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Oil Rig Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Engineer Operations PS NEX

Midland, TX · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Key Accountabilities/Essential Functions -Review all job designs before every rig up. -Be the ... About Us The Evolving Oil Field Demands Evolving Service Providers NexTier is a leading provider of ...

Engineer Operations PS NEX

Midland, TX

$67K - $91K/yr

Key Accountabilities/Essential Functions -Review all job designs before every rig up. -Be the ... The Evolving Oil Field Demands Evolving Service Providers NexTier is a leading provider of ...

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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.
Technical Sales Engineer

Technical Sales Engineer

NOV, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


NOV rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 418 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description
Technical Sales Engineer
Business Unit: Downhole
Location: Houston, TX
Reports To: Sales Director
Travel: Up to 25%
Position Summary
The Technical Sales Engineer (TSE) is a revenue-driving technical leader supporting the Downhole Drilling Tools rental business in the US Land market. This role plays a critical part in accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies, expanding NOV's market presence, and delivering measurable performance improvements to customers.
The TSE owns technical engagement within assigned accounts while serving as a regional subject matter expert for new and advanced drilling solutions. Success in this role requires strong drilling expertise, commercial instinct, and the ability to influence decisions at both the rig site and customer management level.
Key Responsibilities Emerging Technology Commercialization & Market Expansion
  • Lead field deployment and customer adoption of new and emerging drilling technologies.
  • Drive commercialization efforts by demonstrating clear technical and economic value through field results and data-driven presentations.
  • Identify early-adopter opportunities within assigned and target accounts.
  • Accelerate revenue growth by expanding NOV's footprint with integrated multi-product rental solutions.
  • Provide structured field feedback to NOV Engineering to support rapid product refinement and competitive differentiation.
  • Serve as the regional technical champion for advanced drilling solutions.

Revenue & Account Growth
  • Drive revenue growth within assigned accounts through proactive technical engagement and opportunity identification.
  • Identify and convert competitive displacement opportunities.
  • Influence BHA design and tool selection to increase NOV product utilization.
  • Support the Sales Director in executing account strategies and growth plans.
  • Represent NOV at customer meetings, field visits, and technical reviews to strengthen long-term partnerships.

Technical Execution & Performance Leadership
  • Serve as the primary technical advisor to customers on drilling tools and applications.
  • Analyze drilling and tool performance data to identify optimization opportunities and communicate value.
  • Deliver performance reports, run summaries, and technical presentations that clearly quantify results.
  • Support rig-level execution to ensure optimal tool performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinate closely with NOV Operations and NOV Engineering to ensure technical alignment and rapid issue resolution.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning
  • Maintain strong awareness of competitive tools, technologies, and market activity.
  • Provide actionable field intelligence to support pricing and product strategy.
  • Anticipate customer technical challenges and proactively position NOV solutions.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required.
  • Minimum 5 years of oilfield experience; 10+ years preferred.
  • Strong US Land drilling experience required.
  • Proven background in drilling motors, friction reduction tools, vibration mitigation tools, BHA design, drilling optimization, rental tool operations, and technical sales.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting new product introduction or technology adoption.

Technical Expertise
  • Advanced knowledge of drilling tools and BHA components
  • Drilling dynamics and performance optimization
  • Drill string systems and integrated tool solutions
  • Drilling data analysis and performance interpretation
  • Technical presentations and customer-facing reporting
  • Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Behavioral Profile
  • Commercially driven with strong ownership mindset
  • Technically credible and confident in customer-facing environments
  • Innovative and adaptable with a growth-oriented mindset
  • Composed under operational pressure
  • Highly self-motivated and opportunity-focused
  • Strong communicator with ability to influence at multiple levels

Working Conditions
  • Up to 25% travel within US Land
  • Field engagement required; schedule flexibility to support operations

What NOV employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


NOV logo

About NOV

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Throughout every region in the world and across every area of drilling and production, our family of companies has provided the technical expertise, advanced equipment and operational support necessary for success. We have the people, capabilities and vision to serve the needs of a challenging and evolving industry. One the world can’t live without. We are a global family of thousands of individuals, working as one team to create lasting impact for ourselves, our customers and the communities where we live and work. We take responsibility for each other and our company’s future, knowing that personal ownership leads to broader success. We believe in purposeful innovation because we see what others do not and we act. Through business innovation, product creation and service delivery, we are driven to power the industry that powers the world better.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1841