How to Be Completions Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The introduction of new technology in the engineering sector has caused major shifts in the way engineers approach and complete their projects. Completions engineers are tasked with ensuring the successful completion of projects, from design and implementation to maintenance. To do this, completions engineers must have a thorough understanding of the current technological landscape and the capabilities of the latest engineering tools.

They must also be able to think critically about how to use these technologies to optimize project delivery and maximize efficiency. Furthermore, they must have an eye for detail and stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and best practices. By combining their knowledge of engineering tools, their problem-solving skills, and their expertise in project management, completions engineers can ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Most employers require completion engineers to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. Courses in engineering topics such as physics, calculus, and computer science are important for this type of career.
Gain Work Experience. Completion engineers need to have practical experience in the field. Many employers prefer applicants with experience in the oil and gas industry. Internships and apprenticeships can provide valuable experience and may lead to permanent employment.
Obtain Licensure. Completion engineers may need to become licensed in some states. Requirements vary by state, but typically include passing an examination and completing continuing education courses.
Develop Your Skills. Completion engineers need to have strong problem-solving and communication skills. They must also be able to work with a variety of computer programs related to their job duties.
Get Certified. Completion engineers may choose to obtain professional certification to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in their field. The Society of Petroleum Engineers offers certification for completion engineers.

Becoming a skilled and competent Completions Engineer requires a combination of formal education, on-the-job training, and experience. Formal education is essential for gaining the technical knowledge and understanding necessary to succeed in the field. An individual should pursue a degree in engineering or a related field, such as petroleum engineering, which provides a deep understanding of the principles and concepts of the profession.

On-the-job training is also necessary for gaining the practical experience needed to apply theoretical knowledge in the workplace. Through this type of training, a person can gain an understanding of the industry's best practices, as well as the necessary safety procedures and job requirements. Finally, experience is key for becoming a competent Completions Engineer.

By honing their skills through multiple projects and gaining insight from mentors and peers, a Completions Engineer can develop the necessary skill set to excel in their career.

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Job Description

Project Engineer: Develops project plans, oversees project progress, and ensures timely completion of projects.
Design Engineer: Creates detailed design specifications, develops prototypes, and tests designs to ensure they meet customer needs.
Quality Assurance Engineer: Reviews existing systems and inspects completed projects to ensure they meet company and customer requirements.
Installation Engineer: Installs, configures, and troubleshoots software and hardware components of systems.
Completion Engineer: Coordinates activities necessary for the successful completion of projects, such as equipment delivery, personnel training, and system start-up.
Reliability Engineer: Identifies potential system failures and develops strategies to reduce the risk of such failures occurring.
Maintenance Engineer: Maintains existing systems and resolves any issues that arise.
Systems Integration Engineer: Combines components from different subsystems into a single system that meets customer needs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings
Knowledge of quality assurance processes and procedures
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Understanding of construction regulations and codes
Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

The role of a Completions Engineer is crucial in the oil and gas industry as they are responsible for ensuring that wells are drilled properly and safely. Having strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of the industry, and attention to detail are essential qualities for a successful Completions Engineer. All of these skills help them identify problems and create innovative solutions to ensure the completion of the drilling process is efficient and safe.

The consequences of not having these qualities can be severe, leading to delays in production, serious safety issues, and costly repairs. Therefore, it is important for Completions Engineers to have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete their job effectively in order to avoid any possible risks or issues.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with completion engineering?
How do you stay up-to-date with new developments in completion engineering?
What challenges have you faced in your previous completion engineering jobs?
Describe a successful well completion project you have worked on?
What is your experience with developing well completion designs and cost estimates?
What strategies do you use to ensure a successful completion operation?
What methods do you use to identify and solve well completion problems?
How do you manage multiple completion projects at once?
What safety procedures do you follow when working with completion operations?
Describe the most complex well completion project you have been involved in and how you overcame the challenges faced?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Visual Studio. A development environment to create, debug and deploy applications for Windows, iOS and Android. (eg: Visual Studio Code)
Git. A version control system for tracking changes in source code during software development. (eg: Github)
Jenkins. An open-source automation server to build, test and deploy applications. (eg: Bitbucket)
Docker. An open-source container platform to deploy applications quickly and reliably across multiple environments. (eg: Kubernetes)
Kubernetes. An open-source container orchestration system to automate deployment, scaling and management of containerized applications. (eg: Amazon EKS)
Terraform. A tool for building, changing, and versioning infrastructure safely and efficiently. (eg: Azure DevOps)
Ansible. A configuration management and automation platform for deploying applications and infrastructure quickly and reliably. (eg: Puppet)
Splunk. A machine data analytics tool for quickly searching, analyzing, and visualizing machine data from any source. (eg: ELK Stack)
JIRA. A project management tool used to plan, track, and release software projects. (eg: Trello)
Selenium. An open-source automation testing framework used to test web applications across different browsers. (eg: Protractor)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Petroleum Institute
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers
American Society of Professional Estimators
Society of Petroleum Engineers
International Society of Automation

We also have Petroleum Exploration Geologist, Drilling Supervisor, and Structural Geologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Design Engineering. The practice of designing and creating physical products, such as machines, tools, and structures.
Mechanical Engineering. The application of physical principles for the design, manufacture, and operation of machines and tools.
Electrical Engineering. The study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Software Engineering. The application of engineering principles to the design, creation, and maintenance of software systems.
Automation Engineering. The use of automated systems to automate the production or operation of machines or processes.
Systems Engineering. The application of engineering principles and methods to complex projects or systems.
Completions Engineering. The process of ensuring that an oil and gas well is safely and efficiently prepared for production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Completions Engineer?

A Completions Engineer is responsible for designing and executing well completions, workovers, and interventions in order to optimize well performance.

What qualifications are needed to be a Completions Engineer?

To be a Completions Engineer, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field, along with experience in the oil and gas industry.

What are the key responsibilities of a Completions Engineer?

The key responsibilities of a Completions Engineer include designing and executing well completions, workovers, and interventions; optimizing well performance; troubleshooting well problems; and monitoring well production and performance.

How much does a Completions Engineer usually earn?

On average, a Completions Engineer earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually.

What are the most important skills for a Completions Engineer to have?

The most important skills for a Completions Engineer to have include knowledge of well completion strategies and technologies, ability to troubleshoot well problems, strong organizational and communication skills, and understanding of production engineering principles.

Web Resources

The Complete Engineer® Program | College of Engineering engineering.unl.edu
About The Complete Engineer® - engineering.unl.edu engineering.unl.edu
Advanced Well Completion Technologies | Texas A&M University engineering.tamu.edu