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Operations Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

AppleOne

Drilling Engineer - Oil/Gas

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$1M/yr

We are seeking a highly capable Drilling Engineer to design, plan, and safely execute development ... operations, working closely with geologists, production teams, and rig crews while strictly ...

New

NABORS

Drilling Performance Engineer

Houston, TX

The Drilling Performance Engineer plays a pivotal role at the intersection of drilling operations ... With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people ...

INTEC SEA

Offshore Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Implement safe, environmental sound and efficient well operations. Ensure that required approvals ... Drilling Supervisor in the coordination of offshore requirements and day-to-day events.

Intec Sea

Offshore Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

* Implement safe, environmental sound and efficient well operations. * Ensure that required approvals ... Drilling Supervisor in the coordination of offshore requirements and day-to-day events.

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Operations Drilling Engineer information

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How much do operations drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 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 are Operations Drilling Engineers?

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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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.
More about Operations Drilling Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Operations Drilling Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Drilling Engineer jobs are:
Operations Drilling Engineer jobs near you
Sr. Drilling Engineer

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Bedrock

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

DUTIES AND RESPSONSIBILITIES
Planning Phase:
  • Assist the well engineering activities throughout the entire well design and construction process. Ensure well design meets the well objectives and is engineered in accordance with the applicable regulations and established standards (including Indonesian Standards, NORSOK Standard D-010 and Well Construction Process, Procedures, Standards and Guidelines), safe practices, risk analysis, legislation and environment friendly manner / approach.
  • Ensure that information from offset and analogous wells, restrictions and environmental considerations meet project specifications.
  • Assist the Engineer(s), both Drilling and Well Testing, in ensuring that all the necessary inputs required for the necessary permits for the well operations are delivered within the set deadlines for the project.
  • Prepare the Technical Specifications (& Scope Of Works) for Drilling equipment, materials and services for supporting the process of purchasing / tendering. Support the Well Testing Engineers in preparations of Technical Specifications for the Well Testing / Completion equipment, materials and services.
  • Prepare final well design (including Basis of Well Design, Casing design, time / cost estimates, AFEs and drilling programs (casing and drill string designs, mud and cement programs; bit / BHA programs; coordination and incorporation of wellbore evaluation programs; well testing program; well control procedures; contingency plans; well barrier envelopes; etc.) for the planned Exploration & Appraisal well(s).
  • Assist in writing detailed procedures (Plan of Actions, POAs) for safe and efficient operations while maintaining expenditures within planned budget and schedule.
  • Assist Drilling Superintendent, Drilling Engineer and Lead Well Testing Engineer in conducting the Drill Well on Paper (DWOP), Test Well on Paper (TWOP) exercises and support in conducting the Pre-Spud meetings.
  • Assist to conduct and participate in peer reviews, peer assists, risk assessments and hazard analysis in accordance with standards, procedures and guidelines.
  • Ensure all relevant lessons learned from previous projects have been reviewed and necessary actions / plans have been utilized and implement in the well design activities.
  • Assist in maintaining and conducting regular reviews and follow-up of the Well Risk Register to capture all the project and well risks and identified actions to mitigate the risks.
  • Responsible for the preparation and conducting frequent reviews of the detailed well Master Equipment List (MEL) for all the phases/sections of the well. Assist logistics team in ensuring that all the LLIs and equipment required for the project are covered in the materials logistics plan.
  • Assist in the preparation and conducting final review of the well drilling programme.
  • Assist in the preparation and conducting final review of the well testing programme.
  • Assist in the preparation and conducting final review of the well P&A programme.
  • Prepare and conduct final review of the Well Containment Plan, Blow Out Contingency Plan and Relief Well Plan.
  • Assist in identifying and handling Management of Changes (policy dispensations and non-conformances) if and when necessary, following Company process and procedures.
  • Assist with the preparation and perform final review of key HSE and Logistics documentation (e.g. Emergency Response Plan, Oil Spill Response Plan, HSE Bridging Document, MEDEVAC Plan, H2S Contingency Plan, Helicopter Boarding Procedure, Logistics Plan, HAZID, HAZOP, Bow Tie etc).
  • Assist in preparation of the Well Control Bridging Document.
  • Assist in finalizing the equipment and tools mobilization plan.
  • Assist in the preparation and estimating the Well KPI's and develop rig operational KPI's for the project.
  • Assist in capturing the best practices, lessons learned and key performance indicators by means of the knowledge management methodologies available.

