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Petroleum Engineering Student Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Each student will work within Range's Facility Engineering group consisting of five mechanical (2 PE's), two chemical, two electrical (1 PE), and one petroleum engineer. Each Co-op student will be ...

S. and Ph.D. Petroleum Engineering students whose research is sponsored by TUFFP/TUHWALP * design and supervise the modification of existing test facilities and supervise subsequent research ...

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering (PNGE) program within EME prepares students for careers in petroleum engineering and energy resource development while emphasizing environmental stewardship ...

Post Doctorate

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Petroleum Engineering About Us The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore ...

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Petroleum Engineering Student information

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$42K

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How much do petroleum engineering student jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum engineering student in the United States is $80,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are petroleum engineering students?

Petroleum engineering students are individuals who are studying the principles and practices involved in extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They typically pursue a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, learning about geology, drilling techniques, reservoir management, and production operations. These students often participate in internships or research projects to gain practical experience and prepare for careers in the energy industry. Upon graduation, they may work as petroleum engineers, field engineers, or in other roles related to oil and gas exploration and production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Petroleum Engineering Student, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Petroleum Engineering Student, you need a solid grasp of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, along with enrollment in an accredited petroleum engineering or related engineering program. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as MATLAB, Petrel, and reservoir simulation tools is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help students excel in both academic and practical settings. These competencies are crucial for mastering complex engineering concepts, succeeding in internships, and preparing for a successful transition into the petroleum industry.

What can I do with a petroleum engineering degree?

A petroleum engineering degree prepares individuals for careers in oil and gas exploration, production, and reservoir management. Graduates often work as drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, or production engineers, utilizing skills in geology, fluid mechanics, and computer modeling. The field may require knowledge of industry-specific tools and certifications, and work environments can include on-site drilling operations or office-based analysis.

What are the job opportunities for a petroleum engineer?

Petroleum engineers have job opportunities in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining industries. They can work for energy companies, consulting firms, or government agencies, often requiring knowledge of drilling, reservoir management, and industry-specific software. Opportunities may include fieldwork, research, and project management roles.

What types of hands-on experiences or projects can a Petroleum Engineering student expect during their studies?

As a Petroleum Engineering student, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on experiences such as laboratory experiments, field trips to drilling sites, and collaborative design projects. Many programs also offer internships with oil and gas companies, where students work alongside industry professionals and gain practical exposure to drilling, reservoir management, and production operations. These experiences are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing you for the technical and teamwork challenges common in the petroleum industry.

How much does a first year petroleum engineer make?

A first-year petroleum engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location, company, and educational background. Entry-level salaries may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and the role often requires knowledge of industry-specific tools like drilling software.

Is it hard to find a job as a petroleum engineer?

Finding a job as a petroleum engineer can be competitive due to fluctuating industry demand, but strong technical skills, relevant internships, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects. Opportunities are often available in exploration, production, and consulting firms, especially in regions with active oil and gas operations.

What is the difference between Petroleum Engineering Student vs Petroleum Engineer?

AspectPetroleum Engineering StudentPetroleum Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in petroleum engineering program, no professional licenseBachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, licensed Professional Engineer (PE) often preferred
Work EnvironmentClassroom, labs, internships, field studiesField sites, offices, drilling operations, production facilities
Industry UsageLearning phase, internships, research projectsDesigning, developing, and managing oil and gas extraction projects

Petroleum engineering students are in the learning phase, focusing on coursework and internships, while petroleum engineers are professionals actively managing extraction operations and applying their knowledge in real-world settings.

More about Petroleum Engineering Student jobs
What cities are hiring for Petroleum Engineering Student jobs? Cities with the most Petroleum Engineering Student job openings:
What states have the most Petroleum Engineering Student jobs? States with the most job openings for Petroleum Engineering Student jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Petroleum Engineering Student jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Petroleum Engineering Student jobs are:
Infographic showing various Petroleum Engineering Student job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

Postdoctoral Fellow, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Postdoctoral Fellow, Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering
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Hiring Department:
Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 31, 2025
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest numbers of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation's most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin - named "America's Coolest City" by Expedia and "The Best Place to Live in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report - the Cockrell School embodies the city's innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders.
At UT Austin, we say "What starts here changes the world." As a member of the university community, you will be part of an organization that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will have meaning and make a difference not only in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students, but also those who are impacted by our first-class academic and research programs.
UT Austin provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:
  • Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
  • Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
  • Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds
  • Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
  • Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
  • Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
  • Tuition assistance
  • Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
  • Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
  • Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

General Notes
This is a temporary training position that may be renewed annually, for a maximum of five years, based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.
Purpose
The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct world-leading research, producing deliverables on time, keeping projects within budget, meeting project reporting and publication requirements, and ensuring that the project is appropriately resourced.
Responsibilities
  • Conducts state-of-the-art drilling research in the areas of hydraulics and multi-phase flow dynamics, managed pressure drilling, drill string dynamics, geothermal well construction
  • Works on proposals, R&D plans, schedules, and completion of reports on detailed phase of research projects
  • Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and staff associated with R&D projects
  • Write papers and present results at relevant professional meetings and conferences
  • Provides input on research and development inquiries, insight and direction for testing procedures and research
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in Mechanical / Petroleum Engineering received within three years of the start date. Background in computational science and multi-physics modeling, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multibody dynamics. Strong experience of scientific computational software development including proven programming experience in multiple programming languages including Python and Matlab. Strong proven record of peer-reviewed publications in the aforementioned areas. Prior experience with supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Research background in modeling of multiphase flow in pipe and porous media coupled with heat transfer. Research background in drill string dynamics, preferably using the multibody dynamics method. Familiar with drilling and well-completion technologies. Understanding of drilling tools and practices in the field. Experience in software secondary development (development of user interfaces, etc.). Successful experience in patent application. Previous experience with project supervision.
Salary
$65,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
  • May work around chemical fumes
  • May work around mechanical hazards
  • May work in standard office conditions

Physics Tasks
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Use of manual dexterity
  • May require climbing of stairs
  • May require lifting and moving

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • Sample of related publications
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
  • E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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