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Petroleum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aramco

Petroleum Engineering Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

Aramco Americas Company Research Science Specialist (1704) Production Technology Staff - Houston ... Provides expert technical advice and guidance in either a broad or specialized area of petroleum ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Petroleum Engineer - Full Time

Minot, ND · On-site +1

$118K - $138K/yr

As a Petroleum Engineer, you could begin your career in Chevron's domestic Upstream operations or research-focused Center of Excellence (COE) spending your first 5-10 years in a combination of ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Hobbs, NM · On-site

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Perryton, TX · On-site

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Hobbs, NM · On-site

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Woodward, OK · On-site

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Perryton, TX · On-site

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Woodward, OK · On-site

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ...

Mewbourne Oil Company

Petroleum Engineer

Hobbs, NM · On-site

Stay up to date on industry advancements and research new technologies to improve extraction ... S. in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering. * 2-5 years of O&G Engineering experience. * Oil and gas ...

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Petroleum Research information

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$10

$33

$73

How much do petroleum research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for petroleum research in the United States is $33.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get a PhD in petroleum engineering?

Yes, petroleum engineering research roles often require or prefer candidates with a PhD in petroleum engineering or related fields. A PhD provides advanced knowledge in reservoir simulation, drilling, and production techniques, and is typically pursued through graduate programs that include coursework, research, and a dissertation.

What is the difference between Petroleum Research vs Petroleum Geologist?

AspectPetroleum ResearchPetroleum Geologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Geology, Geophysics, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, corporate offices, field studiesField sites, exploration areas, geological surveys
Industry UsageResearch and development, upstream oil companiesExploration, site assessment, geological mapping
Common Search/ComparisonPetroleum ResearchPetroleum Geologist

Petroleum Research focuses on analyzing data, developing new extraction methods, and improving technologies within the industry. Petroleum Geologists primarily explore and assess geological formations to locate oil reserves. While both roles require geoscience knowledge, Petroleum Research is more lab and data-oriented, whereas Petroleum Geologists are more field and exploration-focused.

Will AI take over petroleum engineering?

Petroleum engineering involves complex tasks such as reservoir modeling, drilling, and production optimization that require human expertise and decision-making. While AI tools can assist with data analysis and automation, they are unlikely to fully replace petroleum engineers, who interpret results and make strategic decisions in dynamic environments. Skills in data analysis, software, and industry knowledge remain essential for the profession.

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

To thrive as a Petroleum Researcher, you need a solid background in geology, chemistry, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as petroleum engineering or geoscience. Familiarity with technical tools like reservoir simulation software, seismic interpretation systems, and laboratory analysis equipment, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you stand out in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing innovative solutions, optimizing resource extraction, and ensuring safety and efficiency in the petroleum industry.

What is petroleum research?

Petroleum research involves studying the properties, extraction methods, and development of oil and natural gas resources. It often includes analyzing geological data, using specialized tools like seismic imaging, and requires knowledge of chemistry and engineering principles to improve exploration and production techniques.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in petroleum research, and how are they addressed within teams?

Professionals in petroleum research often encounter challenges such as unpredictable subsurface conditions, evolving environmental regulations, and integrating new technologies. These challenges are usually addressed through close multidisciplinary teamwork, combining expertise in geology, engineering, and data science to develop innovative solutions. Regular collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential, and companies often provide ongoing training and access to advanced simulation tools to help teams stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

What is the highest paid job in the oil field?

In the oil field, the highest paid roles are often senior engineering positions such as Petroleum Engineers or drilling engineers, especially those with extensive experience and specialized skills. Executive roles like Oil and Gas Directors or Vice Presidents also command high salaries, typically overseeing operations and strategic planning. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and significant industry experience.
More about Petroleum Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Petroleum Research jobs? Cities with the most Petroleum Research job openings:
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Petroleum Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Petroleum Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,232 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Petroleum Engineering Specialist

