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Well Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collaborates withasset team geoscientists,petrophysicists, drilling engineers, and well operations staff to effectively designsafe andcost-effectivedrillingmudprograms, casing design,andformation ...

New

The well-qualified Design Engineer will have: A Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering, or an Electrical Emphasis of a more General Engineering degree A technical degree or ...

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Design Engineer

Richmond, IN · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

... well as organising and maintaining engineering records Mechanical Design Engineer / Design Engineer Requirements Engineering degree or higher education in Mechanical Engineering 3+ years of ...

This position sees a range of responsibilities across multiple, diverse, and concurrent design projects including mechanical design lead roles as well as supportive roles. The Design Engineer II ...

Design Engineer

Cedar City, UT · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The well-qualified Design Engineer will have: • A Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering, or an Electrical Emphasis of a more General Engineering degree • A technical ...

This position sees a range of responsibilities across multiple, diverse, and concurrent design projects including mechanical design lead roles as well as supportive roles. The Design Engineer II ...

Works well under pressure * Team player Experience & Education: * The well-qualified Design Engineer will have: * A Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering, or an Electrical ...

Works well under pressure * Team player Experience & Education: * The well-qualified Design Engineer will have: * A Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Electrical Engineering, or an Electrical ...

Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in ... Lead project teams to develop and document designs as well as specifications that meet the ...

Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in ... Lead project teams to develop and document designs as well as specifications that meet the ...

Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in ... Lead project teams to develop and document designs as well as specifications that meet the ...

... well. Qualifications * Degree in Design or Mechanical Engineering; 2 years' experience and/or ... training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Strong working knowledge of MS ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Burbank, WA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer (Direct Placement for Client) Sigma Design has collaborated with a ... for well-known food manufacturers. What Is Offered: * Medical Benefits * PTO * Bonus program

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a design engineer to assist in the design and development of new products as well as the redesign of existing products. This role is designed as a developmental ...

Design Engineer BH Job ID: 5033 SF Job Req ID: 20284 Ingersoll Rand is an equal opportunity ... This will involve global test stand and global field operation support as well as a high degree of ...

New

Walther Manufacturing is looking for a design engineer to assist in the design and development of new products as well as the redesign of existing products. This role is designed as a developmental ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Burbank, WA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer (Direct Placement for Client) Sigma Design has collaborated with a ... for well-known food manufacturers. What Is Offered: * Medical Benefits * PTO * Bonus program

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Well Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do well design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for well design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a well design engineer do?

A Well Design Engineer is responsible for planning and designing the construction of oil and gas wells. Their work involves creating detailed well plans, selecting drilling equipment, ensuring safety and environmental compliance, and optimizing well performance. They collaborate with geologists, drilling engineers, and other specialists to ensure efficient and cost-effective well construction. Well Design Engineers use advanced software and engineering principles to address challenges such as pressure, temperature, and geological formations. Their role is critical in minimizing risks and maximizing resource extraction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a well design engineer?

To thrive as a Well Design Engineer, you need a strong background in petroleum engineering, geomechanics, and well construction principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with well planning software (such as Landmark, WellPlan, or WellCat), drilling technologies, and industry certifications like IWCF or Well Control are important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex challenges. These skills are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective well designs that meet regulatory and operational requirements.

How does a well design engineer typically collaborate with drilling and production teams during a project?

As a Well Design Engineer, you will work closely with both drilling and production teams to ensure that well plans are technically sound, cost-effective, and meet safety standards. Collaboration often involves participating in planning meetings, reviewing drilling and completion programs, and incorporating feedback from field operations. You may also be responsible for updating designs in response to real-time drilling data and troubleshooting any issues that arise during execution. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as your input directly impacts the success of drilling operations and future production.

What is the difference between Well Design Engineer vs Well Operations Engineer?

AspectWell Design EngineerWell Operations Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning well plans, selecting equipment, ensuring safety during well constructionExecuting well plans, managing daily operations, troubleshooting during drilling and completion
Required SkillsReservoir understanding, CAD design, safety protocolsOperational procedures, real-time decision making, equipment handling
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits during planning phasesField-based during drilling and completion activities
CertificationsWell Control, HSE certifications, engineering degreesWell Control, HSE certifications, engineering degrees

While both roles require similar certifications and engineering backgrounds, Well Design Engineers focus on planning and designing wells, whereas Well Operations Engineers are involved in executing and managing well activities in the field. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the oil and gas industry.

