ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Phd Petroleum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airswift

Petroleum Engineer II

Spring, TX · On-site

Petroleum Engineer II Duration: 1 year assignment Location: Spring, TX Rotation: 5/40 Position ... A PhD would be beneficial. About Airswift Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Applicants must have a PhD in Petroleum Engineering or be senior PhD students in Petroleum Engineering or a closely related discipline. Prior industry experience in drilling hydraulics design or ...

Airswift

Geomechanics Numerical Modeler

Spring, TX · On-site

Petroleum Engineering * Geophysics * Geology * Or a related technical discipline * Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred. * 5-15 years of experience applying geomechanical modeling to subsurface ...

Axens North America

Senior Technology Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Education * BS, MS, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or relevant discipline required. Work Experience * Seven or more (7+) years of experience in the petrochemical and/or ...

K2 Group, Inc.

General Engineer

Arlington, VA

... , petroleum products, fire protection systems, generators, and natural gas systems. A crucial ... PhD or Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering * Experience working as a Licensed ...

K2 Group, Inc.

General Engineer

Arlington, VA

... , petroleum products, fire protection systems, generators, and natural gas systems. A crucial ... PhD or Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering * Experience working as a Licensed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhd Petroleum Engineer Jobs

Phd Petroleum Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$80K

$136K

How much do phd petroleum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd petroleum engineer 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 types of interdisciplinary collaboration can a PhD Petroleum Engineer expect in their daily work?

As a PhD Petroleum Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with professionals from various disciplines such as geologists, reservoir engineers, data scientists, and environmental specialists. Your advanced expertise often positions you as a key contributor in research-driven teams working on complex projects like enhanced oil recovery, carbon capture, or sustainable drilling technologies. These collaborations foster innovative solutions by integrating different perspectives and technical skills, and they are essential for tackling the multifaceted challenges present in modern petroleum engineering. You can expect regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and cross-functional research initiatives as part of your routine.

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

To thrive as a PhD Petroleum Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in reservoir engineering, drilling, and production, supported by a doctoral degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. Expertise in simulation software (such as Petrel, Eclipse, or CMG), data analytics, and familiarity with industry standards are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for driving innovation, optimizing resource extraction, and ensuring safe, efficient energy production in a technically complex industry.

What is the difference between Phd Petroleum Engineer vs Reservoir Engineer?

AspectPhd Petroleum EngineerReservoir Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Petroleum Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Petroleum Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch, academia, advanced industry R&DField development, reservoir modeling, production optimization
Industry UsageResearch institutions, oil companies, academiaOil and gas companies, exploration and production firms

The main difference is that a Phd Petroleum Engineer typically focuses on research, advanced analysis, and academic roles, requiring a doctoral degree. In contrast, a Reservoir Engineer usually works directly on reservoir management, field development, and production optimization, often with a bachelor's or master's degree. Both roles are vital in the petroleum industry but serve different functions and career paths.

What does a PhD Petroleum Engineer do?

A PhD Petroleum Engineer conducts advanced research and develops innovative technologies for the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas. They often work in academia, research institutions, or leadership roles in the energy industry, focusing on complex problems such as reservoir engineering, enhanced oil recovery, and sustainable energy solutions. Their expertise allows them to design and optimize processes, improve efficiency, and address environmental concerns related to petroleum engineering. They may also mentor students or junior engineers and publish research findings.
More about Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Phd Petroleum Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs are:
Phd Petroleum Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Petroleum Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Petroleum Engineer II

Petroleum Engineer II

Airswift

Spring, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Petroleum Engineer II
Duration: 1 year assignment
Location: Spring, TX
Rotation: 5/40
Position Overview
This opportunity is suited to an engineering professional with strong reservoir simulation expertise supporting carbon storage and subsurface evaluation activity. The role will focus on testing hypotheses related to CO2 injection and storage through simulation work, while contributing technical insight to a collaborative team environment. This position offers the chance to apply advanced engineering judgement, interpret simulation outcomes, and provide clear recommendations to support project objectives. The role sits within a technically demanding environment connected to energy, chemicals, and subsurface operations.
Role Context
This position is based within a refinery and chemical complex environment and supports work linked to the creation of a CO2 storage site. The role forms part of a team of Reservoir Simulation Engineers and Geologists, with responsibilities connected to reservoir management, production understanding, and simulation-led technical assessment in an upstream, petrochemical, chemical, refinery, or similar industrial setting.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support reservoir management strategies and surveillance plans, including short-term adjustments that align with operational constraints while maintaining longer-term recovery objectives.
  • Run simulations to test CO2 injection and storage hypotheses, interpret technical results, and provide well-reasoned recommendations.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date wellbore hydraulic models and ensure accessibility to relevant technical teams through defined repositories.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify opportunities, execute technical studies, and optimise well performance.
  • Analyse, validate, and upload pressure data, including review of fluid density assumptions, downhole parameters, and determination of missing inputs where required.
  • Apply engineering knowledge independently on routine and complex tasks, solve technical problems across multiple areas, and represent the local workgroup when needed.
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
  • At least 5 years of reservoir simulation experience.
  • Knowledge of petroleum engineering operations and production methods for oil and natural gas recovery.
  • Experience with reservoir surveillance, modelling, wellbore performance modelling, or practical reservoir pressure applications such as field surveillance and optimisation.
  • Understanding of production and well optimisation, including artificial lift systems and practical troubleshooting or diagnostic activity.
  • Familiarity with integrated production modelling applications and pressure analysis tools such as Kappa.
  • Ability to understand, explain, and make recommendations based on technical results.
  • Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and operate independently in most situations.
  • Excel proficiency is required.
  • Knowledge of ECLIPSE or INTERSECT simulators and Python would be advantageous.
  • A PhD would be beneficial.
About Airswift
Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the energy, process and infrastructure industries. Airswift serves as a strategic partner to our clients, offering a turnkey workforce solution to capture and deliver the top talent needed to complete successful projects by aligning with the unique needs of our clients. With over 1000 employees and 9,000 contractors operating in over 60 countries, our geographical reach and pool of talent available is unmatched in the industry and the level of experience, exposure, and expertise that the organization has is unparalleled. If you would like to be considered for this role and would like further details, please apply now!
#LI-AP5

Apply