Petroleum Engineers

ANZSCO 233612 – Private and Public Advertisers (Government, Private & Corporate Professional, Scientific and Technical Services)
Positions available 350+ NSW VIC QLD SA WA TAS NT ACT

Petroleum engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of locating and extracting petroleum or natural gas from the earth. Their expertise is essential in ensuring efficient and effective operations in the oil and gas industry.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Petroleum engineers require a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, reflecting the level of skill necessary. Relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may also be required in addition to the formal qualification. (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing might be a prerequisite in some instances

Specialisation:
Process Engineer (Mining)
Mud Engineer
Petrophysical Engineer

Estimate salary aud$80,000 up to aud$190,000 per year.

Tasks Include:

• Reservoir Evaluation and Management: Evaluating and assessing reservoir characteristics to determine the location, size, and potential productivity of petroleum or natural gas deposits. Use various tools and techniques to analyse geological data, such as seismic surveys and well logs. Develop strategies for reservoir management, including enhanced oil recovery techniques.
• Well Planning and Design: Planning and designing wells for the extraction of petroleum or natural gas. Develop well plans that consider factors such as reservoir properties, drilling methods, and equipment selection. Design well trajectories, specify drilling fluids, and determine casing and completion designs to ensure safe and efficient well operations.
• Production Optimisation: Optimising production processes to maximise the extraction of petroleum or natural gas. Analyse production data, monitor well performance, and identify opportunities to enhance production rates. Implement production enhancement techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing or well stimulation, to improve reservoir productivity.
• Facility Design and Operation: Designing and operating facilities for the processing, storage, and transportation of petroleum or natural gas. Develop plans for production facilities, pipelines, and storage tanks. Optimise facility layouts, evaluate equipment performance, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance: Implementing health, safety, and environmental protocols to ensure safe and sustainable operations. Assess and mitigate risks associated with drilling, production, and transportation activities. Develop safety procedures, monitor compliance, and promote environmental stewardship throughout the entire lifecycle of petroleum or natural gas operations.
• Reservoir Modelling and Simulation: Creating computer models and simulations to predict and optimise reservoir behaviour. Use advanced software to simulate reservoir conditions, predict production rates, and optimize recovery strategies. Analyse simulation results to inform decision-making and improve reservoir management techniques.
• Cost and Risk Analysis: Conducting economic evaluations and risk assessments for petroleum projects. Analyse costs, revenues, and profitability to support investment decisions. Assess technical and operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential challenges. Monitor project budgets and recommend cost-saving measures.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, drilling engineers, and production operators, to ensure effective project execution. Communicate technical information, provide guidance, and coordinate efforts to achieve project objectives. Work closely with stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and industry partners, to ensure compliance and foster productive relationships.

Petroleum engineers play a vital role in planning and directing the engineering aspects of petroleum and natural gas extraction. You evaluate reservoirs, design wells, optimise production processes, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Through your expertise and collaboration, you contribute to efficient and sustainable operations in the oil and gas industry.