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Rig Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Rig Welder

Baytown, TX · On-site

OPD is part of the larger Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) organization which provides a variety of ... Must own portable welding rig including PPE. * Understand required weld procedure for designated ...

Koch Industries

Rig Welder

Midland, TX · On-site

OPD is part of the larger Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) organization which provides a variety of ... Must own portable welding rig including PPE. * Understand required weld procedure for designated ...

Weisinger Incorporated

Rig Operator

Tyler, TX · On-site

Perform basic maintenance of pump rig including mud tanks, mud pump, draw works, engine, handling ... Communicate with engineers, owners, field representatives, inspectors or other agents of Weisinger ...

Magnum Staffing Services

Rig Hand

Willis, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Immediately report all maintenance issues to pump rig operator or superintendent, which includes ... exempt engineering, manufacturing, petrochemical, supply chain management, finance and field ...

Koch Industries

Rig Welder

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

OPD is part of the larger Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) organization which provides a variety of ... Must own portable welding rig including PPE and jack stands, * Reading drawings, taking ...

Weisinger Incorporated

Rig Operator

Tyler, TX · On-site

Perform basic maintenance of pump rig including mud tanks, mud pump, draw works, engine, handling ... Communicate with engineers, owners, field representatives, inspectors or other agents of Weisinger ...

NABORS

AUTOMATION ENGINEER II

Houston, TX · On-site

The Rig Automation Technology Engineer II , within Rig Automation Technology - NCS Engineering & Technical , supports the development, integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous ...

AKITA Drilling

Rig Manager

Midland, TX · On-site

Ensure good communication between the Engineering and personnel departments, in arranging off site training and recruiting, maintaining / upgrading rig and associated equipment. Ensuring compliance ...

AKITA Drilling

Rig Manager

Midland, TX

Ensure good communication between the Engineering and personnel departments, in arranging off site training and recruiting, maintaining / upgrading rig and associated equipment. Ensuring compliance ...

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Rig Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do rig engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rig 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 a rig engineer?

Rig engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing the technical operations and safety of drilling rigs, typically in the oil and gas industry. They manage drilling activities, coordinate with crew members, and ensure that projects are completed efficiently and safely. Rig engineers also troubleshoot mechanical and engineering issues on-site, supervise maintenance, and ensure compliance with environmental and industry regulations. Their work is critical in optimizing drilling performance and minimizing downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by rig engineers when working on offshore drilling projects?

Rig engineers working offshore often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams in remote environments, and ensuring strict compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Communication is crucial, as effective collaboration with drilling crews, geologists, and onshore support teams is necessary to address technical issues promptly. Additionally, managing equipment reliability and responding quickly to unexpected operational problems are key aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Rig Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical, civil, or petroleum engineering, typically with a relevant engineering degree and experience in drilling operations. Familiarity with drilling software, well control systems, and safety certifications such as IWCF or IADC Well Control is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and effective coordination among multidisciplinary teams on site.

What is the difference between Rig Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectRig EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drilling and safetyEngineering degree, specialized in drilling design and operations
Work EnvironmentOn rig sites, overseeing equipment and operationsOffice-based, planning and designing drilling programs
Industry UsageCommonly employed on offshore and onshore rigsFocuses on drilling process planning and optimization

While both roles require engineering backgrounds and involve offshore or onshore drilling operations, Rig Engineers primarily oversee the equipment and day-to-day rig activities, whereas Drilling Engineers focus on designing and planning the drilling process. Both are essential in the drilling industry but serve different functions within the project lifecycle.

How much do rig engineers make?

Rig engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operations. Senior rig engineers or those working offshore may earn higher salaries and additional benefits. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence compensation levels.

What does a rig engineer do on a rig?

A rig engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the equipment and systems used on drilling rigs. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of the rig's mechanical and hydraulic systems, often working closely with drilling crews and adhering to safety standards. Their role requires technical knowledge of rig machinery, certifications, and the ability to respond quickly to operational issues.
More about Rig Engineer jobs

What states have the most Rig Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rig Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Rig Engineer jobs?

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

Rig Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rig Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Rig Welder

Koch Industries

Baytown, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
The jobsite located in Baytown, TX has an opening for a Rig Welder.
Our Team
Optimized Process Designs, LLC (OPD) is an engineering/construction company headquartered in Katy, TX with an expertise in the natural gas, natural gas liquids, and petrochemical industries. OPD is part of the larger Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) organization which provides a variety of capabilities across many industries. Originally incorporated in 1980, OPD has developed a strong reputation for honesty, integrity, and ability to successfully execute projects. OPD has a key advantage in being able to supply construction services as well as engineering/procurement. This enables clients to have a ''one stop shop'' for the overall project, providing increased efficiency and avoiding potential interface problems. OPD's industry experience, flexibility, and personal attention have made us a preferred partner to our customers and our tight knit, highly productive, team atmosphere makes OPD a great place to work.
What You Will Do
Some core responsibilities for a rig welder include:
  • Must own portable welding rig including PPE.
  • Understand required weld procedure for designated area.
  • Welding pipes, tubes, fittings, and related equipment according to specifications.
  • Operate tools and equipment including angle grinders, beveling machines, cut-off grinders, hammers, torches, magnetic drills, welding machines, and a Saw-Zall.
  • Possess skilled knowledge of pipe fittings, bolts, valves, etc. as required.
  • Possess skilled knowledge of welding equipment and operations.
  • Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

We expect all field employees to:
  • Actively participate in a strong safety culture
  • Recognize safety hazards and risks
  • Participate in onsite safety meetings
  • Follow OPD and client safety policies and procedures
  • Be aware of changing conditions on an active jobsite
  • Be on time to the jobsite each day ready for work
  • Display a positive attitude and be able to work in a team environment

Some physical demands of being a rig welder include:
  • Capable of working in outdoor weather and environmental conditions including extreme heat and humidity, extreme cold, and high elevations
  • Lifting and carrying awkward objects up to 60 lbs
  • Standing for extended periods of time up to 12 hours per day
  • Moving the entire body. Considerable use of arms, legs, climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching, and bending on a regular basis
  • Must be able to work on elevated platforms and maintain balance when stepping on narrow platforms such as beams and pipes. Must be able to perform these activities while wearing an approved full-body harness and lanyard
  • Use hands to handle, control, and feel objects and/or tools

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • At least 2 years of general welding experience.
  • Must be able to pass code welding test: ASME Section IX 6G pipe test (SMAW & GTAW) and AWS D1.1 plate test for structural welds (SMAW).
  • Must demonstrate the ability to produce welds that are 100% x-ray quality and visually acceptable per the construction code i.e. ASME B 31.3.
  • Must own rig and all required equipment.

Other Job Requirements:
  • Travel is a must with extended periods away from home in remote areas at times.
  • Must be willing and able to work shifts up to 12 hours per day and 7 days per week.
  • Must be able to meet basic physical demands with or without accommodations.
  • Must be willing and able to attend mandatory safety meetings.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • 5 years of experience as a welder
  • Previous experience in a gas plant construction environment
  • Previous experience being a leader for safety
  • Strong interpersonal skills

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch Engineered Solutions company, Optimized Process Designs (OPD) provides clients with detailed engineering packages in all disciplines, single-point procurement for all equipment and materials, fabrication and direct-hired construction services throughout the United States. We leverage in-house capabilities and provide services with faster speed to market to help deliver increased cost savings while minimizing risk.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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