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Oil Rig Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

NABORS

AUTOMATION ENGINEER II

Houston, TX · On-site

The Rig Automation Technology Engineer II , within Rig Automation Technology - NCS Engineering ... Minimum three years of oil and gas industry experience , with working knowledge of drilling rig ...

NOV, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Work with Product Engineering to create Design Verification Reviews and Procedures. * Review ...

National Oilwell Varco

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Work with Product Engineering to create Design Verification Reviews and Procedures. * Review ...

NOV, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... Rig Technologies NOV is a leading provider of technology, equipment, and services to the global oil ... Work with Product Engineering to create Design Verification Reviews and Procedures. * Review ...

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 ...

NABORS

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

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

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

Cnpc Usa Corporation

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/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 ...

Cnpc USA

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsOil Rig Engineer JobsOil Rig Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Oil Rig Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$56.8K

$106.6K

$193.8K

How much do oil rig engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig engineer in Houston, TX is $106,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $126,500.00 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 Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Oil Rig Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Rig Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Oil Rig Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Oil Rig Engineer job openings:

Oil Rig Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,555 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

AUTOMATION ENGINEER II

Houston, TX • On-site

NABORS
See more jobs at NABORSexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Rig Automation Technology Engineer II, within Rig Automation Technology - NCS Engineering & Technical, supports the development, integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of new and existing drilling rig automation technologies.

The position serves as a technical link between engineering development and field execution, working closely with Controls & Automation, EMS Technical Support, Rig Engineering, Rig Operations, and third-party suppliers to deliver safe, reliable, and field-proven solutions.

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.
  • Preferably Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum three years of oil and gas industry experience, with working knowledge of drilling rig components and drilling operations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
  • Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks and ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working for a drilling contractor or organization directly involved in drilling operations.
  • Hands-on experience with drilling rig equipment, automation systems, commissioning, deployment, or troubleshooting.
  • Basic understanding of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and familiarity with Studio 5000 for diagnostics, logic review, and basic troubleshooting.

Behavioral Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, field-focused approach.
  • Demonstrates ownership, accountability, reliability, and commitment to completing assigned work.
  • Organized and dependable in managing priorities, meetings, follow-up actions, and project commitments.
  • Demonstrates initiative to participate in field testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and development activities.
  • Works effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, operations, field, and supplier teams.

Technical Competencies

  • Ability to perform basic engineering calculations related to mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and drilling rig systems.
  • Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulics, electrical systems, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and integrated rig automation systems.
  • Willingness to expand learning to PLC-based control systems, Allen-Bradley platforms, and machine-vision technologies.
  • Ability to support systematic troubleshooting and identify practical improvements to equipment and automation systems.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

  • Ability to travel to domestic and international rig-up yards, test yards, and operating drilling rigs, approximately 25% of time worked.
  • Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated rig structures, including the rig floor and racking board, while wearing required PPE and fall-protection equipment.
  • Ability to work in office, yard, and drilling-rig environments and safely access equipment for testing, commissioning, inspection, and troubleshooting.

#LI-TM007

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.

  • Perform basic engineering calculations and technical evaluations to assess the safety, suitability, and feasibility of designs and applications.
  • Support the integration, testing, commissioning, deployment, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of drilling rig automation systems.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional requirements, FMECA, test procedures, commissioning reports, troubleshooting guides, field reports, and as-built records.
  • Review drawings, specifications, manuals, and technical data to support evaluation of feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements.
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams and third-party suppliers to support field execution, testing, troubleshooting, quality, and project deliverables.
  • Expand technical knowledge through hands-on engineering assignments, field exposure, testing, and commissioning activities.

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