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Phd Petroleum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Technology Engineer

Houston, TX ยท 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 ...

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 ...

... , 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 ...

... , 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 ...

Our broad objectives center on the continual development and improvement of petroleum refining ... S. degree with 4-5 years of relevant work experience/ PhD with 2-3 yrs of experience. * Developed ...

Masters or PHD preferred Benefits * Competitive Salary * Medical, dental, and supplemental ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Masters or PHD preferred * Competitive Salary * Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance * 401K ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Masters or PHD preferred Benefits * Competitive Salary * Medical, dental, and supplemental ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Lead FEA Mechanical Design Engineer

Rosemont, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $130K/yr

Our broad objectives center on the continual development and improvement of petroleum refining ... S. degree with 4-5 years of relevant work experience/ PhD with 2-3 yrs of experience. * Strong ...

Masters or PHD preferred Benefits * Competitive Salary * Medical, dental, and supplemental ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Masters or PHD preferred * Competitive Salary * Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance * 401K ... Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery ...

Showing results 21-40

Phd Petroleum Engineer information

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$42K

$80K

$136K

How much do phd petroleum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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?

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:
Infographic showing various Phd Petroleum Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Thermal Sciences (MS/PhD)

Exponent Inc.

Menlo Park, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clientsโ€™ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, youโ€™ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

We are currently seeking a Principal Engineer for our Thermal Sciences Practice in Menlo Park, CA; Natick, MA; Chicago, IL Metro Area; Atlanta, GA; Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; New York, NY; Washington DC Metro Area; Philadelphia, PA; Tampa, FL; or Phoenix, AZ. This position will involve applying fundamental engineering and scientific techniques to real-world problems in failure analysis, risk mitigation, and product development. As a Principal Engineer, you will cultivate relationships with existing clients, identify new business opportunities, lead teams to perform leading-edge technical analyses, and contribute to the growth of our Thermal Sciences Practice.    


  • Leading projects for failure analysis, root cause analysis investigations, product development and expert witness engagements in requisite areas of expertise
  • Identifying and pursuing business development opportunities
  • Managing multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with experts in other technical disciplines
  • Project management and building client relationships
  • Performing engineering calculations and analyses
  • Performing laboratory experiments and analytical or computational modeling
  • Planning and executing testing programs
  • Preparing written reports, proposals, and presentations
  • Domestic and international travel will likely be required
  • Most assignments will require the ability to gather information from, and convey technical conclusions to, individuals in engineering, the legal profession, business and industry

  • Ph.D. or Masterโ€™s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field, with a practical and theoretical understanding of combustion, heat transfer and fluid mechanics
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States.  No immigration sponsorship or processing required. 
  • 10+ years of relevant technical consulting experience in area(s) such as fires and explosions; product safety; process safety and risk assessment; fire protection engineering; plant engineering design, commissioning and maintenance; alternate energy generation; energy storage; and/or electrochemistry
  • Prior experience testifying as an expert witness is required
  • Significant demonstrated experience generating business and managing client relationships
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) Licensure is required
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Ability to gather information from, and convey technical conclusions to, individuals in engineering, the legal profession, business and industry

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

We value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits, as well as compensation and recognition programs, empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Manager level and above, total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is depending on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


USD $241,000.00 - USD $294,500.00 /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:  https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

 
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


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