Petroleum Engineer Careers and Nature of Work

Petroleum engineers specialize in designing and developing technology and methods for digging the earth’s surface to extract oil and gas. They find means to obtain either natural gas or crude oil from the ground. In addition, petroleum engineers explore and discover new techniques to extract oil and gas from older wells all over the world.

Petroleum engineers typically work with geologists. They are both essential in the field. Petroleum engineers plan and supervise the drilling operations after the potential drill site has been determined. They ensure that the methods used provide maximum profitable recovery.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 30,200 petroleum engineers employed in the country as of 2010. They usually work in laboratories or offices. However, they also have to work in drilling sites or gas and oil exploration and production sites. Petroleum engineers may also have to work in other countries. They install, monitor, supervise and maintain work sites.

Petroleum engineers are expected to work full time up to as much as 50 to 60 hours every week. This is especially true when they are onsite. They typically work in shifts or rotation such as 84 hours on duty and 84 hours off. Petroleum engineers also create computer simulations in order to predict the natural gas and petroleum flow in an oil field.

Becoming a Petroleum Engineer

A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is necessary to land an entry-level position. Petroleum engineering is among the areas of specialty in engineering. Programs usually take four years to complete. There are universities that offer five-year programs that automatically grant students a master’s degree. Most employers prefer applicants who have work experience.

With this, it is best that graduates earn academic credit from cooperative engineering programs before applying for a job. Individuals who want higher-level positions need to complete additional training and education. In the U.S., trainees must obtain a license to become a professional engineer. Once the bachelor’s degree is complete, graduates may take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Passers will be given the title of Engineer Interns or Engineers in Training. Completing this phase will qualify them to taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Depending on the state’s requirement, they may have to undergo further training to keep their license.

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