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Oil Rig Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

California Resources Corporation

Electrician

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

Perform PM's on water, oil, and gas system pneumatic controls * Work with project engineers on ... Respond to location emergencies * Assist in drilling rig and production rig moves * Provide ...

Antares

Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience in the Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Power Generation, Motorsports, or Oil and Gas ...

New

Antares

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience in the Nuclear, Aerospace, Automotive, Power Generation, Motorsports, or Oil and Gas ...

New

NABORS

RigCLOUD Technician I - California

Bakersfield, CA

$20.50 - $28/hr

By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data ... Experience with oilfield drilling or service rigs is an asset. * PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIORNMENT:

V2X

F-18 Aircraft Mechanic II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Contractor personnel shall rig, adjust, and perform preflight tests on various flight systems ... Fabricates fuel, oil, and vacuum hose lines, makes modifications of aircraft fuel equipment as ...

All JobsOil Rig Engineer JobsOil Rig Engineer Jobs in California

Oil Rig Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$110.2K

$200.3K

How much do oil rig engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig engineer in California is $110,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oil rig engineer do?

An Oil Rig Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the operation of equipment and systems used in the extraction of oil and gas from beneath the earth’s surface. They ensure that drilling processes are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Their work often involves problem-solving on-site, coordinating with other engineers and technicians, and implementing new technologies to optimize production. Oil Rig Engineers may work offshore for extended periods and must be prepared for challenging and dynamic work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil rig engineer?

To thrive as an Oil Rig Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical, petroleum, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and industry certifications like IWCF or Well Control. Familiarity with drilling software, rig monitoring systems, and safety management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are essential for managing complex operations and working in challenging environments. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensure safe, efficient drilling processes and minimize operational risks on the rig.

What are some typical challenges oil rig engineers face when working offshore, and how can they prepare for them?

Oil Rig Engineers working offshore often encounter challenges such as adapting to extended periods away from home, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need to quickly solve technical problems in a high-pressure environment. They must be prepared to work long shifts and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency. To succeed, candidates should focus on developing strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication, as well as staying up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and industry technologies.

What is the difference between Oil Rig Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectOil Rig EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in safety and drilling technologyBachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOn offshore oil rigs, overseeing operations and safetyOnshore or offshore, planning and managing drilling operations
Employer & Industry UsageOil companies, drilling contractors, offshore platformsOil companies, drilling service companies, exploration firms

Oil Rig Engineers focus on the operation and safety of offshore rigs, while Drilling Engineers plan and execute drilling projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How to get an oil rig engineer job?

To become an oil rig engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience, strong technical skills, and certifications such as H2S safety training or offshore survival are often required, along with the ability to work in challenging offshore environments and adhere to safety regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Engineer jobs in California?

For Oil Rig Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Engineer jobs in California are:

Oil Rig Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,170 per year, or $53 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Cornerstone Engineering, Inc.

Bakersfield, CA

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Senior Drilling Engineer
Company Overview
Honey Rock Engineers amp; Advisors, LLC, in partnership with Cornerstone Eng. Inc., is a leading consulting firm in oil and gas well engineering and operations. We specialize in providing technical assurance, regulatory compliance, and innovative engineering solutions across the full well lifecycle. With expertise spanning planning, execution, and optimization, our team ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective well delivery for operators across diverse drilling environments.
Role Summary
Join our team in Bakersfield, CA, for a full-time opportunity as a Senior Drilling Engineer, with California experience. This pivotal role focuses on delivering safe, reliable, and efficient wells by providing engineering design, operational planning, and real-time technical support. Collaborating closely with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams, the engineer will develop well programs, troubleshoot operational challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Salary Range: $100,000 – $175,000 depending on experience.
Key Qualifications
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in drilling engineering
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with proven ability to adapt to operational challenges.
  • Solid knowledge of drilling standards and processes, well control principles, and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficiency in drilling engineering software and data analysis tools.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and client-facing skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, or related field) is required.
Desirable Certifications
  • IWCF or IADC Well Control Certification
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Relevant OSHA or HSE training.
Scope of Work
  • Planning amp; Design – Develop well plans, casing design, mud programs, and risk assessments.
  • Execution Support – Provide real-time technical input to rig teams, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
  • Optimization – Monitor performance, benchmark results, and apply lessons learned for continuous improvement.
  • Compliance – Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, industry best practices, and client requirements.
  • Collaboration – Partner with geoscience, completions, production, and contractor teams to deliver integrated well solutions.

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