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Oilfield Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NRG Energy

Maintenance Mechanic

Nipton, CA · On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

NRG Energy

Maintenance Mechanic

Nipton, CA

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

NRG

Maintenance Mechanic

Nipton, CA · On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

NRG

Maintenance Mechanic

CA · On-site

$81K - $147K/yr

... oil changes, vibration monitoring, etc. * Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment (e.g ... Ability to climb ladders to rig heavy chainfalls, use air impact wrenches, heavy equipment and ...

lisina

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I

Garden Grove, CA

$25.50 - $32.50/hr

... oil and debris, returning tools to proper locations, organize part pans, and performs other ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures ...

LISI

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... oil and debris, returning tools to proper locations, organize part pans, and performs other ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures ...

LISI

MAINTENANCE MECHANIC I-1ST SHIFT

Hacienda Heights, CA · On-site

$21.72 - $28/hr

... oil and debris, returning tools to proper locations, organize part pans, and performs other ... Knowledge of forklift operation and rig heavy equipment. Familiar with Lock-out/Tag-out procedures.

NASSCO

Crane Operator - All Levels

San Diego, CA · On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

NASSCO

Crane Operator - All Levels

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

NASSCO

Crane Operator - All Levels

San Diego, CA · On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

NASSCO

Crane Operator - All Levels

San Diego, CA · On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

NASSCO

Crane Operator - All Levels

San Diego, CA · On-site

$33.15 - $36.50/hr

Rig machinery and material in and out of ships. * Provide data into log books relating to lifts ... greases, oil, and cleaning solvents. Personal protective equipment required. Physical/Mental ...

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All JobsOilfield Rig JobsOilfield Rig Jobs in California

Oilfield Rig information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$45

How much do oilfield rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for oilfield rig in California is $24.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.60 and $23.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Oilfield Rig vs Oilfield Derrickhand?

AspectOilfield RigOilfield Derrickhand
Primary RoleEquipment setup, operation, and maintenance of drilling rigsAssists in the operation and maintenance of the drilling derrick and hoisting equipment
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, possibly CDL or specialized rig certificationsSafety training, basic rig operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, often outdoors in remote areasOn-site in the derrick area, working at heights and with heavy machinery
Industry UsageCommonly referenced in drilling operations and rig setupSpecific to derrick operations and hoisting tasks within drilling crews

In summary, an Oilfield Rig refers to the entire drilling equipment setup and operation, while an Oilfield Derrickhand specializes in working within the derrick, assisting with hoisting and equipment handling. Both roles are essential in drilling operations and share similar safety and technical certifications.

What is an oilfield rig?

Oilfield rigs are large, complex machines used to drill wells into the earth to extract oil and natural gas. These rigs can be located on land or offshore and are equipped with specialized equipment for drilling, pumping, and managing well operations. Oilfield rigs play a critical role in the exploration and production phase of the oil and gas industry, providing the infrastructure needed to reach and produce hydrocarbons from deep underground. The crew working on these rigs includes drillers, roughnecks, engineers, and other specialists, all working together to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What are some common challenges faced by oilfield rig workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Oilfield Rig workers often encounter challenges such as extreme weather conditions, physically demanding tasks, and extended periods away from home. Effective management includes adhering strictly to safety protocols, participating in regular training programs, and maintaining strong communication with team members. Building physical endurance and resilience, as well as fostering a supportive team environment, are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring both personal safety and job satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oilfield rig worker?

To thrive as an Oilfield Rig Worker, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a solid understanding of safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized safety training. Experience with drilling equipment, hydraulic systems, and certifications such as H2S Alive or Well Control are commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding workers apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and minimizing risks in demanding and hazardous environments.

How much does a job on an oilfield rig pay?

Oilfield rig workers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but entry-level positions such as roustabouts typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, while more skilled roles like drillers and toolpushers can earn over $100,000 per year. Many rig jobs also include overtime pay, shift differentials, and benefits, with some positions requiring certifications like H2S or BOP training.

How do you get hired on an oilfield rig?

