ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Targa Resources

Sr. Well / Drilling Engineer

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with Engineering management, plant management, team members and stakeholders. * Estimate the resources and ...

Ormat

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV · On-site

Position Summary The Drilling Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost ... Support cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and project management teams.

Ormat Technologies

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

The Drilling Superintendent provides field leadership to drilling personnel and contractors ... Support cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and project management teams.

Ormat

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV · On-site

Position Summary The Drilling Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost ... Support cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and project management teams.

Alpha, Inc.

Drilling - Project Manager

Kahului, HI · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and field teams to solve technical challenges. * Review project ... Help strengthen Alpha's growing drilling operations for the future. What You Bring You're organized ...

NABORS

Project Engineer I

Houston, TX

The Project Engineer I is responsible for developing and successfully executing projects including ... By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsConstruction JobsDrilling JobsDrilling Engineer JobsProject Drilling Engineer Jobs

Project Drilling Engineer information

See salary details

$27.5K

$120.2K

$324.5K

How much do project drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for project drilling engineer in the United States is $120,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project drilling engineer?

Project Drilling Engineers are professionals responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing drilling operations for oil, gas, or geothermal wells. Their role includes ensuring that drilling projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget while adhering to environmental and regulatory standards. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, select appropriate drilling techniques, and troubleshoot technical issues that may arise during the drilling process. Project Drilling Engineers also analyze data, prepare reports, and coordinate logistics to optimize project outcomes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a project drilling engineer?

To thrive as a Project Drilling Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering or a related field, along with experience in well design and drilling operations. Familiarity with drilling software (such as WellPlan or Landmark), safety regulations, and industry certifications like IWCF or IADC Well Control is essential. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and team coordination skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations.

What challenges does a project drilling engineer face when coordinating multi-disciplinary teams on-site?

Project Drilling Engineers often work closely with geologists, rig crews, safety officers, and contractors, which can present coordination challenges due to differing priorities and communication styles. Balancing technical requirements, safety standards, and project deadlines requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Additionally, unforeseen issues such as equipment failures or geological surprises may require quick problem-solving and adaptability to keep the project on track. Open communication and effective leadership are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Project Drilling Engineer vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectProject Drilling EngineerDrilling Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesDesigns drilling programs, oversees technical aspects, ensures safety complianceManages daily drilling operations, supervises drilling crew, enforces safety protocols
CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field, relevant certificationsExperience in drilling operations, safety training, technical knowledge
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, planning and technical analysisOn-site supervision of drilling activities
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil and gas exploration projectsTypically found in operational drilling sites

The Project Drilling Engineer focuses on planning, designing, and technical oversight of drilling projects, while the Drilling Supervisor manages daily operations and crew on-site. Both roles require technical knowledge and safety awareness but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How much do project drilling engineers get paid?

Project drilling engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior engineers or those working in high-demand regions may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

Is project drilling engineering a good career?

Project drilling engineering is a specialized role in the oil and gas industry that involves planning and overseeing drilling operations. It offers high earning potential, opportunities for technical skill development, and often requires certifications and safety training. The career can be demanding with long hours and remote work environments but provides strong job stability in the energy sector.

What qualifications do you need to be a project drilling engineer?

A project drilling engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience in drilling operations, knowledge of drilling equipment and safety protocols, and certifications such as Well Control or HSE are also important for the role.
More about Project Drilling Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Project Drilling Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Drilling Engineer jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Project Drilling Engineer jobs?

For Project Drilling Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Project Drilling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,197 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Sr. Well / Drilling Engineer

Targa Resources

Mont Belvieu, TX • On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Targa Resources rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

JOB FUNCTIONS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Embody integrity, accountability, initiative, and respect in all correspondence and tasks performed.
  • Select appropriate piping materials, diameters, and thicknesses to meet design requirements.
  • Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with Engineering management, plant management, team members and stakeholders.
  • Estimate the resources and participants needed to achieve project goals. Estimate and establish the project budget. Track the budget on a continuous basis. Plan, schedule, and track project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools.
  • Acquire resources (construction contractors, etc.) to execute the project by lump sum bidding processes or T&M processes. Clearly communicate corporate and facility safety plans to contractors and assure that projects are executed in full compliance with these plans and any applicable regulatory requirement.
  • Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation and presentations.
  • Manage changes in project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans.
  • Provide technical support to operations (debottlenecking and optimization, maintenance projects, Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance, PHA participation and action item resolution, DOT compliance, etc.)
  • Possess ability to interpret and design Process Flow Diagrams (PFD's), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's), Plot Plans, Piping Plans, and Piping Isometrics.
  • Develop scope of work/for-bid packages for engineering, construction, and commissioning activities. Track/forecast costs and milestone schedules and regularly communicate progress to project stakeholders.
  • Possess fundamental knowledge of midstream processing operations including distillation, compression, glycol, and desiccant dehydration, treating, and storage & transportation.
  • Possess knowledge of codes, standards, regulations, and best practices applicable to the midstream industry (including API, ASME B31.3/4/8 and VIII, DOT 192/5, NFPA, etc.)
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external team members (including safety, environmental, operations, construction, commercial, land/ROW, 3rd party contractors, etc.)
  • Complete projects through the entire project lifecycle, including provide feasibility studies and FEL cost estimates to commercial; generate AFE's; perform detailed engineering and design; scope, bid, and manage construction and commissioning contractors; as-built drawings; and participate in pre-startup safety reviews.
  • Plan, execute, and control the purchasing effort. This includes both labor contracts and material purchases.
  • Review contractor performance during execution of the project to insure that they are providing quality work in accordance with the drawings and specifications.
  • Proactively seek opportunities to learn and develop and to find solutions for maximizing value to the business unit.
  • Continuously review assets to enhance safety, mechanical reliability, operational flexibility, and capacity.
  • Assure all Targa design and construction standards are satisfied.
  • Assure Local, State, Federal and Targa Safety & Environmental regulations and policies are satisfied.
  • All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BS degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering from 4-year accredited university
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in natural gas gathering, compression, processing, fractionation and/or operations.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel.
  • Ability to interface effectively with all levels within the company as well as organizations outside the company.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability and willingness to travel at least 25% of the time.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 5-10 years of experience in natural gas processing and/or fractionation
  • 3+ years of experience in project engineering and/or project management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Ability to lift, push, and pull 50 pounds
  • Ability to work in changing climate conditions and a plant environment
  • Able to work in close quarters: i.e., work while kneeling, squatting, sitting, climbing, and standing.
  • Follow and adhere to all applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines (ex: eye protection, footwear, hard hat, FRC)
  • The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Targa Resources provides equal employment opportunities based on merit, experience, and other work-related criteria and without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We also strive to provide reasonable accommodation to employees' beliefs and practices that do not conflict with Targa's policies and applicable law. We value the unique contributions that every employee brings to their role with Targa.

What Targa Resources employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply