

Thompson Engineering

Driller Assistant

Westlake, LA · On-site

Thompson Engineering is looking for a Driller Assistant, willing to travel. The Driller Assistant ... Picks up sacks filled with mud and empties the mud into the mixer container6. Monitors the fluid ...

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All JobsMud Engineer Jobs

Mud Engineer information

See salary details

$83.5K

$115.8K

$122K

How much do mud engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mud engineer in the United States is $115,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $121,500.00 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 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
Infographic showing various Mud Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,787 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Cnpc Usa Corporation

Katy, TX • On-site

$90K - $119K/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 Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and development of MWD/LWD downhole tools, with an initial primary focus on high-speed mud pulse telemetry systems and new product developments (NPD). This position is a key technical role responsible for the mechanical architecture of the pulser and MWD tool assembly, including the pulser valve design, actuation mechanism, motor housing, flow path, pressure compensation, sealing, electronics packaging, and shock/vibration survivability in extreme drilling environments.


Working as part of a tightly integrated development team alongside the Electronics Engineer, Firmware Engineer, and MWD Development Lead, the Senior Mechanical Engineer will own the mechanical subsystem from concept and architecture through prototyping, qualification, field deployment, and commercialization. The ideal candidate brings a strong systems perspective and the ability to balance hydraulic, structural, thermal, and electronics-packaging requirements to deliver a reliable, high-data-rate pulse telemetry tool.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the mechanical architecture and design of MWD/LWD downhole tools, with an initial primary focus on high-speed mud pulser assemblies, from requirements definition through implementation and field release.
  • Design the pulser mechanism to achieve target pulse rate, amplitude, and signal quality for high-speed telemetry.
  • Collaborate closely with the Electronics Engineer, Firmware Engineer, and MWD Development Lead to define mechanical, electrical, and control interfaces and ensure end-to-end tool performance.
  • Define mechanical packaging for downhole electronics and sensors, including chassis, mounting, shock/vibration isolation, and thermal paths within the tool collar.
  • Design pressure barriers, sealing systems, and pressure-compensated or oil-filled sections for high-pressure, high-temperature downhole service.
  • Perform structural, modal, fatigue, and tolerance-stack analyses (hand calculations and FEA) to ensure survivability under shock, vibration, and cyclic loading.
  • Perform or direct flow/hydraulic analysis (CFD) of the pulser and flow path to optimize signal generation, minimize erosion, and manage pressure drop.
  • Select materials and surface treatments for erosion, wear, corrosion, and high-temperature resistance in drilling-fluid environments.
  • Create detailed 3D models, drawings, GD&T, and bills of materials; drive design-for-manufacturability and design-for-reliability.
  • Build and test prototypes, including flow-loop, shaker/shock, pressure, and temperature testing; analyze results and iterate the design.
  • Define and execute mechanical verification, qualification, reliability, and environmental test programs.
  • Support manufacturing, assembly, vendor management, field deployment, and product sustainment, including investigation and root-cause analysis of mechanical failures.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline; Master’s degree or above is preferred.
  • 8+ years of mechanical design and development experience, with demonstrated experience at a lead or principal level.
  • Direct, hands-on experience developing high-speed mud pulser (MWD) telemetry tools and/or other MWD/LWD or downhole drilling products.
  • Strong systems perspective, with a proven ability to integrate mechanical design with electronics, and overall tool requirements in a cross-functional team.
  • Expertise in mechanical design of high-pressure, high-temperature assemblies, including sealing, pressure barriers, and rotating or actuated mechanisms.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or NX), GD&T, and engineering drawing practices.
  • Strong analytical capability in structural, modal, fatigue, and tolerance analysis, including FEA; familiarity with CFD/flow analysis is strongly preferred.
  • Experience developing products for harsh environments, ideally including downhole, oilfield, aerospace, defense, or industrial ruggedized systems.
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping and laboratory testing, including flow-loop, shock/vibration, pressure, and temperature testing.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capability for electromechanical systems.


Preferred Experience:

  • Deep experience with mud-pulse telemetry pulsers (positive, negative, or continuous-wave/siren) and high-data-rate downhole telemetry.
  • Experience with directional drilling tools, downhole sensors, drill collars, and threaded connections.
  • Familiarity with electronics packaging, shock/vibration isolation, and thermal management for downhole electronics.
  • Experience with materials selection for erosion, wear, and corrosion in drilling-fluid environments.
  • Experience leading mechanical workstreams within an integrated MWD/LWD new product development program.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes, vendor qualification, 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.