1

Oil Rig Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Python Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Lab testing of all software with the rig simulator * Provide technical support to field technicians ... Experience in Oil & Gas Drilling is preferred Physical Requirements / Working Conditions * The ...

Support rig-level execution to ensure optimal tool performance and customer satisfaction ... Minimum 5 years of oilfield experience; 10+ years preferred. * Strong US Land drilling experience ...

Support rig-level execution to ensure optimal tool performance and customer satisfaction ... Minimum 5 years of oilfield experience; 10+ years preferred. * Strong US Land drilling experience ...

The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager. Nabors is a leading provider of ... By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data ...

Internship, co-op, or project experience related to heavy equipment, capital equipment, oilfield ... Familiarity with hoisting equipment, pipe handling equipment, structural frames, or drilling rig ...

MPD ENGINEER III

Houston, TX · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

... oilfield operations. * Advanced understanding of drilling engineering, well control principles, MPD technologies, rig operations, and HSE expectations. * Demonstrated experience leading technical ...

Production Technician III

Karnes City, TX · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

... Oversee rig-up and rig-down of sand knockouts, ESDs, flowback iron, open-top tanks, and ... leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals ...

Support rig-up and rig-down activities * Perform routine equipment inspections and basic ... leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals ...

Project Manager, Automation Performance

Houston, TX · On-site

$87K - $114K/yr

NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil and gas industry ... NOV Rig Technologies makes and supports the world's most advanced drilling solutions. To learn more ...

Provide value-added services to oil and gas operators by offering detailed recommendations to ... Provide on-site technical support to rig personnel, ensuring optimal performance during bit/tool ...

Provide value-added services to oil and gas operators by offering detailed recommendations to ... Provide on-site technical support to rig personnel, ensuring optimal performance during bit/tool ...

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management is preferred; or equivalent combination of ...

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management is preferred; or equivalent combination of ...

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management is preferred; or equivalent combination of ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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.

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description


Mechanical Engineer I supports the design, analysis, documentation, manufacturing, and lifecycle of capital equipment used on land drilling rigs. This entry-level engineering role contributes to the development and continuous improvement of mechanical systems, structures, assemblies, and components used in drilling applications. The position works closely with senior engineers, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, field service, and operations teams to ensure products are safe, reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and aligned with customer and industry requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare and maintain mechanical designs, layouts, models, drawings, bills of materials, and engineering documentation for drilling rig equipment, structures, and mechanical assemblies.
  • Support product development activities from concept through detailed design, prototype support, manufacturing release, and field implementation.
  • Perform basic engineering calculations and analyses related to strength of materials, structural loading, machine design, hydraulics interfaces, bolted joints, weldments, and mechanical fit-up.
  • Use 3D CAD and engineering tools to create models, drawings, assemblies, and design revisions in accordance with company standards and design practices.
  • Assist with finite element analysis, hand calculations, design reviews, tolerance checks, and validation activities under the guidance of senior engineering personnel.
  • Investigate design, manufacturing, assembly, and field issues; document findings; and support corrective actions, design improvements, and product reliability initiatives.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, operations, and field service teams to improve manufacturability, cost, assembly efficiency, maintainability, and service performance.
  • Support the selection and specification of materials, purchased components, fasteners, bearings, bushings, hydraulic interfaces, structural members, and fabricated parts.
  • Review supplier and shop feedback to identify opportunities for standardization, simplification, cost reduction, and improved equipment performance.
  • Prepare and maintain engineering change requests, technical reports, test documentation, risk assessments, and design verification records.
  • Participate in design reviews, failure reviews, root cause analysis, field support discussions, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Perform work in accordance with applicable company procedures, safety requirements, quality expectations, and industry standards relevant to drilling equipment.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Zero to two years of relevant experience in mechanical design, manufacturing support, product development, or equipment engineering.
  • Working knowledge of core mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, machine design, fluid power fundamentals, and materials selection.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar design tools.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, welding symbols, and bills of materials.
  • Basic understanding of fabricated structures, machined components, bolted joints, welded assemblies, and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and technical communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, field service, and operations personnel.
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of managing assigned tasks with appropriate guidance and follow-up.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer-in-Training certification or progress toward Fundamentals of Engineering certification.
  • Internship, co-op, or project experience related to heavy equipment, capital equipment, oilfield equipment, drilling rigs, machinery, structural design, manufacturing, or field service support.
  • Exposure to finite element analysis, mechanical simulation, fatigue concepts, structural analysis, or design verification methods.
  • Familiarity with hydraulic systems.
  • Familiarity with rotating machinery.
  • Familiarity with hoisting equipment, pipe handling equipment, structural frames, or drilling rig floor equipment.
  • Knowledge of welding, machining, fabrication, assembly processes, inspection methods, and design for manufacturability.
  • Familiarity with engineering standards and practices applicable to drilling equipment, structural components, lifting devices, machinery, and industrial safety.
  • Experience using product data management, enterprise resource planning, or engineering change management systems.

Key Competencies
  • Mechanical design and machine design fundamentals.
  • Structural and mechanical analysis.
  • Manufacturing support and design for manufacturability.
  • Technical documentation and engineering change control.
  • Problem solving, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.
  • Cross-functional communication and collaboration

#LI-JA1
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.
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