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Operations Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fervo Energy Company

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Provide drilling engineering support for all well operations within a cross-functional operations team and coordinate recovery plans during NPT events * Conduct risk assessments for all operations ...

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.

Fourpoint Energy

Senior Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Work closely with Drilling Manager, Operational Geologist(s), and Field Operations to ensure well ... Work closely with Geologists and Reservoir Engineers to perform post appraisals on all drilling ...

SLB

Digital Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX

The Digital Drilling Engineer (DDE) is responsible for the implementation, office adoption and ... operation of our business, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law If you ...

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Operations Drilling Engineer information

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$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

Fervo Energy Company
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Fervo Energy Companyexternal

$99K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, engineer, and plan well operations including well design, casing, directional drilling, and drilling procedures

  • Support and coordinate drilling operations, including managing contractors, tracking performance, and resolving non-productive time (NPT) events

  • Prepare cost estimates, track operational performance, and report lessons learned to improve future well delivery

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Fervo is working to build the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Delivering on this mission requires first-of-a-kind well designs, disciplined execution in the field, and continuous learning across the full well lifecycle. Joining Fervo's Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets real-world execution, with safety, reliability, and capital efficiency as non-negotiables.
We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design and execute advanced geothermal drilling in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for an engineer with strong drilling engineering background, deep drilling experience, and the ability to operate effectively where standard oil and gas playbooks must be adapted-or reinvented-for geothermal applications.
The Senior Drilling Engineer is responsible for well planning, design, engineering, and daily operations support. The Senior Drilling Engineer will also support contract management and work with partners and suppliers to deliver continuous improvement in drilling performance.
Requirements
Responsibilities
  • Detailed well planning including design, engineering, and drilling procedure
  • Provide drilling engineering support for all well operations within a cross-functional operations team and coordinate recovery plans during NPT events
  • Conduct risk assessments for all operations and prepare mitigation plans to ensure safe and effective delivery
  • Prepare detailed time and cost estimates and ownership of tracking plan vs actual
  • Coordinate and manage drilling contractors supporting planning and execution activities, including NPT resolution and technical review
  • Budgeting, building AFEs, and managing cost throughout operations
  • Tracking performance with micro-KPI's and driving continuous improvement initiatives in well cycle time and cost
  • Post well closeout and reporting including lessons learned and best practices to implement in future wells

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • 10+ years of experience in drilling engineering / operations (minimum 5 years with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling)?
  • Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning
  • Proficient in standard well engineering design software
  • Experience in risk assessment and well time / cost estimates
  • Planning complex drilling operations
  • Experience in executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells
  • Experience with supply chain and cost management
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (a team player)
  • Ability to develop ideas and technical proposals with aligned organization intent.
  • Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement
  • Hands-on field experience across drilling operations
  • Unwavering commitment to protecting Health, Safety, and Environment in all aspects of design and operations

Preferred
  • Experience mentoring or supporting early-career engineers
  • Experience working on first-of-a-kind, non-standard, or technically complex well designs

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