Petroleum Engineer Job Description

What is a Petroleum Engineer?

A petroleum engineer is responsible for the designing of drill equipment and planning of methods and techniques used to extract oil and gas from both onshore and offshore reserves. Duties include recommendations of drilling efforts based on cost, effort and feasibility weighed against returns. The career advancement of petroleum engineers typically results in seniority that provides greater independence and decision-making responsibilities for bigger and more challenging projects subject to obtaining a Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Petroleum engineers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering with a master's degree preferred. Most companies value a professional engineering license which is usually associated with more experienced engineers. Strong candidates will possess high attention to detail along with excellent analytical skills that are conveyed accurately in reports and presentations.

Petroleum Engineer Job Description Template

Job Overview

Come work at Example Co., a leading firm in our industry in the metro area. We're pleased to have a 4.0 Glassdoor rating. We are looking to hire an experienced Petroleum Engineer to help us keep growing. If you're hard-working and dedicated, Example Co. is an ideal place to get ahead. Apply today!

Responsibilities for Petroleum Engineer

  • Design drilling equipment used in the process of extracting oil and gas from both onshore and offshore reserves
  • Make recommendations based on cost, effort and feasibility
  • Devise plans and methods to effectively drill fields to recover oil and gas
  • Develop and modify tools and designs based on performance observation
  • Ensure equipment is installed, operated and maintained properly for effective use
  • Work closely with the procurement team to procure the necessary equipment and tools for projects
  • Work together with geoscientists and other specialists to analyze the geologic formation containing the oil and gas reservoir
  • Monitor drilling operations as needed

Qualifications for Petroleum Engineer

  • Master's degree in engineering with coursework in the petroleum industry preferred
  • Professional engineering license preferred
  • Proven experience working as an engineer in the petroleum industry
  • Knowledgeable in engineering drilling techniques and methods
  • Strong industrial knowledge and understanding of market conditions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Good reporting and presentation skills
  • Skilled in computer technology and Microsoft applications
  • Ability to travel offshore as required

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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