More about Well Design Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Well Design Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Well Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Sr Well Design Engineer Advisor

The Woodlands, TX • On-site

Occidental Petroleum Corporation
10K+ employees

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Occidental Petroleum rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Oxy produces, markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. The company leverages its global leadership in carbon management to advance lower-cardonomial technologies and products. Headquartered in Houston, Oxy primarily operates in the United States, Middle East and North Africa. To learn more, visit Oxy Oxy strives to attract and retain talented employees by investing in their professional development and providing rewarding opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to meet the highest employer standards by ensuring the health and safety of our employees, protecting the environment and positively impacting our communities where we do business.

Technical:
  • Predicts well pore pressure, overburden, fracture pressure, and shear failure (PPFG) based on well data and seismic
  • Ability to recognize shallow drilling hazards and recommend methods to avoid costly NPT incidents while drilling through complex unconsolidated sediments
  • Effectively monitor PPFG while drilling, identify potential drilling issues, alter original casing/ drilling plans as unforeseen issues arise, advise drilling and operations daily while drilling
  • Responsible for designing and executing wellbore strengthening programs designed to minimize catastrophic mud losses in pressure depleted reservoirs and faults, reduce NPT, and assure well safety
  • Establish thorough understanding of commercial products for LCM and stress cage, and ability to execute programs with drilling and wellsite operations
  • Ability to work in complex deep water depositional basins influenced by rapid/episodic clastic sedimentation, dynamic structural development associated with MTCs, salt tectonics, faulting, compaction, & diagenesis; and how these factors influence overpressure, fracture gradient, overburden, pressure regressions and local stress field variations
  • Interpret and model FIT and dynamic MPD tests to fine-tune fracture gradient and shear failure predictions while drilling
  • Develop new techniques to improve PPFG workflows and prediction, improve wellbore stability, cementing operations, and well operations
  • Contribute to rock mechanics studies to assess long term production limitations, waterflooding operations, well completions, and drilling
  • Strong consideration given to candidates with significant experience using Interactive Petrophysics software for PPFG prediction and rock mechanics modelling
Team Interaction & Leadership:
  • Member of an integrated multi-disciplinary subsurface team composed of SME’s in PPFG prediction, rock mechanics, wellbore integrity, wellbore strengthening, geoscientists, drilling engineers, completions engineers and petrophysicists
  • Collaborates with asset team geoscientists, petrophysicists, drilling engineers, and well operations staff to effectively design safe and cost-effective drilling mud programs, casing design, and formation evaluation
  • Collaborates with multidiscipline development, exploration, and operations teams across the GOA
  • Collaborates as needed with partners and industry leaders on well plans and advances in PPFG prediction
Education:

Master’s degree in Rock Mechanics, Geoscience, or Petroleum Engineering

Professional/Technical Knowledge:

Minimum of fifteen (15) years of total experience in a technology group or operations team responsible for PPFG prediction and well design and ideally have working experience in using wellbore strengthening to minimize drilling issues in faulted or pressure depleted reservoirs.

Professional/Technical Qualifications/Licences/Certifications: N/A

Skills & Competencies:
  • Coach and mentor less experienced staff geologists, operations personnel, drilling staff, petrophysicists (approximately 10% of work time)
  • Ability to improve technology in wellbore stability, PPFG, MPD, well cementing, and minimizing NPT
  • Must have a proven record for assuring well safety and the environment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Oxy has bold ambitions to achieve net zero and help others do the same. To get there, we’ll need great minds ready to unleash big ideas, strong leaders ready to inspire and team players ready to make it happen.

Oxy produces energy and essential products to sustain and improve life on our planet. Our experienced teams, located in the United States, Middle East and Africa, are committed to safe and efficient operations and products, and to reducing our carbon footprint and helping others do the same. We are busy developing the big ideas and broad solutions we will need to achieve net zero. Every day, we get closer. And we won’t stop until we’re there.

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