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Subsurface Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Reservoir Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Chord's subsurface asset evaluation process is best described as a continuous interrogation of geologic/engineering/production data. The goal of this work is to ensure development plans reliably ...

Subsurface / Development Planning: Development concepts/priorities, well sequencing, resource plans ... Central Engineering: Standard design verification, technical basis support, and engineering ...

Subsurface / Development Planning: Development concepts/priorities, well sequencing, resource plans ... Central Engineering: Standard design verification, technical basis support, and engineering ...

Geotechnical Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$106K - $154K/yr

Knowledge of site and subsurface investigation, development of engineering properties of soil and rock, foundation design and analysis, foundation analysis under dynamic loads and earthworks

Subsurface / Development Planning: Development concepts/priorities, well sequencing, resource plans ... Central Engineering: Standard design verification, technical basis support, and engineering ...

Essential Job Functions Chord's subsurface asset evaluation process is best described as a continuous interrogation of geologic/engineering/production data. The goal of this work is to ensure ...

Essential Job Functions Chord's subsurface asset evaluation process is best described as a continuous interrogation of geologic/engineering/production data. The goal of this work is to ensure ...

Petroleum Engineering * Geophysics * Geology * Or a related technical discipline * Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred. * 5-15 years of experience applying geomechanical modeling to subsurface ...

Engineering Intern

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Interns gain exposure to a variety of civil engineering disciplines, including transportation, structural, water resources, roadway design, land development, and subsurface utility engineering.

Showing results 41-60

Subsurface Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$31.5K

$85.2K

$135.6K

How much do subsurface engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface engineer in Houston, TX is $85,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a subsurface engineer?

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Subsurface Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, and 89% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,167 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

## Reservoir EngineerApplylocations: Houston, TX - Corporatetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: R0002437**Position Summary**The Reservoir Engineering position is a technically focused, individual contributor role on the Bakken subsurface evaluation and asset development team. This position is located in downtown Houston, TX. Hybrid work schedule is an option for remote work on Mondays and Fridays. *Level and salary commensurate with experience.***Essential Job Functions**Chord’s subsurface asset evaluation process is best described as a continuous interrogation of geologic/engineering/production data. The goal of this work is to ensure development plans reliably deliver on forecast at an attractive economic outcome. Foundational to development planning is reservoir characterization and definition of the drainage pattern as it relates to hydraulic fracture design and well spacing. Success in this role also depends on an understanding of reservoir engineering fundamentals, basic data analytics, consumption and management of large datasets and machine learning principles. The ideal candidate will be comfortable leading an assessment of well spacing and hydraulic fracture design for an area and using that assessment to develop type curves, economics, and a development plan recommendation. This role will develop technical strategy for evaluations the entire team conducts. The ideal candidate has a deep technical background and the ability to be a thought-leader on the team. This role also performs tasks such as but not limited to lookbacks on prior projects, minor in-basin acquisitions, and well testing / data gathering design and project management. As the WBU team continues to develop best practices and innovative workflows, all WBU team members are also tasked with sharing these practices with Business Development and other teams, across the broader Chord organization.*This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and duties outside of their normal responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.***Minimum Qualifications*** Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering* 8+ years reservoir engineering experience* Good analytical skills and the ability to function as a coach for less experienced team members* Exposure to the speed of business in unconventional exploitation with multi drilling rig programs.* Detailed understanding of common reservoir engineering workflows such as spacing analysis, frac design, type curve development, PDP Forecasting, and economic analysis* A&D experience including Aries modeling, LOS analysis, and full-cycle E&P economics* Experienced user of Python tools and data mining* Strong understanding of statistics and probabilistic methods* Strong interpersonal Skills* Comfortable working in a team environment.* Good presentation skills* Ability to work in a fast-paced and fluid environment; flexible with the demands of a growing company* Ability to meet deadlines* Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions, strength to lift and carry files weighing up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone*The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.***Preferred Qualifications*** Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering* 12+ years reservoir engineering* Simulation modeling experience* Advanced production decline analysis and rate transient analysis experience* Cross functional project management experience* Degree or certification related to Data Science/Data Analytics* Williston Basin Experience**EEO Statement:**Chord Energy does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr