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Operations Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Lead drilling engineering and consulting efforts * Develop detailed well designs and comprehensive ... Provide project oversight for safe, efficient, and compliant field operations * Monitor project ...

ProSidian Consulting

Drilling Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Company Description ProSidian is a Management and Operations Consulting Services firm that delivers ... ProSidian.com. ProSidian Seeks a Drilling Engineer | Technical Due Diligence & Engineering ...

SM-Energy Company

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Midland, TX · On-site

The Drilling Engineer's expertise will contribute to efficient and consistent well delivery, ensuring sound well construction and profitability of our operations. Role & Responsibilities

InterMoor

DRILLING ENGINEER

Bismarck, ND

Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems. 2.Confer with scientific ... Maintain records of drilling and production operations. 11.Specify and supervise well modification ...

Ovintiv, Inc.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Continually strive for operational improvements to cut costs, enhance safety and reduce cycle times ... Partner closely with Drilling Managers, Drilling Engineers, Field Coordinators, and Wellsite ...

FHLB Des Moines

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning ... The role provides technical assistance to drilling operations staff, drives continuous improvement ...

SLB

Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The WEC Drilling Engineer provides real-time support to PSD operations as required, and is responsible for the COSD (i.e. resource consumption.) Develop technical job designs as required for the ...

Devon Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning ... The role provides technical assistance to drilling operations staff, drives continuous improvement ...

Devon Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

The role provides technical assistance to drilling operations staff, drives continuous improvement ... Performs drilling engineering work requiring application of complex techniques, procedures, and ...

SLB

Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The WEC Drilling Engineer provides real-time support to PSD operations as required, and is responsible for the COSD (i.e. resource consumption.) * Develop technical job designs as required for the ...

Bedrock

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Execution/Operations Phase: * Ultimately, act as the office engineering support for all operations ... Review the Daily Drilling Report, ensuring it is detailed and accurate prior to wider distribution.

Onesubsea

Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The WEC Drilling Engineer provides real-time support to PSD operations as required, and is responsible for the COSD (i.e. resource consumption.) * Develop technical job designs as required for the ...

ASRC

Drilling Engineer - ACES

Anchorage, AK

As part of the drilling engineering team, you will deliver engineering design, program preparation and operational support on new and existing wells. Working with multi-disciplinary teams, you will ...

NTG Staffing

Contract Drilling Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Our Client is currently looking for a contact drilling engineer for a 6-9 month assignment in the ... Work schedule will be prioritized around operational activity (Periodic nights and weekends will be ...

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Operations Drilling Engineer information

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$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do operations drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations drilling engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations drilling engineer?

Operations Drilling Engineers are professionals responsible for planning, overseeing, and optimizing the drilling of wells in the oil and gas industry. They design drilling programs, select appropriate equipment, and ensure that drilling operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations. Their work involves close collaboration with geologists, rig crews, and other engineers to minimize costs and environmental impact while maximizing productivity. They also troubleshoot issues that arise during drilling and play a critical role in ensuring well integrity and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations drilling engineer?

To thrive as an Operations Drilling Engineer, you need a strong background in petroleum engineering, drilling practices, and geology, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with drilling engineering software (such as Landmark or WellView), well control certifications, and knowledge of industry safety standards are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and handling unexpected drilling challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations in complex environments.

What are some common challenges an operations drilling engineer faces when coordinating between on-site personnel and office teams?

Operations Drilling Engineers often serve as the crucial link between field crews and office-based teams, which can present challenges such as ensuring clear communication, aligning operational goals, and managing real-time problem-solving. Balancing immediate drilling needs with broader company objectives requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing drilling conditions and unexpected issues, while keeping all stakeholders informed and aligned, is a key part of the role. This environment helps develop resilience and fosters effective teamwork, making it a dynamic and rewarding position for those who thrive on collaboration.

