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Wellsite Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Midland, TX ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... Drilling Wellsite Contractors that oversee the daily drilling execution. This role will play a ... The Drilling Engineer's expertise will contribute to efficient and consistent well delivery ...

Sr. Drilling Engineer

Midland, TX ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... Drilling Wellsite Contractors that oversee the daily drilling execution. This role will play a ... The Drilling Engineer's expertise will contribute to efficient and consistent well delivery ...

New

MPD SUPPORT ENGINEER

Houston, TX ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Pressure Drilling Projects including but not limited to wellsite engineering task, on-demand engineering support, continuous monitoring of MPD parameters, interpretation of well behavior, early ...

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Production Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs ... S. in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering. * 2-5 years of O&G Engineering experience. * Oil and gas ...

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Petroleum Engineer FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt Salary: BOE Location: Hobbs NM, Perryton, TX, and ... Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs.

Design and wellsite supervision of perforating, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and drill-outs ... S. in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering. * 2-5 years of O&G Engineering experience. * Oil and gas ...

... wellsite combustion during Drilling and Completions, Production and Process equipment), Relief ... Applicable engineering mathematics * Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) * Flow of Fluids ...

Sr. Well Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Field leadership experience as a company man, drilling superintendent, wellsite supervisor, or ... Mentor and train Chinese D&C engineers and field supervisors through workshops, written procedures ...

Work closely with a full asset team of field operations, reservoir, drilling, completions and ... Coordinate with wellsite supervisor and service providers to execute workover operations. * Lead ...

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Wellsite Drilling Engineer information

See salary details

$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do wellsite drilling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for wellsite drilling engineer in the United States is $116,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wellsite drilling engineer?

To thrive as a Wellsite Drilling Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and relevant field experience, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with drilling software (such as WellPlan, Landmark, or Drillbench), knowledge of drilling equipment, and certifications like IWCF or Well Control are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills are essential for effective teamwork and decision-making under pressure. These competencies ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and the successful management of complex wellsite challenges.

What is the difference between Wellsite Drilling Engineer vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectWellsite Drilling EngineerDrilling Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field, relevant certificationsSimilar credentials, often with additional supervisory training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, technical focusOn-site and office, overseeing drilling operations
Role FocusDesigning and planning drilling programs, technical problem-solvingManaging drilling teams, ensuring safety and efficiency

The Wellsite Drilling Engineer primarily focuses on technical planning and problem-solving during drilling operations, while the Drilling Supervisor manages the team and oversees daily operations. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How much do Wellsite Drilling Engineers get paid?

Wellsite Drilling Engineers typically earn a salary ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the drilling operations. They often receive additional compensation such as bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits, especially when working in remote or challenging environments requiring specialized skills and certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by wellsite drilling engineers during drilling operations, and how are they typically addressed?

Wellsite Drilling Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected geological formations, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining well control. Addressing these challenges involves close coordination with rig crews, real-time monitoring of drilling parameters, and adapting drilling plans as new data emerges. Effective communication with geologists and drilling supervisors is essential for making quick decisions and minimizing operational downtime. Additionally, staying up-to-date with safety protocols ensures hazards are managed efficiently, maintaining both productivity and safety on site.

What is a wellsite drilling engineer?

Wellsite Drilling Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing the drilling operations at oil and gas exploration sites. They ensure that drilling activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry regulations. Their duties include planning and supervising drilling processes, solving operational problems, and coordinating with various teams on-site. Wellsite Drilling Engineers play a crucial role in minimizing risks and optimizing the extraction of oil and gas resources.
More about Wellsite Drilling Engineer jobs

What states have the most Wellsite Drilling Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wellsite Drilling Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wellsite Drilling Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wellsite Drilling Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Wellsite Drilling Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Sr. Drilling Engineer

