ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Offshore Rig Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

bp

Graduate - Wells Engineer - Houston, TX

Houston, TX · On-site

This is a three-year program with a 12-18-month offshore rig rotation. Performing a field role has ... Wells Engineering encompasses the design, construction and maintenance of wells to safely and ...

T Baker Smith

Offshore Surveyor

Prairieville, LA · On-site

Positioning will range from a final position report on a rig move to complex construction projects ... Offshore trips can vary from a few days in the case of a rig move or inshore survey to four to six ...

Elite Workforce

Offshore Rigger

Gray, LA

$22 - $28.50/hr

Rig Pass Certification Experience Requirements * Previous offshore rigging experience preferred ... Experience working on offshore vessels, platforms, or marine construction projects preferred.

Electra Link Inc

AutoCAD Designer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... offshore rig installations, including complete audiovisual, structured cabling, security, and ... Create and maintain drawings in accordance with project requirements, construction documents, and ...

Performance Energy Services, LLC

SCAFFOLD LEADERMAN

Gray, LA · On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

... Offshore Personnel) and in confined spaces. * Assist construction personnel with various projects including but not limited to: * Rig equipment loads and complete various construction projects ...

Performance Energy Services, LLC

SCAFFOLD HELPER

Gray, LA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Onshore/Offshore REPORTS TO: Foreman/Supervisor/Superintendent FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt UPDATED DATE ... construction personnel with various projects including but not limited to: rig equipment loads ...

SLB

Field Deployment Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

The offshore Field Deployment Lead (FDL) is responsible for the implementation, rig adoption and ... construction KPIs. Checking results of the computations and configuring computation parameters.

New

Onesubsea

Field Deployment Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The offshore Field Deployment Lead (FDL) is responsible for the implementation, rig adoption and ... Well construction workflows * Real-time operations and monitoring * Wellsite connectivity

Gulf Crane Services, INC

Rigger

Duson, LA

$19.50 - $25/hr

Perform rigging activities associated with offshore construction, maintenance, equipment installation, and material handling. * Rig loads for lifting and movement by cranes, hoists, chain falls, come ...

Gulf Crane Services, INC

Rigger

Duson, LA · On-site

$19.50 - $25/hr

Perform rigging activities associated with offshore construction, maintenance, equipment installation, and material handling. * Rig loads for lifting and movement by cranes, hoists, chain falls, come ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsPiping JobsPipefitter JobsOffshore Rig Construction Jobs

Offshore Rig Construction information

See salary details

$5

$46

$83

How much do offshore rig construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore rig construction in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is offshore rig construction?

Offshore rig construction is the process of designing, building, and assembling large structures used for oil and gas exploration and production in bodies of water. These rigs are engineered to withstand harsh marine environments and are typically built in shipyards before being transported and installed at sea. The construction process involves various disciplines, including engineering, welding, heavy lifting, and project management, to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout the build.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in offshore rig construction, and why are they important?

To succeed in Offshore Rig Construction, you need expertise in structural engineering, mechanical skills, safety protocols, and typically a relevant technical degree or trade certification. Familiarity with construction management software, offshore safety certifications like BOSIET, and experience with heavy machinery and welding equipment are crucial. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help individuals excel in the demanding offshore environment. These skills ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to regulatory standards in challenging and hazardous conditions.

What are some common challenges faced during offshore rig construction projects, and how are they typically addressed?

Offshore rig construction projects often face challenges such as harsh weather conditions, complex logistics for transporting materials and equipment, and strict safety regulations. Teams address these by thorough planning, using advanced project management tools, and maintaining clear communication among engineers, safety officers, and supply chain coordinators. Regular safety drills and ongoing training are crucial for handling emergencies, while detailed scheduling helps minimize delays caused by unpredictable weather. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams ensures that technical and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

What is the difference between Offshore Rig Construction vs Offshore Rig Maintenance?

AspectOffshore Rig ConstructionOffshore Rig Maintenance
CertificationsWelding, safety, and construction certificationsSafety, inspection, and repair certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, new rig assemblyOperational rigs, ongoing repairs
Industry UsageBuilding new offshore rigsMaintaining and repairing existing rigs

Offshore Rig Construction involves building new offshore platforms from the ground up, requiring construction skills and certifications. Offshore Rig Maintenance focuses on inspecting, repairing, and maintaining existing rigs to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Both roles are essential in the offshore oil and gas industry but differ in their primary tasks and work environments.

How can I get a job on an offshore rig?

To work as an offshore rig worker, you typically need relevant certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), a strong safety record, and experience in the oil and gas industry. Applying through specialized recruitment agencies or directly to offshore companies, and being prepared for physically demanding conditions and shift schedules, are common steps to secure employment in this field.
More about Offshore Rig Construction jobs

What job categories do people searching Offshore Rig Construction jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Offshore Rig Construction jobs are:

Offshore Rig Construction jobs near you
Infographic showing various Offshore Rig Construction job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,884 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Principal Engineer

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Serve as an experienced, lead Mechanical engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling rigs and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Responsible for drilling equipment system design, engineering for equipment upgrades, troubleshooting of existing equipment, and evaluation / selection of new equipment. 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 execute 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 - from conceptualization through execution.
  • 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
  • Leads failure analysis and participates in root cause analysis for drilling machinery
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment 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
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment. Reviews 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
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling equipment, systems, and components - including both equipment design & troubleshooting
  • Proficient with analysis software, preferably SolidWorks Simulation and Ansys, etc.
  • Intimately familiar with API equipment design codes and inspection/repair codes
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Mechanical Engineering
  • Experience with maintenance (including predictive), preservation, life extension of drilling equipment.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. Dependable and adaptable to change
  • 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
  • Good interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude

TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Knowledge of machine design concepts and mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and thermal fluid concepts (thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics)
  • Ability to establish design inputs and perform engineering calculations such as finite element analysis
  • Ability to check drawings, perform tolerance stack up verification, prepare assembly instructions, and bill of materials. Able to read, interpret, and explain mechanical system drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers
  • Able to estimate & quantify real world effects of design changes and perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed changes
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling equipment, structures, well control, and process/utility systems. Drilling operations and rig crew functions.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, ASHRAE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).

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.

What Nabors Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply