ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Petroleum Engineering Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Midland, TX · On-site +1

$108K - $150K/yr

... Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines. * Experience in research ... technology development or consulting. * Previous experience in an integrated oil or international ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Greeley, CO · On-site +1

$108K - $150K/yr

... Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines. * Experience in research ... technology development or consulting. * Previous experience in an integrated oil or international ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$108K - $150K/yr

... Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines. * Experience in research ... technology development or consulting. * Previous experience in an integrated oil or international ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Minot, ND · On-site +1

$108K - $150K/yr

... Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines. * Experience in research ... technology development or consulting. * Previous experience in an integrated oil or international ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer Intern

Midland, TX · On-site +1

$10K/mo

Petroleum engineering interns are assigned to production and reservoir engineering positions and ... Experience in research, technology development, or consulting. * Previous experience in an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPetroleum Engineering Research Jobs

Petroleum Engineering Research information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do petroleum engineering research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum engineering research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is petroleum engineering research?

Petroleum engineering research involves studying and developing methods to efficiently extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs. Researchers in this field work on improving drilling techniques, enhancing oil recovery, and making extraction more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Their work often combines geology, chemistry, and advanced engineering principles to address challenges like reservoir depletion and sustainability. Petroleum engineering research is vital for meeting global energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in petroleum engineering research?

Success in Petroleum Engineering Research requires a strong background in engineering principles, geology, mathematics, and typically a degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. Familiarity with reservoir simulation software, modeling tools like MATLAB, and industry-specific data analysis platforms is crucial, along with relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top researchers in collaborative and innovative environments. These competencies are vital to advancing efficient recovery methods, ensuring safety, and driving technological progress in the energy sector.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in petroleum engineering research?

Professionals in petroleum engineering research often encounter complex challenges such as designing experiments to simulate real reservoir conditions, interpreting vast datasets, and staying current with evolving technologies. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, data scientists, and field engineers—is essential to address these challenges effectively. Proactive communication, continuous learning, and leveraging advanced simulation tools can help researchers overcome obstacles and contribute valuable insights to the development of more efficient extraction methods.

What is the difference between Petroleum Engineering Research vs Reservoir Engineering?

AspectPetroleum Engineering ResearchReservoir Engineering
CredentialsDegree in Petroleum Engineering or related field, possibly with research experienceDegree in Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, or related field, often with professional certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry R&D centersOil fields, production facilities, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on developing new technologies, improving extraction methods, and academic researchFocuses on managing and optimizing oil and gas reservoir production

Petroleum Engineering Research primarily involves developing new technologies and conducting academic or industrial research, while Reservoir Engineering concentrates on managing and optimizing the extraction of hydrocarbons from reservoirs. Both roles require a background in petroleum engineering but differ in their focus and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Petroleum Engineering Research jobs?

For Petroleum Engineering Research jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Petroleum Engineering Research job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Assistant Professor Position - Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering - Fall 2024

Austin, TX • On-site

The University of Texas at Austin
Education • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The University of Texas at Austinexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The University of Texas at Austin's Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (UT PGE) is a world leader in petroleum engineering research, education, training, and outreach. The department is dedicated to advancing a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. We seek applicants to fill a faculty position at the tenure-track rank of assistant professor. A successful candidate will be expected to create undergraduate and graduate learning environments that address the needs of students from a variety of backgrounds, with differing learning styles and abilities, develop externally sponsored research programs, collaborate with faculty from a wide range of backgrounds, and be involved in service to the university and the engineering profession. A Ph.D. in petroleum engineering or a related discipline is required.
We look for candidates who can bring new complementary ideas and skills to our research program and are interested in engaging key stakeholders in the industry and government. UT PGE's faculty and students work and study using state-of-the-art equipment and expanding laboratory and instructional space. Interdisciplinary work is promoted and rewarded in collaboration with other departments of the Cockrell School of Engineering, the top-ranked Jackson School of Geosciences as well as other related colleges and organizations. UT's reputation, accomplishments, and continued top ranking in undergraduate and graduate education by US News and World Report make it one of the most attractive centers of research investment for industry, foundations, and governmental agencies.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in petroleum engineering or a related discipline is required.
We are interested in candidates who specialize in areas that enable a sustainable, affordable, and secure energy supply. We are especially interested in candidates who will conduct research in the areas of geothermal energy, unconventional hydrocarbon production, produced water management, hydrogen, carbon removal, carbon management, decarbonization of heavy industry, geological carbon and hydrogen storage, and offshore energy infrastructure.
Application Instructions
Apply online at www.pge.utexas.edu. Interested candidates will be asked to submit a detailed curriculum vitae including academic and professional experience, two statements describing their philosophy and goals regarding teaching (limit: 2 pages) and research (limit: 3 pages), and a list of peer-reviewed publications and other technical papers. Applicants should also provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references.
The application deadline for full consideration is December 31, 2023. A security-sensitive background check will be conducted on selected applicants.

What University Of Texas at Austin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply