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Pore Pressure Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II

Boron, CA

$92K - $126K/yr

Pore pressure modeling using appropriate hydrogeological software. * Preparing reports documenting ... Maintaining communication with geotechnical engineers and mine planners regarding surface and ...

Engineer II

Boron, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Pore pressure modeling using appropriate hydrogeological software. * Preparing reports documenting ... Maintaining communication with geotechnical engineers and mine planners regarding surface and ...

... pore pressure, deformation, and rock behavior. * Analyze and predict geomechanical responses ... Civil Engineering * Petroleum Engineering * Geophysics * Geology * Or a related technical ...

Collaborate with Mine Engineering (Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight) to deliver reliable geological ... pore-pressure management. * Develop and evaluate resource expansion opportunities; plan and ...

Pore Pressure Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do pore pressure engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for pore pressure engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pore Pressure Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectPore Pressure EngineerDrilling Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or Geosciences, certifications like IWCFBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like IWCF
Work EnvironmentSubsurface analysis, data interpretation, modelingDrilling operations, rig management, equipment oversight
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, well planning, risk assessmentWell design, drilling execution, safety management

While both roles require petroleum engineering knowledge and certifications like IWCF, the Pore Pressure Engineer focuses on analyzing subsurface pressures to prevent wellbore instability, whereas the Drilling Engineer manages the drilling process itself. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within oil and gas projects.

What are Pore Pressure Engineers?

Pore Pressure Engineers are specialized professionals in the oil and gas industry who analyze and predict the pressure of fluids within rock pores beneath the earth's surface. Their main responsibility is to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations by accurately modeling subsurface pressures, which helps prevent hazardous incidents such as blowouts or wellbore instability. They use geological data, well logs, and advanced modeling techniques to provide real-time recommendations to drilling teams. This role is critical for minimizing drilling risks and optimizing well design.

What are some common challenges faced by Pore Pressure Engineers during drilling operations, and how can they be addressed?

Pore Pressure Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected pressure anomalies, limited data availability, and rapidly changing subsurface conditions during drilling. These issues require quick decision-making and effective collaboration with drilling and geoscience teams to ensure well safety and operational efficiency. Staying updated with the latest modeling software and integrating real-time data can help address these challenges, as can clear communication with other specialists on the rig. Proactive risk assessment and continuous learning are key to overcoming these obstacles and advancing in the role.

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 strong background in geology, geophysics, and petroleum engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with pore pressure prediction software, seismic interpretation tools, and well log analysis systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and making critical drilling decisions. These skills ensure accurate pressure predictions, safe drilling operations, and help prevent costly hazards such as wellbore instability and blowouts.
More about Pore Pressure Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pore Pressure Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Pore Pressure Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Pore Pressure Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pore Pressure Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pore Pressure 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 $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

$92K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 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.