Engineering Design / Construction

An oil and gas engineer, also known as a petroleum engineer, designs methods to extract oil and gas from the earth, oversees drilling and production, and assesses the economic viability of potential drilling sites. They use principles of geology, mathematics, and physics to solve complex problems, analyze data, and develop processes to improve extraction, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impact.  

Key responsibilities

• Exploration and Drilling:

Develop plans for drilling and supervise the drilling process, ensuring it is safe and environmentally efficient. 

Production:

Design systems and processes to maximize the recovery of oil and gas, monitor production rates, and plan rework to increase extraction. 

Assessment and Analysis:

Analyze data to determine the best placement for wells and recommend processes to enhance production. 

Economic Evaluation:

Estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells to evaluate the viability of potential drilling sites. 

Environmental Compliance:

Work to reduce the environmental impact of oil and gas operations and oversee incident investigations. 

Technical Expertise:

Provide technical advice and collaborate with scientists, geologists, and other engineers to resolve problems and advance understanding of energy resources. 

Work Environment

Fieldwork:

Petroleum engineers spend time at drilling sites and may work on offshore platforms or in remote field locations. 

Office & Laboratory:

They also work in offices and laboratories, analyzing data, designing equipment, and writing technical reports. 

Collaboration:

Engineers work in multidisciplinary teams with geologists, production technicians, and other professionals. 

Travel:

Fieldwork may require extensive travel to visit project sites and attend conferences.