How to Get a Job as a Petroleum Engineer

What Exactly is a Petroleum Engineer?

Petroleum engineering is the engineering discipline concerned with the exploration, extraction, and production of oil. It is also increasingly concerned with natural gas production.

A petroleum engineer (also known as a gas engineer) evaluates the most efficient method of drilling for and extracting oil and natural gas from a certain well. They supervise drilling operations and troubleshoot any issues that arise. They also select how to motivate a poor performer. They create new drilling tools and procedures, as well as innovative methods for extracting leftover oil and gas from older wells.

What Does a Petroleum Engineer Do?

Petroleum engineers evaluate oil and gas reservoirs to determine their profitability. They examine the geology of future drilling sites to plan the safest and most efficient method of drilling and recovering oil. They manage the installation, maintenance, and operation of equipment. They also manage the completion of wells. During production they monitor yield and develop modifications and stimulation programs to enhance it. They're also responsible for solving operational problems that may arise.

Since current extraction techniques only recover part of the available oil or gas in a reservoir, petroleum engineers also develop new drilling and extraction methods.

Petroleum engineers usually specialize in a particular aspect of drilling operations. For example, reservoir engineers determine the best way to recover the most oil or gas from a particular deposit, and estimate how much that will be. Drilling engineers figure out the best way to drill a particular well so that it's economically efficient and safe for people and the environment. Completions engineers decide the best way to finish building a well so that the oil or gas flows upwards from the ground. Production engineers monitor production and figure out how to coax more out of an under-producing well.

Petroleum engineers are vital to today's economies. They make the drilling process safer for people, communities, wildlife, and the environment. They also make it more efficient, and prices more affordable for customers. They ensure compliance with best practices, industry standards, and environmental and safety regulations, and contribute to energy independence.

Where Does a Petroleum Engineer Work?

Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of petroleum engineers (53%) worked in oil and gas extraction as of 2012. 14% provided support activities for mining. Another 7% were employed in architectural, engineering, and related services. 6% were involved in the manufacture of petroleum and coal products, and another 6% were employed as company managers.

Petroleum engineers spend most of their time in offices or laboratories, but must also work at drilling sites, often for extended periods. Fieldwork may require extensive travel, including overseas. They may work a significant amount of extra hours while traveling. They commonly work on 84-hour rotations while at a work site.

What is the Average Petroleum Engineer Salary?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for petroleum engineers was $137,330 as of May 2020. The top 10% in the field earned more than $208,000 and the bottom 10% earned less than $78,620 during this time.

What is the Job Demand for Petroleum Engineers?

The job demand for petroleum engineers is projected to increase by 8 percent between 2020 and 2030. Growth will be dependent on oil prices, since higher prices make more complex drilling worthwhile. Retirements of older workers and the need to ensure compliance with regulations when drilling in deep water will open up new opportunities.

What Petroleum Engineer Careers are Available?

Some petroleum engineers eventually advance to managerial positions. Others use their technical knowledge to assist customers as sales engineers. Some may start their own businesses that provide services to larger oil companies.

How Do I Get a Petroleum Engineer Degree?

These positions require a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering. These academic programs include classroom, lab, and field studies. They commonly focus on engineering basics, geology, and thermodynamics. Work experience gained through cooperative education programs that award academic credit for job experience is also highly valued by employers. A solid foundation in math and science is excellent preparation for college studies.

Graduate degrees can provide an edge in the job market, and are generally required for positions at universities, or other research positions. Formal training may be provided to new recruits at larger companies. Consider a Master's in Biotechnology to further your career.

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