SM-Energy Company

Midland, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

The Senior Drilling Engineer reports directly to the Drilling Engineering Supervisor and is expected to work closely with the Drilling Superintendents, Drilling Engineering Team, and the Drilling Wellsite Contractors that oversee the daily drilling execution. This role will play a crucial role in the planning, execution, and optimization of drilling (and indirectly completions) development projects. The position is accountable to develop, formalize, and implement advanced engineering solutions and plans for the drilling team that are aligned with the strategy and outcomes set for the department. They will be accountable for timely and accurate drilling procedures, optimization of drilling workflows, performance tracking, necessary reporting, and contingency planning to enable the team to execute with regards to safety, operational risks, and cost effectiveness. The Drilling Engineer’s expertise will contribute to efficient and consistent well delivery, ensuring sound well construction and profitability of our operations.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Accountable for the drilling engineering planning, data-driven AFE estimates with capital accuracy, and the detailed drilling program preparation aligned with the program’s standardized operational efforts and adherence to the organization’s basis of design and operational best practices.
  • Accountable to manage and prepare engineering studies and analysis projects, technical recommendations, well designs, and appropriate level of detail for operational support and contingency plans and risk assessment in a timely manner. Recommend, perform, and complete special engineering projects and reports related to all phases of drilling operations, including but not limited to, drilling fluids, cementing, directional drilling, solids control equipment, downhole tool testing, and remedial operations. Analyze data and performance of new or existing technologies to determine the need for or benefit from studies, recommendations, and operating efficiency consistent with established safety and operating requirements.
  • Prepare and manage evaluations/studies and reports, provide recommendations, alternative proposals, preliminary designs, and program outlines with statistical cost data, appropriate economic analyses, back-up data and visualizations, and/or assist in the presentation of studies and proposals to the team, management, and other operating groups.
  • Responsible for writing cost estimates and drilling procedures for contingent and remedial operations, utilizing the appropriate basis of design, and level of detail for effective execution.
  • Simultaneously manage multiple projects to leverage improvement opportunities to yield cost saving and/or efficiencies.
  • Monitor daily drilling activity, QC daily drilling report data to maintain drilling database metrics, and provide appropriate recommendations for continuous improvement and capital reduction.
  • Evaluate and implement current and new technology to advance the drilling program, with the ability to document formally and knowledge share with the team.
  • Support and participate in field development planning with the asset team(s).
  • Provide analytical cost review using accounting and analytical tools. Also develop performance tracking tools and dashboards, maintain drilling database metrics and facilitate service provider KPI/QPR reviews for formal performance assessment.
  • Prepare and update sound drilling engineering basis of design documents and standardized best practices.
  • Contribute to and help drive a safety-focused culture across all locations and service providers.
  • Timely review and processing of invoices.
  • Provide and maintain end-of-well records/reports and complete appropriate “end-of-pad” reviews and “lookbacks” to document operational successes, lessons learned, improvement opportunities, and challenges, and to ensure capital tracking accuracy.
  • Visit rigs regularly with active participation in pre-tour safety and planning meetings and develop productive relationships with on-site personnel.
  • Support tender process for third party services, as needed, working with the management and supply chain teams.
  • Stay updated with Company and industry best practices and technology.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of settings with diverse audiences.
  • Project management skills and methodical ownership of projects and responsibilities, displaying a high level of accountability and initiative.
  • Strong technical engineering skills with a high level of accountability, initiative, innovation, open-mind, and the passion to learn continuously.
  • Ability to work within a team environment, as well as effectively on an independent basis.
  • Ability to build/function in a collaborative environment with other operations and technical groups within the company
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, enabling efficient planning and execution of work to meet established deadlines.
  • Open-minded and continuous improvement-driven with a willingness to adapt to changes related to operational practices, corporate methodologies, and engineering protocols.
  • Ability to be “on-call” outside of normal business hours.
  • Ability and willingness to travel (typically to rig sites, service provider facilities, meetings, etc.).
  • Familiarity working in the Permian Basin preferred.

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related Engineering degree from an ABET accredited university.
  • Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in the oil and gas industry with an emphasis on Drilling and Completions engineering and operations.
  • Familiarity with industry regulations, safety protocols, and environmental standards.
  • High level of proficiency in Spotfire/PowerBi, WellView, Torque & Drag modeling, Hydraulic modeling and Well Planning software(s).
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft 360 suite (Outlook, TEAMS, Excel, Word).


SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.