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Oil Rig Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 Career Site

ENGINEER II

Houston, TX · On-site

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

Cnpc USA

$77K - $105K/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 ...

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Oil Rig Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do oil rig engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for oil rig engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 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.
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Cities with the most Oil Rig Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Oil Rig Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Oil Rig Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Oil Rig Engineer jobs?

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

Oil Rig Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX • On-site

Nabors Industries Limited
Oil and Gas Extraction • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Nabors Industries Limitedexternal

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Serve as a lead contributing Structural engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling structures and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Manage capital construction projects from planning through execution, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Develop and manage structural engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification / Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight and final drawing approval and issuance
  • Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above
  • Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting, condition assessment, repair planning and oversite
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices
  • Maintain current knowledge of new project management techniques and practices
  • 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; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees
  • Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
  • Assists in audits of sub-contractors
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 9+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling and oilfield structures
  • Proficient with structural analysis, preferably SolidWorks Simulation, StruCAD, SAFI, and/or RISA 3D
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Project

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Civil/Structural
  • Work experience at mast / derrick / substructure manufacturer, including designing API 4F structures
  • Familiarity with field inspection and leading field repair of drilling structures.
  • Working knowledge of project management tools including cost estimations, contracts, and scheduling.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.
  • Management and leadership concepts including leading people, driving results, leading change, business acumen, and building coalitions.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems.
  • Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performers
  • 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

Technical Competencies
  • Knowledge of global and local analysis of drilling structures, including designing to API 4F
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation.
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are lifted, moved, assembled and raised
    • How drilling structures and equipment skids are fabricated and repaired.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASCE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Construction, fabrication and manufacturing concepts related to drilling rigs.
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and explain drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers

physical requirements / working conditions
Engineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked.
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.

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