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Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design ... fluids, cementing, and contingency planning * Proficient in standard well engineering design ...

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design ... fluids, cementing, and contingency planning * Proficient in standard well engineering design ...

Collaborates with drilling fluids engineers, engineering field supervisors, and engineering manager(s) to provide expert advice and trouble-shooting concerning client problems, concerns, and ...

The Senior Drilling Engineer reports directly to the Drilling Engineering Supervisor and is ... fluids, cementing, directional drilling, solids control equipment, downhole tool testing, and ...

Dispatcher

Kermit, TX ยท On-site

$27.50/hr

Dispatch serves as primary contact for drilling fluids engineers to place orders for chemicals, mud, barite, and well-to-well transfers. * Determine appropriate routes and trucks to fulfill customer ...

Dispatch serves as primary contact for drilling fluids engineers to place orders for chemicals, mud, barite, and well-to-well transfers. * Determine appropriate routes and trucks to fulfill customer ...

Dispatcher

Kermit, TX ยท On-site

$27.50/hr

Dispatch serves as primary contact for drilling fluids engineers to place orders for chemicals, mud, barite, and well-to-well transfers. * Determine appropriate routes and trucks to fulfill customer ...

Sr Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Description AES Drilling Fluids is seeking Plant Operators for our Midland mud plant and warehouse ... engineering equipment, etc. * Assists warehouse personnel with warehouse operations duties, when ...

Plant Operator

Kermit, TX ยท On-site

$26.75/hr

Description AES Drilling Fluids is seeking Plant Operators for our Kermit mud plant and warehouse ... engineering equipment, etc. * Assists warehouse personnel with warehouse operations duties, when ...

Plant Operator

Midland, TX ยท On-site

$23.50/hr

At AES Drilling Fluids we offer great benefits, competitive salary, paid overtime, opportunity for ... engineering equipment, etc. * Assists warehouse personnel with warehouse operations duties, when ...

Plant Operator

Midland, TX ยท On-site

$23.50/hr

AES Drilling Fluids is seeking Plant Operators for our Midland mud plant and warehouse. At AES ... engineering equipment, etc. * Assists warehouse personnel with warehouse operations duties, when ...

Lab Technician

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Description AES Drilling Fluids is seeking an entry-level Lab Technician for our Houston lab. We ... Bachelor's Degree in a science or engineering discipline (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering ...

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 ...

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Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer information

See salary details

$101K

$162.8K

$214.5K

How much do senior drilling fluids engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior drilling fluids engineer in the United States is $162,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $194,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior drilling fluids engineer?

Senior Drilling Fluids Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing the drilling fluid (mud) programs used in oil and gas drilling operations. They ensure that the right type and composition of drilling fluids are used to maintain wellbore stability, control subsurface pressures, and facilitate efficient drilling. Their expertise helps minimize drilling problems, protect the environment, and reduce operational costs. Senior Drilling Fluids Engineers also supervise field personnel, analyze fluid properties, and work closely with drilling teams to troubleshoot and resolve any issues during drilling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior drilling fluids engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer, you need extensive knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, wellbore stability, and formation evaluation, generally supported by a degree in engineering or geology and several years of industry experience. Proficiency with drilling fluid simulation software, mud logging systems, and relevant certifications such as Well Control (IWCF or IADC) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills are crucial for coordinating with drilling teams and responding to operational challenges. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and effective management of fluid-related risks.

What are some typical challenges a senior drilling fluids engineer faces during drilling operations, and how are they addressed?

A Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer often encounters challenges such as maintaining optimal mud properties in varying geological formations, preventing wellbore instability, and managing fluid losses. These issues require quick troubleshooting, strong analytical skills, and close collaboration with drilling teams and onsite personnel. Effective communication and proactive planning are essential, as the engineer must adapt fluid formulations in real time to changing downhole conditions while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

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

AspectSenior Drilling Fluids EngineerDrilling Fluids Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree in engineering or geology; some experience required
Work EnvironmentLead role in drilling operations, overseeing fluid systemsSupport role, assisting in fluid preparation and testing
ResponsibilitiesDesigning, optimizing, and managing drilling fluid programsPreparing and testing drilling fluids under supervision

The main difference is that Senior Drilling Fluids Engineers have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and oversee fluid systems, while Drilling Fluids Engineers focus on supporting tasks like fluid preparation and testing. Senior roles require advanced knowledge and project management skills, whereas entry-level roles emphasize technical support.

How much does a senior drilling fluids engineer make?

A senior drilling fluids engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have specialized knowledge of drilling fluids, wellbore stability, and may hold certifications such as IWCF or SWI to advance their careers.
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Infographic showing various Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,808 per year, or $78.3 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Fervo Energy Company

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours 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