Drilling engineer

As a drilling engineer, you'll design and oversee the drilling of wells to extract oil, gas or other resources from beneath the earth's surface. You'll combine technical knowledge with problem-solving skills to keep projects running safely and efficiently.

You'll focus on planning and managing drilling operations, often in challenging environments. You'll work closely with geologists, rig crews and other engineers to make sure drilling is safe, cost-effective and meets strict regulations. This role is rewarding, especially when you solve complex technical problems or help bring a new well into production.

You might be involved in designing drilling programmes, selecting equipment, monitoring progress and troubleshooting issues as they happen. Drilling engineers are found in the oil and gas industry, geothermal energy, mining and even in some environmental and water supply projects.

Some drilling engineers specialise in offshore drilling, deepwater operations or new drilling technologies.

Your tasks might include:

• designing drilling programmes and selecting suitable equipment

• monitoring drilling progress and adjusting plans as needed

• troubleshooting technical problems on site or remotely

• making sure all operations meet safety and environmental standards

• working with suppliers to source materials and services

• preparing detailed reports and presenting findings to project teams

Green job

In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:

• develop safer drilling techniques to reduce environmental impact

• support geothermal energy projects for renewable power

Find out more about green jobs.

• Tomorrow's Engineers – Careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering

• WISE – inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)

• The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – for more information on engineering careers