Career Overview
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Also Known As
- Drilling Engineer
- Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Reservoir Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Certification Engineer
- Completion Engineer
- Completions Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Drilling Engineer
- Engineer
- Exploration Engineer
- Gas Distribution Engineer
- Gas Engineer
- Gas Turbine Engineer
- Logging Engineer
- Mining and Oil Field Equipment Design Engineer
- Mining and Oil Field Equipment Test Engineer
- Mining and Oil Well Equipment Research Engineer
- Mud Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Maintain records of drilling and production operations.
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- Assist engineering and other personnel to solve operating problems.
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
- Develop plans for oil and gas field drilling, and for product recovery and treatment.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Use drone technology for aerial surveying and monitoring of drilling sites.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Category Flexibility
- Fluency of Ideas
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C#
- C++
- Eclipse IDE
- Google Analytics
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Telephone Conversations
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $78,840 |
| Median | $141,280 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $228,790 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 18,970
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,020
Chemical Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $121,860
Geothermal Production Managers
Education: Some College Courses
Median Salary: $121,440
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $99,590
Industrial Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,140
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.