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Pore Pressure Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II

Boron, CA

$92K - $126K/yr

Pore pressure modeling using appropriate hydrogeological software. * Preparing reports documenting the achievement and progress toward dewatering targets. * Designing and maintaining surface runoff ...

Engineer II

Boron, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Pore pressure modeling using appropriate hydrogeological software. * Preparing reports documenting the achievement and progress toward dewatering targets. * Designing and maintaining surface runoff ...

Develop and apply advanced geomechanical numerical models to evaluate subsurface stress, pore pressure, deformation, and rock behavior. * Analyze and predict geomechanical responses related to:

Direct field geology and structural mapping (including UAV/LiDAR); provide structural models and rock-type controls to Geotechnical and Hydrogeology for slope design inputs and pore-pressure ...

Pore Pressure information

See salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do pore pressure jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for pore pressure in the United States is $18.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Pore Pressure Engineers during the drilling phase, and how are they addressed?

Pore Pressure Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected pressure anomalies, data uncertainty from real-time measurements, and rapidly changing geological formations during drilling. Addressing these issues requires close collaboration with drilling engineers, geologists, and mud loggers to interpret data accurately and adjust drilling plans quickly. Utilizing advanced modeling software and maintaining clear communication with the rig team are essential practices to ensure wellbore stability and safety. Being adaptable and proactive in managing these challenges is key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Pore Pressure vs Mud Engineer?

AspectPore PressureMud Engineer
Required CredentialsGeoscience or petroleum engineering degree, specialized training in formation pressuresPetroleum engineering degree, mud logging certifications, drilling fluid expertise
Work EnvironmentSubsurface formations, drilling sites, geological labsDrilling rigs, mud logging units, wellsites
Industry UsageUsed to assess formation stability and prevent blowoutsDesigns and manages drilling fluids to control wellbore conditions

While Pore Pressure involves understanding subsurface formation pressures to ensure safe drilling, a Mud Engineer focuses on managing drilling fluids to control those pressures. Both roles are essential in drilling operations but serve different functions within the industry.

What are pore pressure specialists and what do they do?

Pore pressure specialists are professionals who analyze and predict the pressure of fluids within the pores of rocks, primarily in the context of oil and gas exploration and drilling. Their work is crucial for safe and efficient drilling operations, as understanding pore pressure helps to prevent dangerous situations such as blowouts or wellbore instability. They use data from seismic surveys, well logs, and drilling parameters to estimate subsurface pressures and make recommendations for drilling mud weights and casing programs. This role often involves collaboration with geologists, drilling engineers, and other subsurface specialists.

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

To thrive as a Pore Pressure Engineer, you need a solid background in geology, geophysics, or petroleum engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Proficiency in specialized software such as Petrel, Landmark, and well log analysis tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with drilling teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately predicting subsurface pressures, ensuring drilling safety, and optimizing well operations.
More about Pore Pressure jobs
Infographic showing various Pore Pressure job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 12% As Needed, 10% Temporary, 66% Contract, 10% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 2% Physical, and 98% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $38,969 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

$92K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Mine Hydrogeologist

  • Global mining organization with an exceptional safety culture
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Excellent opportunity for career development and development of technical expertise within the Rio Tinto group
  • For California based roles the expected annual salary range is $92,240 - $126,830

About the Role

We are looking for aMine Hydrogeologistto join the Mine Technical Services team of our Boron operation in California. The successful candidate will maintain site dewatering plan in support of pit slope stability and mine production plans.

This role is a great opportunity to contribute to the organization's safety and profitability while developing as a technical expert and leader. The role is responsible for:

  • Identification of targets for depressurization and/or monitoring to support pit slope stability in a soft rock environment with extremely low hydraulic conductivity.
  • Preparing hydrogeology drill plans and budgets.
  • Supervising drillers and subcontractors, as well as hydro consultants.
  • Surface and groundwater data collection and interpretation.
  • Pore pressure modeling using appropriate hydrogeological software.
  • Preparing reports documenting the achievement and progress toward dewatering targets.
  • Designing and maintaining surface runoff catchment network at the mine.
  • Maintaining communication with geotechnical engineers and mine planners regarding surface and groundwater issues across the mine.
  • Sharing and seeking out knowledge and best practices across the mining industry through collaborative forums, site visits, mentoring and training.
  • Performing other duties, including geotechnical data collection and on-call duty during weekends and evening hours.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will have:

  • Minimum of a BS degree in Hydrogeology or a related field.
  • An in-depth knowledge of groundwater flow and its role in open pit slope stability.
  • At least three years of relevant experience in an open pit hydrogeology role.
  • Familiarity with pore pressure modeling software packages.
  • Ability to communicate groundwater monitoring data and pore pressure evaluation results to various groups, including non-technical audience.
  • Familiarity with rock and soil mechanics and their roles in pore pressure modeling.

What weoffer

We are committed to providing our employees with what they deserve. Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress, we provide:

  • A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
  • Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
  • Access to top tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
  • Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
  • A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
  • Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns.
  • Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals

Where you will be working

This role is located in Boron, CA. Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world's supply of refined borates, remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.

Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California's Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872.

The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and improvement.


About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.