Drilling engineers play a critical role in the oil and gas industry. They are responsible for planning, designing and implementing drilling operations from the initial stages of well development, through to the testing and operations phases, until the completion and abandonment of an oil and gas deposit. But what does a day in the life of a drilling engineer look like, and what are the requirements for this challenging and rewarding career? To answer these questions, let’s look at a drilling engineer’s typical tasks and responsibilities and the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in this role.
What does a drilling engineer do?
Drilling engineers are highly skilled professionals employed to oversee the well-drilling process. They collaborate with a team to extract natural gas and minerals from varying environments, both onshore and offshore. In addition to providing much-needed expertise, these professionals also serve their teams in supervisory roles. From drilling sites on land to the gruelling conditions of extracting resources beneath the sea, drilling engineers go to great lengths to keep operations running smoothly. They usually work regular hours but will often work for extended periods at a time before taking leave to return home. On-site conditions may be cramped, and rig workers usually live and work in close proximity to other staff for extended periods.
Responsibilities:
Planning and Preparation
An essential part of a drilling engineer’s job is planning and preparation; typical tasks may include:
- Preparing well data sheets
- Designing and selecting drilling equipment
- Creating production flows and plans
- Creating safety protocols and processes to assess risks and ensure the protection of drillers at all times
Drilling engineers might also liaise with other team members and departments, such as drilling contractors, to ensure everything is in place for a successful project.
Monitoring and Problem-Solving
Once the drilling program is underway, the drilling engineer will spend much of their day monitoring progress and troubleshooting any problems that arise, which often include:
- Monitoring the daily progress of well operations
- Assessing the quality of the drilling fluid
- Tracking daily costs and budgets of drilling efforts and comparing costs with expenditure proposals
- Monitoring safety and maintenance
If issues arise, the drilling engineer must use their expertise to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action. This could involve adjusting the drilling program, ordering new equipment, or working with other team members to devise a solution.
Analysis
A drilling engineer will typically analyse the data from the day’s operations and plan for the project’s next phase. The analysis tasks may involve:
- Managing the reporting and logistics of each drilling operation
- Reviewing drilling logs and assessing the quality of the rock samples
- Carrying out engineering analysis and writing up reports
Drilling engineers will consider how the data will inform the next steps in the drilling operations.
They might also spend time liaising with geologists or project managers to ensure everyone is on the same page and that the project proceeds according to plan.
Skills and Qualifications
To become a drilling engineer, you will need a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Here are some of the essential qualifications and qualities that are required:
- Education: Most drilling engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, or a related field. A master’s degree or Ph.D. can also be beneficial, particularly for more senior roles.
- Technical Skills: Drilling engineers must have a deep understanding of drilling technologies and techniques and the geology and physics of the earth’s crust. They must also be familiar with software tools for data analysis and visualisation.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Drilling engineers must be able to analyse complex data, diagnose problems, and devise effective solutions in real-time.
- Communication Skills: Drilling engineers work as part of a team, so they must communicate effectively with other team members, contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders.
- Safety Focus: Drilling engineers must always prioritise safety, ensuring that all drilling operations comply with industry regulations and best practices.
Drilling engineering is a demanding yet highly rewarding field. With the increasing demand for oil and gas, stable employment opportunities in this sector will likely remain. For those with a passion for engineering, a thorough knowledge of drilling technologies, and problem-solving acumen, drilling engineering could be an excellent choice for a career path.
