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Subsurface Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role bridges subsurface evaluation including geologic compatibility, well evaluation and design, surface system engineering, regulatory requirements, and commercial optimization to ensure safe ...

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Subsurface Engineer information

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$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do subsurface engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Subsurface Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Subsurface Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Engineer jobs?

For Subsurface Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Subsurface Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Natural Gas Storage Development Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Kinder Morgan, Inc.
Oil and Gas Extraction • 10K+ employees

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Kinder Morgan rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What We Are Looking For

The Natural Gas Storage Development Engineer leads the technical evaluation, design criteria, and project execution for both brown field and green field underground natural gas storage expansion opportunities. This role bridges subsurface evaluation including geologic compatibility, well evaluation and design, surface system engineering, regulatory requirements, and commercial optimization to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective working gas capacity.

What You Will DoKey ResponsibilitiesProject Management & Development
  • Manage full lifecycle project development for storage assets, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of drilling, well completion, and coordination with surface facility construction.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams (subsurface engineering, pipeline operations, business development/commercial, regulatory, and legal) to advance projects from concept to commercial operation.
  • Oversee the project design criteria and optimization of compression, dehydration, measurement, and piping infrastructure to maximize storage asset expansion performance.
Subsurface & Reservoir Evaluation
  • Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to evaluate site suitability (depleted reservoirs, salt caverns, or aquifers), gas deliverability, and storage integrity.
  • Determine optimal base gas and working gas inventory requirements to balance deliverability and system pressure constraints.
  • Monitor downhole well performance, integrity logging, and pressure/temperature surveys to mitigate operational risks.
Regulatory & Compliance
  • Ensure all development and operational activities strictly comply with federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks (e.g.,FERCguidelines for interstate projects, PHMSA safety standards, and state oil/gas division regulations).
  • Coordinate and support the preparation of regulatory filings, environmental impact assessments, and permit applications.
Commercial & Economic Optimization
  • Develop expansion project scope of work, schedule, and cost estimates along with CAPEX schedules to support project economic evaluation and optimization.
  • Support commercial teams in evaluating customer storage contracts, injection/withdrawal service capabilities, and peak-day deliverability metrics.
What You NeedQualifications & Requirements
  • Education:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related geoscience/engineering discipline. (Advanced degree or PE license is a plus).
  • Experience:
    • Mid-Level:5-8 years of experience in oil and gas midstream, reservoir engineering, or underground gas storage operations.
    • Senior-Level:8-15+ years managing upstream/midstream subsurface projects or specific natural gas storage development.
  • Travel:
    • Occasional site visits as required. Willing to travel up to 20% as project demands require.
  • Skills / Knowledge / Competencies:
    • Deep understanding of underground storage types (salt caverns vs. depleted reservoirs), well design, and surface compression systems.
    • Familiarity with industry integrity management and diagnostic techniques (e.g., noise/temperature logs, caliper logs, and casing inspections).
    • Proficiency in engineering simulation software, compression sizing, well design, risk management frameworks, and project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project/Primavera).
    • Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.

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About Kinder Morgan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kinder Morgan is moving the fuels of today for the energy of the future. From the natural gas that heats your home to the gasoline that fuels your vehicle, our pipeline and terminal assets provide the necessary infrastructure to meet today's growing global energy demand and play a key role in the low-carbon energy transition of the future.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1997

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