ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Phd Petroleum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SLB

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $133K/yr

... MS or PhD) in Geophysics, Geoscience, Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical ... Engineering, Applied Math, or equivalent. Experience with AI/ML model integration, deployment, and ...

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 ...

AT Process Technologies

Chemical Engineer

Waltham, MA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

S., or PhD in Chemical Engineer, Process Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a similar field * 5+ years of professional experience in chemical engineering from pilot to production scale * High ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsFuel JobsFuel Technician 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 Sep 2, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD petroleum engineer?

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 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 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.

Is a PhD in petroleum engineering worth it?

A PhD in petroleum engineering can lead to advanced research, teaching positions, and specialized roles in the oil and gas industry. However, it requires significant time and investment, and job prospects often depend on industry demand, technical skills, and experience.

Is there a PhD in petroleum engineering?

Yes, a PhD in petroleum engineering is a doctoral degree that involves advanced research and specialization in areas such as reservoir engineering, drilling, and production. It prepares individuals for careers in research, academia, or high-level technical roles within the oil and gas industry.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Non Tenure Track Faculty-Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

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 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin seeks applicants for undergraduate petroleum engineering for potential future teaching needs. We are not actively recruiting for a position at this time but will keep your application on file and notify you should be actively seeking lecturers.
Positions are part-time to full-time, depending on need and instructor breadth of expertise, all being contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding. Positions are annually renewable, contingent on funding and performance.
Qualifications
A PhD in petroleum engineering or a closely related field is preferred, but exceptions can be made for applicants with a Master's degree, pertinent expertise and substantial work experience. Previous teaching and/or training experience is preferred. Industry work experience is considered an advantage. Applicants are desired with expertise and desire to teach in any area of petroleum engineering, but there is particular need for undergraduate capstone engineering design and oil and gas economic evaluation. Full and part time positions are possible depending on alignment of candidate expertise and available courses. SALARY: Dependent on position and qualifications.
Application Instructions
Interested persons should submit a detailed resume including academic, training, and technical experience, a statement regarding their specific teaching interests and qualifications, and a list of three references.

What University Of Texas at Austin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply