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Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Karman+

Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

As a Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer, your role would be to drive development of critical systems for a deep space vehicle like propellant tanks, valves, flow management systems, and refueling ...

AVTC Group

CFD Fluids Engineer

Titusville, FL · On-site

CFD Fluids Engineer Onsite Kennedy Space Center /Florida - No Hybrid or remote is available. NASA ... Senior CFD / Fluid Dynamics Engineer We are seeking an experienced and versatile Senior CFD / Fluid ...

Malcolm Drilling

Geotechnical Field Engineer

Odessa, FL · On-site

Job Title:Geotechnical Field Engineer Location: Odessa, Florida The Geotechnical Field Engineer ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

Malcolm Drilling

Geotechnical Field Engineer

Odessa, FL · On-site

Geotechnical Field Engineer Location: Odessa, Florida The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

Malcolm Drilling

Geotechnical Field Engineer

Odessa, FL · On-site

The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support the planning, execution, and oversight of geothermal ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

Malcolm Drilling

Geotechnical Field Engineer

Odessa, FL · On-site

The Geotechnical Field Engineer will support the planning, execution, and oversight of geothermal ... Familiarity with drilling fluids, cementing, casing, and directional drilling practices. * Strong ...

Patterson-UTI

Engineer Sr Optimization PDC

Midland, TX · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer The Senior Drilling Optimization Engineer will drive performance analytics and optimization initiatives for Patterson-UTI Drilling Company, LLC by analyzing ...

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Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer information

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$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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Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer jobs near you
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 Thermal Fluids Engineer

Karman+

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

At Karman+, we're building spacecraft systems that will take us beyond Earth orbit. As a Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer, your role would be to drive development of critical systems for a deep space vehicle like propellant tanks, valves, flow management systems, and refueling interfaces.
Salary Range: $130k - 170k annually
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive the design and testing of propellant delivery systems.
  • Oversee thermal system design, ensuring proper design and control strategies to maintain subsystem performance in space.
  • Execute build vs buy trades for system components, and manage vendor relationships.
  • Size propellant tanks, and drive thermal design for a unique mission profile.
  • Collaborate with other teams to support solar electric propulsion systems.
  • Manage range safety compliance and propellant loading plans.
  • Drive trades for advanced vehicle capabilities, like refueling architectures and multimode propellant systems.

What You Bring
  • A desire to push the envelope of how industry approaches fluid and thermal systems, and enable capabilities like ISRU, and a space based economy.
  • Deep experience years in aerospace engineering, ideally working on electric in space propulsion.
  • Expertise in thruster design, propellant systems, heat transfer, and space-rated thermal management.
  • Hands-on problem-solving skills with proficiency in tools like FEA and CFD for thermal analysis, propulsion modeling software, and CAD.
  • Proven track record of delivering high-stakes engineering projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Clear communication skills to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits
1. Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
  • We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.
2. Equity Incentive Plan
  • We firmly believe in recognizing and rewarding the invaluable contributions made by our employees. To this end, we have established an Equity Incentive Plan that includes granting non-qualified stock options to employees. These Non-Qualifying Stock Options will be awarded in a separate agreement.
3. Medical plans
  • We offer you a choice of three different plans that provide comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage. We cover 100% of your premium for the Gold plan.
4. Dental & Vision plans
  • We cover 100% of your premiums.
5. Life insurance
  • We cover the premium for a $50,000 policy.
6. Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • We cover the whole premium.
7. 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • We offer you an opportunity to plan for retirement by contributing to your 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan on a pre-tax or after-tax basis (Roth) through Guideline.
8. FAMLI
  • You are eligible for Colorado's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, which provides paid leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. This includes up to 12 weeks of leave (or 16 weeks for pregnancy/childbirth complications), with contributions shared by the Company and you as required by law. For more details on eligibility, contributions, and applications, please visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's FAMLI website or contact human resources.

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