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Oilfield Chemical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Techforce

CHEMICAL ENGINEER

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Day to day work will involve work with pumps, heat trace, high temperature oils, drum heaters, and ... S. Chemical Engineering or similar. Familiarity with computer software and especially excel and ...

Techforce

CHEMICAL ENGINEER

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Day to day work will involve work with pumps, heat trace, high temperature oils, drum heaters, and ... S. Chemical Engineering or similar. Familiarity with computer software and especially excel and ...

FastTek

MI

Chemical Engineer II #1052487 If you're looking for a career that will provide a challenging work ... Fuel is primarily coal with some supplemental oil. * Primary equipment systems include Selective ...

Clean Harbors

Chemical Engineer

Kimball, NE

Chemical Engineering Bachelor's Degree- required * 3 years of industrial operations experience ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Clean Harbors

Chemical Engineer

Kimball, NE

Chemical Engineering Bachelor's Degree- required * 3 years of industrial operations experience ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

Clean Harbors

Chemical Engineer

Kimball, NE · On-site

$29K - $77K/yr

We Build with Passion- Clean Harbors Kimball, NE Incineration units areseeking a Chemical Engineer ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

CleanHarbors

Chemical Engineer

Kimball, NE

Chemical Engineering Bachelor's Degree- required * 3 years of industrial operations experience ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

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Oilfield Chemical Engineer information

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$87.5K

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How much do oilfield chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for oilfield chemical engineer in the United States is $87,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Oilfield Chemical Engineers face when working on-site, and how can they effectively address them?

Oilfield Chemical Engineers often encounter challenges such as harsh environmental conditions, equipment corrosion, and variability in reservoir chemistry. To address these, engineers must work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, production engineers, and field technicians—to monitor chemical treatments, troubleshoot issues, and adapt formulations as needed. Regular communication, thorough data analysis, and proactive maintenance strategies are key to ensuring both safety and optimal production performance.

What does an Oilfield Chemical Engineer do?

An Oilfield Chemical Engineer specializes in developing and applying chemical solutions to optimize oil and gas extraction processes. They design and oversee the use of chemicals that improve drilling efficiency, prevent equipment corrosion, and enhance oil recovery from reservoirs. These engineers also monitor chemical treatments to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Their work is crucial in maintaining production levels and extending the operational life of oilfields.

Can a chemical engineer work on an oil rig?

A chemical engineer can work on an oil rig, often in roles related to drilling fluids, production chemicals, or process optimization. These positions typically require knowledge of petroleum processes, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as H2S safety training or offshore survival courses.

How much does a chemical engineer make on an oil rig?

Oilfield chemical engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the operations. They often work in challenging environments, utilizing specialized knowledge of chemicals and equipment to optimize drilling and production processes.

What is the difference between Oilfield Chemical Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer?

AspectOilfield Chemical EngineerPetroleum Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, certifications in chemical safetyBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, relevant industry certifications
Work EnvironmentField sites, chemical labs, production facilitiesDrilling sites, production facilities, office settings
Industry UsageFocus on chemical treatments, corrosion control, fluid propertiesFocus on reservoir management, drilling, production optimization

Oilfield Chemical Engineers primarily work with chemical treatments and fluid management in oilfield operations, while Petroleum Engineers focus on reservoir performance and drilling strategies. Both roles require related credentials and often operate in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Can you make 300k as a chemical engineer?

Oilfield chemical engineers can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand regions or companies. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise, with senior roles and those involving management or technical specialization often reaching or exceeding this level.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior oilfield chemical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High compensation is often associated with seniority, working in high-cost regions, or in companies with large-scale operations and complex chemical management needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oilfield Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oilfield Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, experience with oil and gas production processes, and typically a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific software like Aspen HYSYS, laboratory analysis tools, and safety certifications such as HAZWOPER are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective chemical solutions in complex oilfield environments.
More about Oilfield Chemical Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Oilfield Chemical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oilfield Chemical Engineer jobs are:
Oilfield Chemical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oilfield Chemical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,487 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Staff Chemical Engineer - Oil, Gas & Chemical (Houston)

Staff Chemical Engineer - Oil, Gas & Chemical (Houston)

Burns & McDonnell

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

Burns & McDonnell is searching for a Staff Chemical Engineer to join our growing Oil, Gas & Chemical global practice in Houston, TX.  This is an exciting opportunity to grow your technical design experience and leadership skills at a 100% employee-owned firm voted as a Best Place to Work in cities across the United States.

The Oil, Gas & Chemical global practice executes complex projects across the industry, from midstream and logistics facilities and refining assets, to chemical production plants and renewables and emerging market opportunities.  This position will allow you the opportunity to bring an innovative perspective to define and develop engineering, procurement, and construction projects, and the opportunity for direct client interaction while engaging your technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Staff Chemical Engineer will work on an integrated design team within our Oil, Gas & Chemical division to perform the following duties:

  • Perform process design calculations and develop deliverables such as hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, process simulations, Heat and Material Balances (H&MB), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Perform chemical engineering design activities on projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.
  • Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, adaptation and modification of standard engineering techniques, procedures and criteria.
  • Perform work that involves conventional engineering practices but may involve a variety of complex features.
  • May coordinate departmental and divisional project studies and report preparation assignments.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering may be substituted for one year of experience.
  • 3 years of chemical engineering experience, consulting preferred.
  • Successful completion of FE exam preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the use of basic computer software (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Experience in process simulation software (i.e. HYSYS and/or Aspen Plus, HTRI) is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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