ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Subsurface Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSubsurface Engineer Jobs

Subsurface Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do subsurface engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Subsurface Engineer, you need a strong background in geology, reservoir engineering, and petroleum engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with technical software such as Petrel, Eclipse, and other reservoir modeling tools, as well as familiarity with industry standards and certifications like SPE or IWCF, is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you stand out in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for optimizing reservoir performance, ensuring safe operations, and maximizing value from subsurface assets.

What are some common challenges Subsurface Engineers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Subsurface Engineers often work closely with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to optimize reservoir performance. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication across disciplines, as each team may have different technical perspectives and priorities. Managing data integration and aligning on project goals are key to successful collaboration. Proactively building strong working relationships and maintaining open communication channels can help overcome these challenges and lead to more effective project outcomes.

What are subsurface engineers?

Subsurface engineers, also known as completion or reservoir engineers, are professionals in the oil and gas industry who design, implement, and manage systems and processes to extract resources from beneath the earth's surface. They focus on optimizing recovery techniques, evaluating well performance, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of subsurface operations. Their work often involves collaborating with geologists, drilling engineers, and production teams to maximize resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.

What is the difference between Subsurface Engineer vs Reservoir Engineer?

AspectSubsurface EngineerReservoir Engineer
Primary FocusGeological formations, wellbore stability, and subsurface data analysisReservoir performance, fluid flow, and production optimization
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, or related field; often certifications in subsurface analysisBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or Reservoir Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, subsurface modeling labsReservoir simulation labs, field production sites
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling operationsProduction planning, reservoir management

Both roles are vital in the oil and gas industry, focusing on different aspects of subsurface resources. Subsurface Engineers analyze geological formations and assist in drilling, while Reservoir Engineers optimize production based on reservoir behavior. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities and skill sets.

More about Subsurface Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Subsurface Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Subsurface Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Engineer jobs are:
Subsurface Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
DARPA SETA Surface and Subsurface Engineer

DARPA SETA Surface and Subsurface Engineer

Pae

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community.

Amentum is currently seeking talented, enthusiastic, and dynamic individuals to support DARPA in formulating, monitoring, and transitioning advanced research and development programs to the U.S. military in multiple areas, including hypersonics, propulsion, sensors, electronic warfare (EW), effects, autonomy, AI, material sciences, marine engineering, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and software for air, ground, surface, subsurface, space, biological, and information systems.

This is a full-time position based in Arlington, VA with the opportunity for remote work.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs.

  • Candidates will serve as a primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and the research and development communities across industry, academia, and the Government.

  • Support the identifying and implementing of new program concepts.

  • Provide program management and acquisition support.

  • Identify and translate requirements into technology research and development objectives.

  • Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses.

  • Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews.

  • Support program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, test ranges, and test facilities.

  • Author program briefings and technical reports.

  • Candidates may travel up to approximately 25% of the time.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience.

  • Experience in relevant surface or subsurface engineering for commercial or defense-related technology research and/or development programs.

  • Ability to provide practical and creative solutions in a dynamic work environment, while working effectively with a team.

  • Technical leadership experience and superior oral and written communications skills.

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a rapidly evolving environment.

  • Familiarity with classical systems engineering processes and procedures.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret and TS/SCI US Government Clearance.

    Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret and TS/SCI Clearance

Desired Qualifications:

  • Military and/or DARPA program support experience.

  • Ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues.

  • Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

  • Active US Government TS Clearance with SCI eligibility. Please note US Citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a TS Clearance with SCI eligibility.

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

03/06/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

Apply