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Offshore Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Service Engineer

Odessa, TX

$103K - $136K/yr

... Offshore drilling rigs. This role applies advanced technical knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems to optimize equipment performance, reduce operational inefficiencies, and ...

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You are to successfully support the Design and Construction of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units by ... You will work in direct support of an Engineer at the direction of the drafting supervisor JOB ...

Principal Geologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... offshore drilling platforms * Experience with ROV/AUV operations and subsea geological sampling techniques * Knowledge of reservoir engineering principles and geothermal fluid dynamics

Offshore Methods Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Asset Based Services , Drilling , Energy Carriers , Offshore Wind , Sustainable Infrastructures ... Engineering co-ordination meetings * Interface meetings with Client, other Contractors and Sub ...

... drilling related operations Requirements: Employer will accept a Bachelor's degree in Engineering ... execute offshore drilling programs under complex and high-risk environments. 4.Experience with ...

Assembler II

Odessa, TX

$16.25 - $20/hr

Demonstrated ability to read engineering drawings and specifications. * Demonstrated ability to read hydraulic schematics. * Experience working with offshore drilling equipment, specifically BOP and ...

... drilling related operations Requirements: Employer will accept a Bachelor's degree in Engineering ... execute offshore drilling programs under complex and high-risk environments. 4.Experience with ...

... drilling related operations Requirements: Employer will accept a Bachelor's degree in Engineering ... execute offshore drilling programs under complex and high-risk environments. 4.Experience with ...

... drilling related operations Requirements: Employer will accept a Bachelor's degree in Engineering ... execute offshore drilling programs under complex and high-risk environments. 4.Experience with ...

Assembler II

Odessa, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Demonstrated ability to read engineering drawings and specifications. * Demonstrated ability to read hydraulic schematics. * Experience working with offshore drilling equipment, specifically BOP and ...

Showing results 21-40

Offshore Drilling Engineer information

See salary details

$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do offshore drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for offshore drilling engineer in the United States is $116,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by offshore drilling engineers when working on remote rigs?

Offshore Drilling Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to extended periods away from home, working in harsh weather conditions, and ensuring safety standards are strictly followed in a high-risk environment. Communication and coordination with multidisciplinary teams, both onshore and offshore, are essential to manage drilling operations efficiently. The role also requires quick problem-solving skills to address unexpected technical issues that may arise during drilling, making adaptability and resilience crucial qualities for success.

What does an offshore drilling engineer do?

An offshore drilling engineer oversees oil and gas drilling operations on a rig or other similar facility. In this role, you are involved in all stages of production, from creating the early planning blueprints to removing equipment and capping the well. Before planning out the drilling operations, you discuss the scope and budget of the project with your employer. Then you select, design, or customize equipment necessary for the project and supervise the installation and operations of the machines. Once the equipment is in place, you inspect it to make sure it works properly and troubleshoot any problems or malfunctions that occur during drilling.

How much does an offshore drilling engineer make?

An offshore drilling engineer's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operations. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher wages, often supplemented by offshore allowances and overtime pay.

What does an offshore drilling engineer do?

An Offshore Drilling Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing drilling operations on offshore oil and gas rigs. Their main duties include ensuring the safe and efficient extraction of hydrocarbons beneath the ocean floor, selecting appropriate drilling equipment and techniques, and solving technical challenges that arise during drilling. They also collaborate with geologists, safety officers, and other engineers to minimize environmental impact and comply with safety regulations. Offshore Drilling Engineers often work in challenging and remote environments, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Offshore Drilling Engineer vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectOffshore Drilling EngineerDrilling Supervisor
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drilling technologyExperience in drilling operations, leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning drilling operations, often on offshore rigsOverseeing daily drilling activities, managing crews on-site
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas companies, drilling contractorsOil & gas companies, drilling contractors

While both roles are integral to offshore drilling operations, Offshore Drilling Engineers focus on planning and technical design, whereas Drilling Supervisors oversee daily operations and team management on-site. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in offshore drilling projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offshore drilling engineer?

To thrive as an Offshore Drilling Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum, mechanical, or drilling engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and offshore certifications like BOSIET. Familiarity with drilling management software, well control systems, and knowledge of industry regulations are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure situations and collaborating with diverse offshore teams. These skills are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance in challenging offshore environments.
What cities are hiring for Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Offshore Drilling Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Offshore Drilling Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Offshore Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Senior Engineer- Structural

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


Serve as a lead contributing Structural engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling structures and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Manage capital construction projects from planning through execution, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Develop and manage structural engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification / Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight and final drawing approval and issuance
  • Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above
  • Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting, condition assessment, repair planning and oversite
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices
  • Maintain current knowledge of new project management techniques and practices
  • Review research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data supporting team and project needs to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications
  • Review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees
  • Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
  • Assists in audits of sub-contractors
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling and oilfield structures
  • Proficient with structural analysis, preferably SolidWorks Simulation, StruCAD, SAFI, and/or RISA 3D
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Project

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Civil/Structural
  • Work experience at mast / derrick / substructure manufacturer, including designing API 4F structures
  • Familiarity with field inspection and leading field repair of drilling structures.
  • Working knowledge of project management tools including cost estimations, contracts, and scheduling.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.
  • Management and leadership concepts including leading people, driving results, leading change, business acumen, and building coalitions.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems.
  • Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performers
  • Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal direction
  • Dependable and adaptable to change
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Technical Competencies
  • Knowledge of global and local analysis of drilling structures, including designing to API 4F
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation.
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are lifted, moved, assembled and raised
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are fabricated and repaired.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASCE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Construction, fabrication and manufacturing concepts related to drilling rigs.
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and explain drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers

physical requirements / working conditions
Engineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked.
About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

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