In the energy industry, skilled drilling engineers can be highly sought after during certain periods and in specific regions. Oil and gas drilling are highly specialized fields that are responsible for extracting some of the most costly resources that the ground and ocean have to offer. The fossil fuels that are accessed represent extremely high profits for oil and gas services companies. Drilling engineer jobs require that professionals possess physical ability in addition to the appropriate training that makes these individuals so valuable. Jobs in this industry range from senior roles to more novice positions and could be filled in the open seas or onshore.
Senior drilling engineer jobs might require that an individual travel to different oil rigs or natural gas fields around the world. These roles may also involve designing the very rigs and wells that will be used for drilling activity. There are different types of wells that might be used to drill, and senior drilling engineer jobs could involve applying horizontal drilling techniques or some other complex process that requires training. Some on-the-job preparation may be offered in addition to formal training to enforce safety measures and technical aspects of the position.
Possibly, an unexpected drilling opportunity will arise that an energy services company cannot afford to miss. Without the proper expertise, however, new oil or gas findings could be left for a competing company. In these cases, drilling engineer jobs designed for consultants might be available on a temporary basis.
A consultant might be needed to help other industry professionals learn to operate different equipment or drill in a new way. The individual who is engaged might be retained to continue overseeing the operations of a drilling site for a period of time. If new oil and gas reserves are uncovered in a new location, an energy company might set up operations and hire local consultants or surveyors to help understand the lay of the land.
Drilling engineer jobs are clearly more prevalent where the oil and gas resources are the most vast. Opportunities, however, can be located around the world. The most experienced drilling engineers should expect some degree of travel as new drilling opportunities emerge either through partnerships or independently. Oil rigs can be constructed out in the middle of the ocean, and these offshore platforms present additional drilling engineering jobs. A drilling job may require that the candidate earn a petroleum engineering degree from a college or university.
