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Oil Rig Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Cnpc Usa Corporation

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

... of rig and hydraulic fracturing operations and wellsite execution. This combination of technical ... Translate and adapt NA best practices to Chinese assets (deep shale gas and tight oil/gas ...

Ranger

Engineering Technician

Midland, TX · On-site

Support, maintain and service rig monitoring data systems and technology packages * Install ... General knowledge of oilfield operations or experience in field service is a plus COMPUTER

NABORS

ENGINEER II

Houston, TX

... rig design, upgrade and repair. The individual will continue to expand knowledge of drilling ... the oil and gas industry, preferably engineering support for contract drilling * Bachelor of ...

NABORS

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX

$96K - $130K/yr

... improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering ... Highly proficient in drilling and oilfield structures * Proficient with structural analysis ...

Nabors Industries Limited

ENGINEER II

Houston, TX · On-site

... rig design, upgrade and repair. The individual will continue to expand knowledge of drilling ... the oil and gas industry, preferably engineering support for contract drilling * Bachelor of ...

NABORS

MPD ENGINEER II

Houston, TX · Remote

... oilfield operations. * Proficient understanding of drilling engineering, well control principles, MPD technologies, and rig operations. * Hands-on experience using engineering software for hydraulic ...

Tenaris

... rig costs, and enhance safety. * Collaborate with product development teams to connect customer ... Three (3) years of experience in a related engineering or operations role within the oil and gas ...

Nabors Industries Limited

MPD ENGINEER II

Houston, TX · On-site

... oilfield operations. * Proficient understanding of drilling engineering, well control principles, MPD technologies, and rig operations. * Hands-on experience using engineering software for hydraulic ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOil Rig Engineer JobsOil Rig Engineer Jobs in Texas

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 Aug 22, 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 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 Texas?

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Oil Rig Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Oil Rig Engineer job openings:

Oil Rig Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,002 per year, or $50 per hour.

Sr. Well Engineer

Cnpc Usa Corporation

Houston, TX • On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

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 Sr. Well Engineer with deep, hands-on North American unconventional drilling and completion (D&C) experience. This role serves as a subject-matter expert and technical bridge between North American operations and CNPC’s unconventional development teams in China, translating proven North American best practices, workflows, and lessons learned into CNPC’s shale gas and tight oil/gas assets.


This role requires extensive experience designing and executing wells across major North American unconventional plays, along with a strong understanding of both how modern drilling and completion (D&C) practices are executed and the technical, operational, and economic drivers behind their continued evolution—from extended-reach laterals and pad/cube development to high-intensity simul-frac completions. Field leadership experience as a company man, drilling superintendent, wellsite supervisor, or driller is strongly preferred, with a detailed understanding of rig and hydraulic fracturing operations and wellsite execution. This combination of technical and field expertise is essential to advising and training colleagues involved in unconventional drilling and completion operations in China and supporting the development of CNPC’s assets in China.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as CNPC’s in-house subject-matter expert on North American unconventional D&C, answering detailed technical and operational questions from drilling and completion colleagues developing unconventional assets in China.
  • Explain the rationale behind evolving North American practices—including lateral length, well spacing, completion intensity, and pad/cube development—to enable informed adaptation rather than simple replication.
  • Design and plan unconventional wells, including well trajectory and geosteering, casing and cementing programs, mud and hydraulics, BHA/bit selection, AFEs, and detailed drilling and completion procedures.
  • Translate and adapt NA best practices to Chinese assets (deep shale gas and tight oil/gas), accounting for differences in geology, well depth/temperature, HSE and regulatory frameworks, supply chain, and available equipment and services.
  • Provide operational guidance across the full well lifecycle: spud-to-TD drilling optimization, casing/liner running, cementing, plug-and-perf and other completion methods, and hydraulic fracturing execution.
  • Advise on ultra-long lateral drilling (3–4 mile), extended-reach and U-turn well designs, and management of weight transfer, torque, drag, and hole cleaning in long horizontals.
  • Advise on modern completion designs — simul-frac and trimul-frac, zipper frac, cluster and stage spacing, extreme limited entry, proppant and fluid selection, water sourcing and recycling, and electric frac fleets.
  • Support real-time operations: review daily drilling and completion reports, join morning calls, and provide remote and on-site guidance on rig-floor and frac-location decisions.
  • Capture, document, and standardize lessons learned, NPT and root-cause analyses, and “why-it-works” rationale so knowledge is transferable, teachable, and repeatable across CNPC teams.
  • Mentor and train Chinese D&C engineers and field supervisors through workshops, written procedures, benchmarking reviews, and side-by-side field work.
  • Develop D&C standards, KPIs, and workflows for CNPC’s unconventional programs, benchmarked against North American analog performance.
  • Interface with service companies, rig contractors, and technology vendors to evaluate, qualify, and deploy tools and services suited to CNPC’s assets.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent field experience.
  • 10+ years of North American unconventional drilling and completion experience, with a demonstrated track record of designing and executing wells in one or more major plays.
  • Proven and demonstrated experience with/in the following:
    • Evolving North American drilling and completion (D&C) practices, including the technical and operational drivers influencing lateral length, completion intensity, and pad development.
    • Working knowledge of the full well lifecycle, from well planning and drilling through completion, hydraulic fracturing, and handover to production.
  • Strong understanding of drilling optimization, geosteering, casing and cementing, MWD/LWD, and multistage hydraulic fracturing operations.
  • Proven ability to teach, mentor, and clearly explain technical rationale to engineers and field staff at all levels.
  • Must be willing to travel internationally, including extended assignments in China, and to work effectively with cross-cultural teams.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct D&C experience in one or more major North American unconventional plays — Permian (Midland/Delaware), Bakken/Three Forks (Williston), Eagle Ford, Marcellus/Utica, Haynesville, or Montney/Duvernay.
  • Experience with:
    • Ultra-long laterals (3-mile and longer), U-turn wells, and large-scale pad/cube development.
    • Simul-frac/trimul-frac, high-intensity slickwater completions, extreme limited entry, and produced-water sourcing and recycling.
    • Managed pressure drilling, rotary steerable systems, one-run laterals, and real-time operations (RTOC) support.
    • Field leadership as a company man, drilling superintendent, wellsite supervisor, or driller is strongly preferred, with an in-depth, real-time understanding of rig and hydraulic fracturing operations and wellsite execution.
    • Transferring technology or best practices across regions or to international assets.
  • Prior operator (E&P) experience in a D&C engineering or wellsite supervisory role.
  • Familiarity with deep and HPHT shale gas development (e.g., Haynesville / deep Bossier as an analog for deep Sichuan Basin shale) is a strong plus.
  • Fluent in Mandarin is a plus.


Work Environment:

This role operates in a professional office environment with regular work at drilling and completion wellsites and testing facilities, including periods on location in North America and China. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This role includes both office work and time at active wellsites; when on location it requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and the ability to lift 25 lbs., and adherence to site HSE requirements.


Travel:

This position requires significant overnight international and domestic travel, including extended assignments in China to support field operations and training. Local travel between other CNPC USA locations, wellsites, and testing facilities is required.


Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, it acts as a technical lead, mentor, and point of contact for CNPC drilling and completion engineers and field staff.


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 designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.



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