Execution/Operations Phase:
  • Ultimately, act as the office engineering support for all operations at the well site, assisting the LDE, and ensure all engineering support required for the sooth, safe, cost effective and in environmental friendly operations is provided by the engineering team while complying with the drilling programme, company policy, local regulations and best industry practices.
  • Ensure regulatory and corporate policy conformance in all well operations.
  • Ensure that required approvals are obtained prior to initiation of any activity and that the activity is then conducted in accordance with the approvals received.
  • Provide 24/7 engineering support to the operations team and manage all aspects of the well engineering itself.
  • Manage and coordinate respective service providers / contractors to ensure effective and timely delivery of required equipment and services.
  • Responsible for operational performance tracking (actual vs. planned) and providing recommendations for improvement.
  • Assist the Cost Controller and Operations Engineers for the tracking costs, and well planned vs actual schedule on a daily basis. Actively monitor costs performance during the well operations.
  • Ensure that daily and weekly project status reports to the management are delivered in time.
  • Monitor real time data and generate post operations analysis and costs studies.
  • Assist in necessary actions for managing changes in the well construction project concerning drilling planning and operations. Identify and assist in the preparation of any Management of Change (MoC) documents for policy dispensations and non-conformances and operational changes, and conduct any required risk assessments
  • Continually keep track of and follow-up of the agreed actions in the Well Risk Register and hold review of the risks register for each phases/sections as part of finalizing the operational procedures. Ensure that all the actions assigned to the engineering team are implemented.
  • Review the Daily Drilling Report, ensuring it is detailed and accurate prior to wider distribution.
  • Review the daily operational performance on the rig and suggest for improvement actions for the performance improvement and to ensure that the operational consistency is achieved.
  • Review the Daily Lookahead and assist in planning ahead for the logistical requirements.
  • Assist in the final preparations of all Plan of Actions (Work Instructions) prior to execution.
  • Assist in the Operations management, as required, as per the Emergency Response Plan.
  • Assist in any accident / incident investigations, as required.
  • Promote Cost Saving alternatives considering the risks assessment to the ALARP philosophy in the Exploration, Appraisal and Development well projects.
  • Assist in the Contracts Management, with the role of Contract Holder, for the Drilling Contracts and provide technical support for resolution of the outstanding disputes/invoices.
  • Act as Contract holder for the Drilling related contracts and ensure daily cost certification through SAP.
  • Assist in complete compliance with the equipment QA/QC requirements for all the equipment prior to being sent to the well site.
  • Review that all Non-Productive Time is accurately captured in a high level of detail and any required supporting documentation is delivered and documented in a timely manner.
  • Ensure all lessons learned are accurately captured in a high level of detail for implementation on subsequent projects.

Post Well / Project Close-out Phase:
  • Responsible for completion of the End of Well Report (EOWR), ensuring that the document is accurate and highly detailed.
  • Responsible for the close out of all outstanding field tickets and invoices.
  • Assist in conducting all the Service Quality Meetings (SQM's) / Performance Review Meetings (PRM's) / Lessons Learnt Workshop and ensure that all relevant technical inputs are documented and captured in the EOWR.
  • Assist the logistics team to ensure that all the rental items are demobilized in time and are off hired from the project.
  • Assist the logistics team to ensure all leftover materials are accurately documented and stored correctly.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

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