Petroleum Engineering Specialist

Aramco

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Aramco Americas Company
Research Science Specialist (1704)
Production Technology Staff - Houston, TX - Full Time
OVERVIEW:
Provides expert technical advice and guidance in either a broad or specialized area of petroleum research. Because of his/her recognized technical capability, experience and judgment he/she makes a unique and substantial personal contribution in his/her area of expertise.
This position provides opportunity for continued advancement of individuals of outstanding technical capability who make substantial and essential contributions on an individual basis. This includes (1) individuals of broader experience and of demonstrated ability and good judgment, and (2) individuals who are expert in a particular specialized area of petroleum research. Particularly, he/she will work in a collaborative research and development environment involving the advanced materials development for upstream oil and gas applications in the areas of productivity enhancement including fracturing and matrix stimulation fluids, sand control, water shutoff to increase production and recovery from conventional and unconventional reservoirs; and develop new products and technologies in these areas. The increasing size and complexity of Saudi Aramco's producing operations and the related petroleum engineering support requires AACO to have in-house expertise in various specialized areas.
The Engineering Advisor, Senior Engineering Advisor and Engineering Consultant positions provide for this expertise at increasing levels of recognized competence and demonstrated ability to communicate with Management and working associates and to convert technical expertise into practical recommendations regarding budget items, operating procedures, etc. Apart from the broader areas of Reservoir and Production Engineering, specialized areas in which individuals have been previously placed in Advisor and Senior Advisor positions include: Reservoir Simulation, Formulation Evaluation, Completions, and Long-Range Planning.
Advisor and Consultant recommendations have an immediate impact upon operating procedures and new project definitions which often have individual impact in the millions of dollars. These positions will also often head special task forces to solve individual problems.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
  • Leads and/or participates in research and development efforts involving the advanced materials for upstream oil and gas production applications in the areas of productivity enhancement, stimulation fluids, sand control and unconventional gas.
  • Has laboratory experience in advanced materials and their characterization and oilfield application methodologies.
  • Keeps current with significant developments in the field of specialization and industry trends and technologies. This includes synthesizing or formulating new chemicals, design customized experimental setup and procedure, and evaluate performance for the products.
  • Demonstrates ability to perform material characterization and testing using an assortment of analytical instrument and methods, e.g. NMR, FT-IR, TGA, elemental analysis, GC-MS, HPLC.
  • Designs and carries out advanced materials development with minimum supervision in a collaborative research environment.
  • Develops new intellectual property, work with IP personnel to patent developed technology.
  • Has ability to disseminate results through high impact journal publications, reports and presentations.
  • Provides and manages a safe, accident-free laboratory environment and follows all company safety rules in performing job duties.
  • Leads collaborative research with other R&D areas of the company, e.g., organic chemistry, process engineering, applications, etc. for increased intellectual property opportunities and future business advancement of AACO or Saudi Aramco.
  • Serves as a leader scientist or participates in major investigative projects as assigned.
  • Specifies design criteria and relevant operating parameters for development of BI's and/or new projects within his/her area of expertise.
  • Participates in project technical reviews and reviews proposals for new or changed operating procedures on his/her area of expertise to ensure efficient and economic operations.
  • Conducts economic studies on cost analysis as appropriate to resolve alternative causes of action relative to his/her area of expertise.
  • Originates ideas for improvements, develops a basis for required field testing and Management review, analyses results and recommends new or changed procedures and/or facilities.
  • Recommends, designs and oversees suitable outside investigations to resolve problems which exceed current engineering knowledge in his/her specialty.
  • Represents AACO and Saudi Aramco in technical contacts with Shareholders and SAG representatives dealing with company procedures or proposed operations relative to his/her area of expertise.
  • Makes presentations to AACO Management, to Shareholder Program Review, or to various Shareholder Technical Meetings, as appropriate.
  • Represents AACO and Saudi Aramco in dealings with manufacturers, vendors, outside consultants, etc. within his/her area of expertise.
  • Conducts seminars, prepares manuals, and trains and develops Aramco engineers and operating personnel in his/her area of expertise.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • B.S. in engineering or equivalent technical field. M.S or PhD is highly preferred but not required; intensive industry training including appropriate specialized courses and seminars is expected.
  • Typically has ten (10) years of related experience including at least the last five (5) years in intensive experience in his/her area of expertise.
  • Must be able to communicate and comprehend both orally and in writing, accurately, clearly and concisely in English at the high level required to perform the job as outlined.
  • Must be clearly recognized by both his/her supervisors and colleagues as thoroughly qualified and highly competent in his/her area of expertise. Must have demonstrated ability to communicate ideas clearly to work effectively with others, and to utilize his/her technical knowledge to achieve practical results. AACO and Saudi Aramco management must have confidence in his/her judgment and recommendations.

NO THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES ACCEPTED

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