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Reservoir Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Corporate Reserves Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$250K - $342K/yr

Direct and review technical reserves and resource work -- staying personally proficient to evaluate hands-on when needed; advise on the reservoir-engineering toolkit (DCA, RTA, volumetrics, modeling ...

Working closely with senior geologists, reservoir engineers, geophysicists, and drilling and completions teams, the Geologist integrates geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to build and ...

Working closely with senior geologists, reservoir engineers, geophysicists, and drilling and completions teams, the Geologist integrates geological, geochemical, and geophysical data to build and ...

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RJH is a engineering firm specializing in delivering dam and reservoir projects from planning through construction. We are looking for a Construction Engineer to enhance the technical capabilities ...

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We specialize in delivering dam and reservoir projects from planning through construction. We are looking for a Water Resources/Hydraulic Engineer to enhance the technical capabilities and capacity ...

Develop, maintain, and build formal working networks across Subsurface Technology, Land, Reservoir Engineering, Drilling, Completions, Regulatory, Facilities, Finance, Legal, Operations, and external ...

Landman

Denver, CO · On-site

$109K - $135K/yr

Basic knowledge of geological principles, operations, reservoir engineering and basin/resource plays. Typical Education * B.B.A. degree in Energy Management, Land Management or other Business degree.

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Flex Time RJH is currently working on an exciting portfolio of diverse dam and reservoir projects. We are eager to add talented, experienced engineering professionals to our team. Job Type: Full-time ...

With a proud history spanning over 85 years and thousands of successful projects, our expertise in dam and reservoir engineering is unmatched. From feasibility studies to design, construction, and ...

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Reservoir Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$64.1K

$130.4K

$182.4K

How much do reservoir engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for reservoir engineer in Colorado is $130,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a reservoir engineer do?

A Reservoir Engineer is a specialized professional in the oil and gas industry who evaluates oil and gas reservoirs to maximize extraction and recovery. They use advanced computer modeling, data analysis, and field studies to estimate reserves, plan production strategies, and monitor reservoir performance. Their work involves collaborating with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to ensure efficient and sustainable extraction. Reservoir Engineers also help determine the economic viability of projects and suggest enhanced recovery techniques when necessary.

Is reservoir engineering a good career?

Reservoir engineering is a specialized field within the oil and gas industry focused on optimizing the extraction of underground resources. It offers high earning potential, technical challenges, and requires strong skills in geology, fluid dynamics, and reservoir simulation tools. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and energy market conditions.

What is the difference between Reservoir Engineer vs Petroleum Engineer?

AspectReservoir EngineerPetroleum Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, geology, or related field; often professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or related field; often professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentFocuses on subsurface reservoir analysis, modeling, and simulationDesigns and implements drilling, completion, and production processes
Industry UsagePrimarily in exploration and production companies, focusing on reservoir managementInvolved across exploration, drilling, and production phases in oil and gas industry

Reservoir Engineers and Petroleum Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work within the oil and gas industry. Reservoir Engineers specialize in analyzing subsurface reservoirs to optimize extraction, while Petroleum Engineers focus on designing and implementing drilling and production operations. Both roles are essential for efficient resource development and often collaborate closely.

What is a reservoir engineer?

The responsibilities of a reservoir engineer, also known as a petroleum or pipeline engineer, focus on optimizing the fluid flow of petroleum oil and gas through reservoirs. Your duties are to identify and evaluate each oil and gas reserve using special tools and equipment, continuously monitor and optimize the reserve during the drilling process, and analyze the flow mechanics of each reserve to ensure efficiency. Although reservoir engineers can complete some work off-site using computer models of reservoirs and frac sites, you typically travel to different job sites as needed and work long hours as projects develop.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reservoir engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reservoir Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering, geology, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in reservoir simulation software (e.g., Eclipse, Petrel) and understanding of data analysis tools are crucial, along with relevant certifications such as SPE membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help engineers work collaboratively and make data-driven decisions. These skills are vital for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery, maximizing reservoir performance, and ensuring the economic success of oil and gas projects.

