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Oil Rig Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... rig equipment. The Field Engineer I will apply prior field experience to ensure safe and efficient ... . * 2-4 years of Oil and Gas Field Experience (drilling experience preferred). Physical ...

... programming/troubleshooting (preferred: Allen-Bradley, Siemens). * Strong working knowledge of rig ... Knowledge of API and ISO standards relevant to oilfield equipment maintenance. * Proficiency in ...

Bilfinger's comprehensive portfolio spans the entire value chain, from consulting & engineering to ... Its process industry customers come from markets such as chemicals & petrochemicals, energy, oil ...

Bilfinger's comprehensive portfolio spans the entire value chain, from consulting & engineering to ... Its process industry customers come from markets such as chemicals & petrochemicals, energy, oil ...

... rig equipment. The Field Engineer I will apply prior field experience to ensure safe and efficient ... Oil and Gas Field Experience (drilling experience preferred).   Physical requirements * The ...

Work closely with drilling engineers, field operations, finance, legal and other stakeholders to ... upstream oil & gas, with deep exposure to drilling operations or rig contracting * Experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

Oil Rig Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$55.4K

$104K

$189.1K

How much do oil rig engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig engineer in Texas is $104,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $123,400.00 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the oil and gas industry, senior offshore oil rig engineers or drilling engineers with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and overtime. These roles typically require advanced certifications, such as Well Control or Drilling Engineering, and work in high-pressure, remote environments with long shifts.

What do engineers do on oil rigs?

Oil rig engineers are responsible for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment and systems used on offshore drilling platforms. They oversee safety protocols, ensure operational efficiency, and often work with specialized tools and technology in challenging environments, typically on rotating shifts. Their role is essential for safe and effective extraction of oil and gas resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oil Rig Engineer, and why are they important?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior oil rig engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-paying roles often involve offshore work, management responsibilities, or working for major energy companies in the oil and gas industry.

How much do engineers make on an oil rig?

Oil rig engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Offshore positions often include additional pay for hazards and shift work, with certifications like BOSIET enhancing earning potential.

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.

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 cities in Texas are hiring for Oil Rig Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Oil Rig Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Engineer job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,002 per year, or $50 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Hydraulic Systems

NABORS

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Canrig Drilling Technology is looking for an engineer with over 10 years of experience developing hydraulic systems for drilling rig's equipment for the Oil and Gas industry.  This position is for an individual contributor.
 

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.

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.
  • 10 or more years of hydraulic circuit/systems engineering design and development and successful deployment.
  • 8 years of experience as engineer in a drilling equipment OEM
  • Certified Fluid Power Engineer by IFPS
  • Proficient knowledge of equipment, drilling systems and components
  • Proficient knowledge of API, ASME, and other relevant standards related to hydraulic systems.
  • Proficient experience with drafting software such as AutoCAD and Solidworks
  • Proficient with hydraulic modeling such as Automation Studio
  • Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

Education and Training:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering, Mechanical/Structural

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES

  •  Strong analytical skills
  • 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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Office environment, and able to travel and work off site as needed.
  • Employees may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
  • Employees expect to be in manufacturing areas, repair shop and drilling rigs as part of their duties
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
  • Employees may require travel to domestic or international rig locations.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.


 

  • Develop and manage engineering design for existing products and new product development
  • Provide construction and test oversight of product that include the hydraulic circuit/system
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing, internal and external customers and Rig Operations, including on-site troubleshooting and supervision of equipment repair activities
  • 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; review and provide recommendations to engineering leadership
  • Maintain current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices 
  • Participate as the hydraulic expert in the development and design of rig drilling equipment
  • Perform detailed engineering analysis and equipment calculations to ensure compliance with project requirements
  • Coordinate work scope with sub-contractors and oversee their progress and quality
  • Any additional duties assigned by management

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