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

May 9, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Drilling engineers use sophisticated technology to explore and extract oil and natural gas resources from the earth. Their success in doing so has a huge impact on the global energy market. By utilizing advanced techniques such as directional drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and well stimulation, drilling engineers are able to uncover new energy reserves and increase production from existing reserves.

These activities enable countries to meet their energy demands, reduce dependence on imports, and create jobs in the energy industry. Furthermore, increased production of oil and natural gas helps to keep global energy prices stable, which benefits consumers and businesses around the world.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree. Most employers require drilling engineers to have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline like petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering.
Gain experience in the field. Experience in the field of oil and gas drilling is necessary to become a drilling engineer. You can gain this experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs in the industry.
Get certified. The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) offers certification for drilling engineers. This certification will show employers that you have the necessary skills to work in the field.
Pursue advanced degrees. Advanced degrees like a Masters degree in Petroleum Engineering can help you stand out from other applicants and advance your career.
Network. Networking with other engineers and professionals in the industry can help you find job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Staying ahead and qualified as a drilling engineer requires dedication and hard work. To stay ahead, one must keep up with the latest technologies and industry trends, as well as training and certifications that demonstrate their knowledge in the field. One must also be willing to invest in their own professional development, by pursuing continuing education, attending seminars and conferences, and networking with other engineers.

staying up-to-date with safety protocols and regulations is essential in order to maintain a safe working environment. By taking the necessary steps to stay ahead and qualified, drilling engineers can ensure they are well-equipped to succeed in their profession.

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Job Description

Plan and execute drilling operations and activities, in accordance with established safety regulations, procedures, and standards.
Monitor and adjust drilling parameters during operations to ensure accuracy and quality of results.
Analyze geological data to determine appropriate drilling methods and develop drill plans.
Monitor and analyze drilling operations to identify opportunities for improvement.
Maintain accurate records of drilling operations.
Select the appropriate equipment and materials needed for drilling operations.
Supervise and coordinate the activities of drilling personnel and contractors.
Evaluate and implement changes to enhance drilling productivity and efficiency.
Develop and implement cost-effective strategies to reduce drilling costs while ensuring safety standards are met.
Monitor and maintain drilling equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drilling engineering principles and practices
Ability to develop and implement drilling programs
Ability to read, interpret and analyze drilling data
Understanding of well design, completion and abandonment processes
Knowledge of geology, formation evaluation and reservoir engineering
Knowledge of drilling fluids and well control techniques
Ability to troubleshoot drilling problems and develop solutions
Experience in project management and budgeting
Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office suite
Understanding of safety regulations, procedures and best practices

Having a strong background in mathematics and physics is essential for a successful drilling engineer. These two areas provide the foundation for the analysis and problem-solving skills needed to make decisions related to drilling operations. Having a good understanding of the geological conditions of the drilling location is also important, as this helps an engineer to identify potential risks and hazards as well as determine the best drilling methods.

Furthermore, knowledge of various drilling equipment and technology is necessary to carry out the drilling operations safely and efficiently, as well as to ensure that all safety protocols are followed. Lastly, having excellent communication skills is critical for a drilling engineer, as they must be able to convey their ideas and instructions clearly and effectively to the entire team. All of these skills combined allow a drilling engineer to successfully carry out their duties and ensure that the drilling process runs smoothly.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in drilling engineering?
What have been your biggest successes and challenges in drilling engineering?
How do you manage challenging production goals?
What strategies do you use to ensure safety and compliance standards are met?
How do you evaluate new drilling technology and equipment?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to drilling engineering?
What strategies do you use to optimize drilling plans and operations?
How do you effectively collaborate with other teams and stakeholders?
What processes do you use to monitor, analyze, and improve production performance?
How do you stay up to date with industry best practices and regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Drilling Rig. A large piece of equipment used to drill down into the earth to access petroleum and natural gas resources. (eg: Derrick)
Downhole Motor. A motor that is attached to the bottom of a drill string to provide additional torque and rotational speed to the drill bit. (eg: Schlumberger PowerDrive Xtreme)
Drill String. A long series of pipes connected together and used to bore a hole in the ground. (eg: 5. 5-inch Tri-cone Bit)
Drill Bit. A cutting tool attached to the lower end of the drill string that cuts through the rock and soil to reach the desired formation. (eg: PDC Bit)
Mud Pumps. Pumps used to circulate drilling fluid from the surface to the downhole motor. (eg: Gardner Denver PZ-7)
MWD/LWD Tools. Measurement While Drilling and Logging While Drilling tools used to measure and log geological data while drilling. (eg: Schlumberger Sonic Scanner)
Surface Equipment. Equipment used on the surface such as tanks, pumps, and valves that support the drilling operations. (eg: Tank Level Monitor)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
International Association for Drilling Contractors (IADC)
World Petroleum Council (WPC)
American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)
International Well Control Forum (IWCF)
Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE)

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Common Important Terms

Drilling Rig. A large structure, usually on land, used to drill oil and gas wells.
Blowout Preventer (BOP). A device used to control and contain high-pressure fluids during drilling operations.
Mud Logging. The process of collecting samples of the drilling fluid and sediment from a well in order to analyze them for useful information.
Rotary Drilling. A form of drilling in which a rotating bit is used to cut through rock and sediment.
Directional Drilling. A process in which the angle of the borehole is changed to reach a desired target.
Logging While Drilling (LWD). A technique where sensors are used to measure various parameters while drilling.
Casing. A series of steel or plastic pipes that are inserted into a well bore to ensure structural integrity and to aid in the extraction of fluids.
Reservoir Engineering. A field of engineering that deals with the analysis of subsurface reservoirs and the development of methods for their efficient exploitation.
Subsurface Mapping. The process of mapping the subsurface geology using data from seismic surveys, boreholes, and other sources.
Drilling Fluids. Fluids used during drilling operations to reduce friction and help remove cuttings from the borehole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Drilling Engineer?

A Drilling Engineer is a professional who designs, implements and monitors drilling operations for oil and gas extraction.

What skills are needed to be a Drilling Engineer?

A successful Drilling Engineer should have knowledge of engineering principles, geology, reservoir engineering, well completion, drilling operations and safety procedures. Additionally, they should have strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

What is the job outlook for a Drilling Engineer?

The job outlook for Drilling Engineers is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in this field will grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029.

What is the average salary of a Drilling Engineer?

The average salary of a Drilling Engineer in the United States is $111,239 per year.

What type of education is required to become a Drilling Engineer?

To become a Drilling Engineer, most employers require a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.

Web Resources

Drilling Engineer | NC State Online and Distance Education online-distance.ncsu.edu
(PDF) Drilling Engineering - Neal Adams - Academia.edu www.academia.edu
(PDF) 200 Drilling Engineering.pdf | abdelrazig www.academia.edu