What are some common challenges reservoir engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Reservoir Engineers often collaborate with geologists, production engineers, and drilling teams to maximize oil and gas recovery. One common challenge is aligning differing technical perspectives and priorities, especially when balancing short-term production targets with long-term reservoir management. Effective communication and a solid understanding of each discipline’s objectives are critical to ensure project success. Building strong relationships and staying adaptable can help Reservoir Engineers integrate diverse viewpoints and drive optimal solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reservoir Engineer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Reservoir Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Reservoir Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Reservoir Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Reservoir Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Reservoir Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Reservoir Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Reservoir Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Reservoir Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,355 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Sr. Reservoir Engineer - Reservoir Characterization

SM-Energy Company

Denver, CO • On-site

$226K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Reservoir Engineer to join our Reservoir Characterization team, located in Denver or Houston. The Reservoir Engineer assumes a Senior technical leadership role on the Reservoir Characterization team. The engineer has experience over several play types and an understanding of the differentiating factors among varied reservoirs. This person pairs strong, broad fundamental reservoir engineering expertise with a technology-forward mindset—staying current with AI/ML, and emerging software tools to sharpen analysis and speed up decision-making. The engineer should be striving for continual improvement in existing assets as well as new areas by providing detailed technical/economic analyses and recommendations on development and exploration projects. This position operates in a senior technical capacity while handling reservoir assignments independently on a broad scope and complex difficulty. Mentoring less experienced engineers on fundamentals and advising technical work within and across teams is a requirement of this role.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

  • Develop processes and refine workflows to increase asset & exploration value while reducing costs and uncertainty
  • Initiate, manage and carryout reservoir studies (including numerical simulations) of existing assets to determine completion and spacing improvements
  • Incorporates advanced production analysis into the workflow for well evaluation and forecasting purposes
  • Ability to analytically model production data and forecast when required
  • Analyze datasets with a holistic tool kit including rate or pressure transient analysis, volumetrics, analytical or numerical modeling and decline curve analysis
  • Provide estimations of resource volumes and recoverable hydrocarbons using both probabilistic and deterministic volumetrics, EURs and recovery factors
  • Conduct necessary preparation to justify development drilling, recompletions, workover opportunities, diagnostic tests, or other expenditures
  • Ability to comprehend and utilize field data such as fiber optics, downhole pressure, geochemistry, tracers, etc.
  • Collaborating with asset teams on joint studies of well spacing, targeting, completion design, and production strategies.
  • Ability to compile and analyze data from various internal systems and external data from other operators, Enverus, and/or other publicly available sources.
  • Leverages AI/ML and other emerging software technologies to streamline workflows, automate analysis, and surface innovative solutions, while maintaining a strong grounding in core reservoir engineering fundamentals.
  • Ensure reserves are technically justified with advanced techniques where required
  • Train and guide others in developing correlations between geological and completion variables and well performance
  • Works with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, petrophysicists, geomechanics engineers, data scientists, and asset engineers to build the best possible static descriptions of the subsurface, providing engineering input to geologic, geomechanical and petrophysical studies.
  • Conduct business with the highest ethical standards; demonstrate decision-making skills that ensure the safety of all persons associated with SM facilities
  • Ability to communicate results in a clear and concise manner to upper management and executives.
  • Willingness to mentor other engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing across teams.

COMPUTER/SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS:

  • Advanced level of skill in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
  • Advanced Spotfire user to increase analytical speed and efficiency.
  • Knowledge of Aries or other economic evaluation software programs.
  • Advanced knowledge of production data analysis tools.
  • Advanced working knowledge of analytical models in RTA.
  • Advanced understanding of numerical modeling applications, inputs, limitations and expectations.
  • Evaluates or initiates new tools that increase reservoir analytics, well evaluation, and asset development.
  • Experience with generally accepted industry/company software including Crystal Ball, CMG, Gohfer, ResFrac, Whitson, Aries, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Experience with a variety of conventional/unconventional resource plays.
  • Advanced understanding of reservoir engineering disciplines including decline curve analysis (DCA), rate transient analysis (RTA), volumetrics, recoveries, fluid behavior, analytical history matching, and flow regime identification.
  • Advanced understanding of reservoir phase behavior and its relation to operating condition and forecasting purposes.
  • Up to date on the leading technical advancements and techniques to characterize unconventional reservoir behavior and well evaluation.
  • Initiates reservoir projects that apply technical advancements (re-fracs, unconventional enhanced oil recovery) to increase asset value and recovery.
  • Advanced understanding of probabilistic modeling and its role in defining uncertainty.
  • Can easily identify limitations in data sets and range of uncertainty of results.
  • Advanced understanding of flow in porous media including capillary pressure, wettability, Darcy's law, and relative permeability.
  • Has experience leveraging geologic cores and understands the core-log petrophysical process.
  • Solid knowledge/experience relating to relating to geochemistry, operations, geological interpretation, well data integration, petrophysics and seismic attributes.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

  • BS degree in Engineering is required MS degree in Petroleum Engineering is beneficial.
  • Minimum of 15 years of applicable experience.


SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.