What Does a Petroleum Engineer Do?
A petroleum engineer designs and develops methods to extract oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs. They analyze geological data, plan drilling techniques, and create solutions to maximize efficiency in resource recovery. By combining engineering principles with advanced technology, petroleum engineers help energy companies increase production while reducing costs.
Their role extends beyond extraction, focusing on safety, sustainability, and innovation. Petroleum engineers work closely with geologists, drilling teams, and environmental specialists to minimize ecological impact and ensure regulatory compliance. They also develop enhanced oil recovery techniques, evaluate equipment performance, and adapt strategies for both conventional and unconventional energy sources.
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Petroleum Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design and implement drilling and extraction plans for oil and gas fields
- Analyze reservoir performance and optimize recovery methods
- Collaborate with geoscientists and drilling specialists to assess site potential
- Develop new tools, materials, and processes to improve efficiency
- Monitor production rates and troubleshoot technical issues
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Evaluate costs, risks, and profitability of drilling projects
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to leadership
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in petroleum engineering software (Petrel, Eclipse, CMG)
- Strong knowledge of reservoir engineering, drilling techniques, and production systems
- Understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and rock mechanics
- Ability to analyze large datasets and develop models for reservoir performance
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams
- Adaptability to challenging environments (onshore and offshore)
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
- A bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or civil engineering may be considered for some positions
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required for senior or supervisory roles
- Offshore safety and environmental certifications often required
- SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) certification recommended for career advancement
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in oil and gas extraction or drilling engineering
- Field experience with offshore drilling operations
- Familiarity with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques
- Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in petroleum engineering or related field
National Average Salary
Petroleum engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Petroleum Engineer is:
$138,330
Sample Job Description Templates for Petroleum Engineers
Entry-Level Petroleum Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level petroleum engineer to support drilling and production operations through data analysis, fieldwork, and technical reporting. This role is designed for recent graduates with a strong foundation in petroleum or related engineering disciplines who want to build industry experience under the guidance of senior engineers.
Responsibilities
- Assist in designing drilling and extraction plans under supervision
- Collect and analyze reservoir and production data
- Support senior engineers in evaluating field performance and project feasibility
- Prepare technical reports and documentation for internal review
- Monitor safety procedures and ensure compliance with regulations
- Participate in site visits and field assignments to gain practical experience
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of drilling, reservoir, and production engineering principles
- Familiarity with petroleum engineering software and modeling tools
- Basic understanding of geology and fluid mechanics
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Willingness to learn and adapt in dynamic environments
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or civil engineering may be accepted
Certifications
- Offshore safety certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or cooperative education experience in oil and gas operations
- Exposure to drilling or production fieldwork
Mid-Level Petroleum Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a mid-level petroleum engineer to take on greater responsibility in designing extraction methods, optimizing production, and troubleshooting operational issues. This role requires hands-on experience and the ability to work independently on moderately complex projects.
Responsibilities
- Develop drilling, completion, and production strategies
- Analyze reservoir performance and recommend recovery techniques
- Supervise field operations and ensure adherence to safety standards
- Conduct cost analysis and prepare project feasibility studies
- Collaborate with geoscientists, drillers, and production teams on project execution
- Provide mentorship to entry-level engineers and interns
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with simulation and modeling software (Petrel, Eclipse, CMG)
- Strong knowledge of reservoir and production engineering
- Ability to evaluate costs, risks, and efficiency of projects
Soft skills
- Strong communication with technical and field teams
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Critical thinking and adaptability in changing environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in progress or recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of petroleum engineering experience
- Field experience with drilling or completion operations
Senior Petroleum Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior petroleum engineer to lead advanced projects in drilling, production, and reservoir optimization. This role requires technical expertise, leadership ability, and a proven record of managing large-scale oil and gas operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead reservoir evaluations and recommend enhanced oil recovery methods
- Design and oversee drilling and production plans for complex projects
- Provide technical leadership to junior and mid-level engineers
- Troubleshoot production challenges and propose innovative solutions
- Collaborate with leadership on long-term production and development strategies
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and company policies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of reservoir simulation, drilling systems, and EOR techniques
- Ability to develop and validate technical models for field performance
- Strong project management and cost control skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring ability
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication with technical and executive stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
- Master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- PE license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 6–8 years of petroleum engineering experience
- Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary projects
Lead Petroleum Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead petroleum engineer to oversee engineering projects, manage technical teams, and serve as the primary point of contact for large-scale operations. This role blends technical expertise with project leadership and requires advanced knowledge of petroleum engineering processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead engineering teams in drilling, reservoir, and production projects
- Coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation
- Ensure quality and consistency of technical deliverables
- Develop and implement new processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Mentor and coach junior and senior-level engineers
- Represent the engineering department in cross-functional meetings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in petroleum engineering design, operations, and project execution
- Strong technical review and quality assurance skills
- Advanced project management and budgeting experience
Soft skills
- Proven leadership and team-building abilities
- Strong communication with executives, stakeholders, and clients
- Ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
- Master’s degree in engineering or management preferred
Certifications
- PE license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of petroleum engineering experience, including leadership roles
- Prior experience managing large, complex oil and gas projects
Petroleum Engineering Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a petroleum engineering manager to oversee the engineering department, manage staff, and provide strategic direction for oil and gas projects. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen.
Responsibilities
- Manage engineering staff and oversee departmental operations
- Direct strategic planning for drilling, production, and reservoir management
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations
- Oversee budgets, timelines, and quality of engineering deliverables
- Serve as a liaison between executives, engineering teams, and external partners
- Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of petroleum engineering and industry best practices
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Expertise in cost control, risk management, and project oversight
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to inspire and mentor a team of engineers
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
- Master’s degree in engineering management or MBA preferred
Certifications
- PE license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of petroleum engineering experience, with at least 3 in management
- Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and large projects
Principal Petroleum Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a principal petroleum engineer to serve as a top technical authority and thought leader within the organization. This role focuses on innovation, advanced project leadership, and advising executives on the future direction of petroleum engineering efforts.
Responsibilities
- Lead development of advanced technologies and recovery methods
- Oversee complex, high-value projects as the senior technical authority
- Provide strategic technical guidance to executives and stakeholders
- Develop internal methodologies, tools, and best practices
- Mentor senior engineers and contribute to talent development
- Represent the company in professional organizations, conferences, and publications
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of petroleum engineering principles, techniques, and innovations
- Proven track record of research, tool development, or major project leadership
- Strong knowledge of global energy markets and sustainability practices
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and thought leadership capabilities
- Strong presentation and influence skills with senior executives
- Ability to drive innovation and long-term technical strategies
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering required
- Master’s or PhD strongly preferred
Certifications
- PE license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 12+ years of petroleum engineering experience, with significant leadership responsibility
- Recognized expertise in industry through publications, patents, or speaking engagements