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Petroleum Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aramco

Petroleum Engineering Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

The increasing size and complexity of Saudi Aramco's producing operations and the related petroleum engineering support requires AACO to have in-house expertise in various specialized areas. The ...

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How much do petroleum engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum engineering in the United States is $80,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a petroleum engineer?

Petroleum engineers are professionals who design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. They work closely with geologists to understand where resources are located and determine the best drilling and production techniques. Their responsibilities also include optimizing production, ensuring safety, and minimizing the environmental impact of extraction operations. Petroleum engineers can specialize in areas such as drilling, reservoir, production, or completions engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a petroleum engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Petroleum Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, geology, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in petroleum or chemical engineering. Familiarity with industry-specific software like Petrel, Eclipse, and proficiency in data analysis tools, as well as relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and make informed decisions in complex environments. These skills ensure efficient resource extraction, operational safety, and cost-effective project management in the highly technical and regulated energy sector.

What are some common challenges petroleum engineers face when working on drilling projects, and how can these be managed?

Petroleum engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected reservoir behavior, equipment failures, and environmental concerns during drilling projects. Managing these issues typically involves collaborating closely with geologists, drilling crews, and environmental specialists to adapt plans and resolve problems efficiently. Staying updated on the latest drilling technologies and safety regulations also helps in proactively addressing potential setbacks. Good communication and problem-solving skills are essential to ensure project timelines and safety standards are met.

What is the difference between Petroleum Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPetroleum EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering or related field; often professional engineering licenseBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; may require licensure for certain roles
Work EnvironmentOil rigs, drilling sites, exploration facilities, officesManufacturing plants, design labs, maintenance sites, offices
Industry UsageOil and gas extraction, drilling companies, energy sectorManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy systems

Petroleum Engineering focuses on the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas resources, often working in drilling and reservoir management. Mechanical Engineering has a broader scope, involving the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems across various industries. While both require strong engineering fundamentals, Petroleum Engineers specialize in the energy sector, whereas Mechanical Engineers work in diverse fields.

Do petroleum engineers get paid well?

Petroleum engineers typically earn high salaries due to the technical skills and specialized knowledge required in the oil and gas industry. Their compensation often includes bonuses and benefits, reflecting the industry's profitability and demand for expertise in reservoir modeling, drilling, and production optimization.

Is there a high demand for petroleum engineers?

Petroleum engineering is a specialized field with steady demand driven by global energy needs and oil exploration activities. However, employment can fluctuate with oil prices and technological advancements, and the industry increasingly values skills in reservoir modeling and drilling technologies.

What jobs can a petroleum engineer do?

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They work in exploration, drilling, production, and reservoir management, often using specialized software and requiring knowledge of geology and engineering principles. They may work in office settings, on drilling sites, or in research and development roles.
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What states have the most Petroleum Engineering jobs?

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petroleum engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Petroleum Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,025 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Non Tenure Track Faculty-Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering

Cockrell School of Engineering

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description
The Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin seeks applicants for undergraduate petroleum engineering for potential future teaching needs. We are not actively recruiting for a position at this time but will keep your application on file and notify you should be actively seeking lecturers.
Positions are part-time to full-time, depending on need and instructor breadth of expertise, all being contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding. Positions are annually renewable, contingent on funding and performance.
Qualifications
A PhD in petroleum engineering or a closely related field is preferred, but exceptions can be made for applicants with a Master's degree, pertinent expertise and substantial work experience. Previous teaching and/or training experience is preferred. Industry work experience is considered an advantage. Applicants are desired with expertise and desire to teach in any area of petroleum engineering, but there is particular need for undergraduate capstone engineering design and oil and gas economic evaluation. Full and part time positions are possible depending on alignment of candidate expertise and available courses. SALARY: Dependent on position and qualifications.
Application Instructions
Interested persons should submit a detailed resume including academic, training, and technical experience, a statement regarding their specific teaching interests and qualifications, and a list of three references.

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