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Subsurface Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McKim & Creed

Civil Project Engineer - SUE

Addison, TX · Hybrid

$82K - $109K/yr

Experience with Subsurface Engineering and TxDOT-related projects Preferred * Professional Engineer registration in Texas or the ability to acquire registration quickly through reciprocity. * TxDOT ...

McKim & Creed

Civil Project Engineer - SUE

Stafford, TX · Hybrid

$74K - $98K/yr

Experience with Subsurface Engineering and TxDOT-related projects Preferred * Professional Engineer registration in Texas or the ability to acquire registration quickly through reciprocity. * TxDOT ...

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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 Jun 20, 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 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.

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 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.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager

RETTEW

Uniontown, OH • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description

Introduction

RETTEW is seeking an experienced Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager to support and grow our SUE team, based in either Pittsburgh, PA, or Akron, OH. This leadership-track position offers a balance of hands-on technical work, project management responsibility, and client engagement, with clear opportunities for advancement. The role is closely supported by the Regional Director and Vice President.


About RETTEW

RETTEW is a multi-discipline engineering, architecture, and consulting firm delivering integrated solutions across infrastructure, environmental, geotechnical, and field services markets. As a 100% employee-owned company, we are driven by collaboration, accountability, and long-term thinking. Our core values guide every decision, fuel every project, and empower every employee.


Work Environment

This is a hybrid role based out of RETTEW's Pittsburgh, PA or Akron, OH office. Periodic regional travel is required to support field activities, project needs, and client engagement.


Position Summary

The Subsurface Utility Engineering Project Manager is responsible for managing SUE projects from proposal through delivery while ensuring technical accuracy, safety compliance, and client satisfaction. This role combines project management, technical leadership, team oversight, and relationship-building across utility, energy, development, and transportation markets.


Responsibilities / Day-to-Day

- Manage SUE projects in accordance with contract requirements, schedules, budgets, and professional standards

- Lead and mentor project teams of 1-5 staff, including field and technical personnel

- Serve as a technical resource for subsurface utility designating and investigation activities

- Coordinate and oversee field operations including utility locating, test holes, and data collection

- Maintain and grow client relationships within utility, energy, development, and transportation markets

- Prepare technical reports, exhibits, and deliverables consistent with ASCE 38-21 standards

- Ensure compliance with RETTEW's safety culture and field safety requirements

- Support business development efforts and participate in professional organizations


QualificationsRequired

- 5-10+ years of hands-on utility locating and SUE experience

- Demonstrated experience managing projects with budgets up to $250K

- Working knowledge of ASCE 38-21 and SUE Quality Levels D through A

- Proficiency in subsurface utility designating methods including:

- Electromagnetics (EM)

- Metal detection

- Duct rodding

- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

- Experience locating water, sewer, gas, electric, fiber, telecom, storm, and sanitary utilities

- Experience managing air or hydro excavation (test hole) activities

- Strong verbal and written communication skills

- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

- Commitment to safety, quality, and client service


Preferred

- Concrete scanning GPR and rebar mapping experience

- Experience with CCTV pipe inspection (storm/sanitary)

- Exposure to or interest in advanced geophysical methods (seismic, gravity, borehole, EM)

- GPS/GNSS surveying experience

- Surveying background with PA, MD, OH, or WV PLS licensure

- Multi-disciplinary project management experience

- Active participation in professional organizations


Safety & Compliance Requirements

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of all pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment. Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction and utility environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW's safety policies is required throughout employment.


What We Offer

RETTEW offers a competitive salary aligned with experience, participation in the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off. Employees benefit from a strong safety culture, clear career advancement pathways, and a collaborative, technically engaged work environment.


RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact us at jperalta@rettew.com to request assistance.
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Requirements

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