What is the difference between Operations Drilling Engineer vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectOperations Drilling EngineerDrilling Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesDesigns and plans drilling operations, ensures safety and efficiency, collaborates with teamsOversees daily drilling activities, manages personnel, enforces safety protocols
CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field, relevant certificationsSimilar credentials, often with additional supervisory training
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, technical planningOn-site management of drilling operations
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil and gas companies for technical planningTypically found in operational management roles on drilling sites

While both roles are integral to drilling operations, the Operations Drilling Engineer focuses on technical planning and design, whereas the Drilling Supervisor manages daily site activities and personnel. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the drilling industry.

More about Operations Drilling Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Operations Drilling Engineer jobs?

For Operations Drilling Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Operations Drilling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Caturus Management Services, LLC
See more jobs at Caturus Management Services, LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Senior Drilling Engineer
Department: Upstream Operations - Drilling & Completions
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: US TX Houston - Corporate Office
Description
About Us:
The Caturus platform founded by Kimmeridge - an alternative asset manager focused on the energy sector - supports Kimmeridge's overarching goal of providing low-cost energy on demand with the lowest carbon footprint.
Kimmeridge's vision in creating Caturus is to build the only independent, fully integrated natural gas and LNG export platform in the U.S. through a combination of its upstream operations and via Commonwealth LNG, a 9.5 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas export terminal in southwestern Louisiana on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The combined entities are committed to delivering responsibly sourced, low-emission fuel to domestic and international markets.
Caturus is a Houston-based, private exploration and production company seeking to materially grow production through development of deep, high pressure, dry gas windows of the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk, as well as Haynesville formations located in Texas and Louisiana while maintaining a relentless focus on safety.
Commonwealth LNG was founded by industry veterans who decided to re-engineer the LNG construction model. Using proven best practices, Commonwealth is committed to building a world-class LNG export facility while focusing on safety, managing risk and achieving best-in-class environmental standards.
Job Description
Position Summary:
Caturus Energy is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer with expertise in Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and experience in High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) environments. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in planning and executing complex well designs, optimizing drilling performance, and ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
While prior experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk, and Eagle Ford formations is a plus, it is not a requirement. The successful candidate will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including geologists, reservoir engineers, and operations personnel, to deliver high-quality drilling programs in challenging environments.
Key Accountabilities:
Drilling Engineering & Well Design
  • Design, plan, and execute drilling programs with a focus on MPD techniques to optimize wellbore stability and pressure control.
  • Apply HTHP drilling best practices to mitigate downhole risks and ensure well integrity.
  • Evaluate offset well data to improve drilling efficiency and minimize non-productive time (NPT).
  • Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to optimize well trajectories and target intervals.

Operations & Execution
  • Provide real-time technical support to rig-site teams for MPD and conventional drilling operations.
  • Implement and monitor drilling optimization strategies, including ROP (Rate of Penetration) management, bit selection, and drilling fluid optimization.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for drilling dysfunctions, well control events, and formation-related challenges.
  • Coordinate with service providers and vendors to ensure the use of cutting-edge MPD technologies.

Safety, Compliance & Performance Optimization
  • Ensure adherence to HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for complex drilling scenarios.
  • Utilize data analytics and performance tracking tools to drive continuous improvement.
  • Implement lessons learned from previous drilling operations to enhance best practices.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration
  • Mentor and train field team in MPD and HTHP drilling methodologies.
  • Participate in drilling optimization workshops and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Support budgeting and cost estimation for drilling projects to optimize economic performance.

Qualifications
Education, Certificates, and Licenses:
  • Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineer, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required.

Experience:
  • 10+ years of experience as a Drilling Engineer with a strong focus on Managed Pressure Drilling Proven track record in HTHP well operations and experience handling well control challenges Experience in Haynesville, Austin Chalk or Eagle Ford a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Proficiency in drilling engineering software (e.g., K&M ERA, WellView, Corva, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of pressure management techniques, well control, and fluid dynamics.
  • Knowledge of downhole tools, BHA design, and MPD choke systems.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting field operations as needed.

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