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Senior Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fervo Energy Company

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design and execute advanced geothermal drilling in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for an ...

Fervo Energy

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design and execute advanced geothermal drilling in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for an ...

FHLB Des Moines

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

SM-Energy Company

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Midland, TX · On-site

The Senior Drilling Engineer reports directly to the Drilling Engineering Supervisor and is expected to work closely with the Drilling Superintendents, Drilling Engineering Team, and the Drilling ...

QB Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO

$206K - $255K/yr

Job Summary The Sr. Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, engineering, and supporting the execution of the company's drilling operations. This position requires a sound knowledge of well ...

Devon Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

Devon Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

The Senior Drilling Engineer, working under limited supervision, is responsible for planning, design, and documentation for complex well drilling programs. The role administers drilling and service ...

Bedrock

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Prepare the Technical Specifications (& Scope Of Works) for Drilling equipment, materials and services for supporting the process of purchasing / tendering. Support the Well Testing Engineers in ...

Bedrock

Senior Drilling Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Candidate must have experience of working as a Drilling Engineer. * Knowledge and previous experience with the Well Construction Process highly advantageous. * Knowledge and experience of drilling ...

ProSidian Consulting

Drilling Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Senior Consultant. We seek Drilling Engineer | Technical Due Diligence & Engineering Validation For Upstream Oil & Gas (Exploration / Production) [DOE0082082] candidates with relevant Energy Industry ...

Targa

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 ...

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Senior Drilling Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior drilling engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior drilling engineer?

Senior Drilling Engineers are highly experienced professionals in the oil and gas industry who are responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing drilling operations. They ensure that drilling projects are executed safely, efficiently, and within budget while adhering to all regulatory and environmental standards. Their role involves collaborating with geologists, rig crews, and other engineers to solve complex drilling challenges and select appropriate drilling techniques and equipment. Senior Drilling Engineers also mentor junior staff and contribute to optimizing well performance throughout the drilling lifecycle.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior drilling engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Drilling Engineer, you need a strong background in petroleum engineering, drilling operations, and project management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and extensive field experience. Familiarity with drilling software (such as WellPlan or Landmark), well design tools, and industry certifications like IWCF or IADC Well Control is essential. Excellent problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication skills are crucial for coordinating teams and ensuring safety. These competencies are vital for optimizing drilling efficiency, minimizing risks, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

What collaborative interactions does a senior drilling engineer have with other departments during a drilling project?

Senior Drilling Engineers frequently collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) teams to ensure drilling operations are safe, efficient, and aligned with reservoir objectives. They also coordinate closely with procurement and logistics teams for timely delivery of equipment and materials, and with field supervisors to troubleshoot operational challenges. Effective communication across these departments is key to mitigating risks and maintaining project timelines.

What is the difference between Senior Drilling Engineer vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectSenior Drilling EngineerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field; extensive industry experienceBachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentOversees drilling operations, manages teams, and ensures safety standardsAssists in planning and executing drilling operations under supervision
Industry UsageCommonly found in oil and gas companies, service providers, and exploration firmsEntry-level to mid-career roles in similar companies

In summary, a Senior Drilling Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and oversees complex drilling projects, whereas a Drilling Engineer focuses on supporting drilling operations and gaining hands-on experience in the field.

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Senior Drilling Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Fervo Energy Company

Houston, TX • On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Fervo is working to build the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Delivering on this mission requires first-of-a-kind well designs, disciplined execution in the field, and continuous learning across the full well lifecycle. Joining Fervo's Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets real-world execution, with safety, reliability, and capital efficiency as non-negotiables.
We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design and execute advanced geothermal drilling in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for an engineer with strong drilling engineering background, deep drilling experience, and the ability to operate effectively where standard oil and gas playbooks must be adapted-or reinvented-for geothermal applications.
The Senior Drilling Engineer is responsible for well planning, design, engineering, and daily operations support. The Senior Drilling Engineer will also support contract management and work with partners and suppliers to deliver continuous improvement in drilling performance.
Requirements
Responsibilities
  • Detailed well planning including design, engineering, and drilling procedure
  • Provide drilling engineering support for all well operations within a cross-functional operations team and coordinate recovery plans during NPT events
  • Conduct risk assessments for all operations and prepare mitigation plans to ensure safe and effective delivery
  • Prepare detailed time and cost estimates and ownership of tracking plan vs actual
  • Coordinate and manage drilling contractors supporting planning and execution activities, including NPT resolution and technical review
  • Budgeting, building AFEs, and managing cost throughout operations
  • Tracking performance with micro-KPI's and driving continuous improvement initiatives in well cycle time and cost
  • Post well closeout and reporting including lessons learned and best practices to implement in future wells

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • 10+ years of experience in drilling engineering / operations (minimum 5 years with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling)?
  • Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning
  • Proficient in standard well engineering design software
  • Experience in risk assessment and well time / cost estimates
  • Planning complex drilling operations
  • Experience in executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells
  • Experience with supply chain and cost management
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (a team player)
  • Ability to develop ideas and technical proposals with aligned organization intent.
  • Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement
  • Hands-on field experience across drilling operations
  • Unwavering commitment to protecting Health, Safety, and Environment in all aspects of design and operations

Preferred
  • Experience mentoring or supporting early-career engineers
  • Experience working on first-of-a-kind, non-standard, or technically complex well designs

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