To get hired as an oilfield rig worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as H2S and OSHA, and physical fitness for demanding work environments. Applying through staffing agencies, oil companies, or online job boards, along with demonstrating a willingness to work long shifts and in remote locations, increases employment chances.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oilfield Rig jobs in California? The most popular types of Oilfield Rig jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Oilfield Rig jobs in California? For Oilfield Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oilfield Rig jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Oilfield Rig jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Oilfield Rig jobs? Cities in California with the most Oilfield Rig job openings:
Oilfield Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oilfield Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,096 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Director Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical - Power Conversion

Valar Atomics

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Valar Atomics
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The Role
Our HTGR power conversion system will be built around a secondary loop Brayton cycle, high-speed turbomachinery operating on helium, sCO2, and even air at extreme temperatures and pressures, paired with development generator sets and a purpose-built test facility program. The Director of IC&E for Power Conversion owns the full instrumentation, control, and electrical architecture across this system: from early R&D and rig design through test facility construction, commissioning, and ultimately integrated plant operation.
This role demands someone who can operate at two levels simultaneously with a hands-on technical authority who understands turbomachinery dynamics, high-speed generator control, and test system instrumentation at a deep level, and a team leader who builds and develops the IC&E organization around the power conversion program. Candidates from oil & gas, aerospace propulsion, industrial turbomachinery, or power generation are strongly preferred. Nuclear background is a plus, not a prerequisite.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership - Turbomachinery & Power Conversion
  • Own the IC&E design basis for the primary to secondary coolant loop Brayton cycle power conversion unit (PCU), including compressor, turbine, recuperator, and intercooler control systems
  • Define instrumentation strategy for high-speed rotating machinery - shaft dynamics, vibration monitoring, tip clearance, temperature, pressure, and flow measurement in helium environments
  • Develop control system architecture for turbomachinery startup, shutdown, load following, trip logic, and speed/load governing
  • Lead IC&E design for development generator sets - excitation systems, voltage regulation, synchronization, protection relays, and grid interface or islanded operation schemes
  • Establish electrical power distribution design for the power conversion facility: MV/LV switchgear, variable frequency drives (VFDs), power electronics, and auxiliary systems

Test Facility Design, Construction & Commissioning
  • Lead IC&E scope for the design and construction of turbomachinery development and test facilities - from instrumentation layout and data acquisition architecture through facility electrical design
  • Own IC&E commissioning planning and execution
  • Establish instrumentation calibration programs, measurement uncertainty budgets, and data quality standards for development testing

Program & Team Leadership
  • Build, lead, and mentor the power conversion IC&E engineering team across disciplines, controls, instrumentation, electrical, and data systems
  • Define team structure, staffing plans, and competency roadmap as the program scales from R&D through construction and commissioning phases
  • Manage IC&E scope, schedule, and budget within the broader power conversion program
  • Select and manage IC&E vendors, system integrators, and instrumentation suppliers; define qualification, calibration, and acceptance requirements
  • Collaborate closely with turbomachinery, mechanical, thermal-hydraulics, systems engineering, and the reactor IC&E team to ensure integrated plant control architecture is coherent across the PCU-reactor interface

Phase Continuity
  • Carry IC&E ownership across all power conversion program phases: conceptual design → detailed engineering → test facility procurement and construction → commissioning and integrated testing → reactor plant integration

You Will Be Successful in This Role If
  • You enjoy solving first-of-a-kind engineering challenges where there is no existing playbook
  • You communicate effectively with executives, regulators, customers, and engineering teams, translating complex technical concepts into clear decisions.
  • You thrive in fast-moving environments where priorities evolve, but safety and engineering quality remain uncompromising.

Basic Qualifications
  • 15+ years of engineering experience in instrumentation, control systems, and/or electrical design for rotating machinery, turbomachinery, or high-performance industrial systems
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with turbomachinery control systems - speed governing, surge protection, bearing monitoring, trip logic, or equivalent
  • Experience leading IC&E scope on test facilities, development rigs, or capital construction projects
  • Strong foundation in electrical systems design: switchgear, motor drives, protection and controls, and facility power distribution
  • Experience managing IC&E teams and vendor relationships across multiple project phases

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience with high-speed generators, excitation systems, and power conversion electronics
  • Background in Brayton cycle, gas turbine, or compressor-expander systems
  • Familiarity with helium or other working fluid systems and associated instrumentation challenges (low viscosity, high thermal conductivity, leak detection)
  • Experience with high-bandwidth data acquisition systems and dynamic measurement in rotating machinery applications
  • Nuclear industry experience, commercial, defense, or national laboratory particularly in power conversion or balance-of-plant systems
  • Knowledge of relevant standards: API 670 (machinery protection), IEEE 1023 (nuclear BOP control), IEC 61511 (functional safety), NFPA 70/79
  • PE license (Instrumentation, Control, or Electrical) a plus

What We Offer
  • Competitive base salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
  • Generous PPE stipend
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
  • The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Salary
$225,000-$300,000 USD

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