Nature of the Work

Petroleum engineers search the world for reservoirs containing oil or natural gas. Once these resources are discovered, petroleum engineers work with geologists and other specialists to understand the geologic formation and properties of the rock containing the reservoir, determine the drilling methods to be used, and monitor drilling and production operations.

They design equipment and processes to achieve the maximum profitable recovery of oil and gas. Petroleum engineers rely heavily on computer models to simulate reservoir performance using different recovery techniques. They also use computer models for simulations of the effects of various drilling options.

Because only a small proportion of oil and gas in a reservoir will flow out under natural forces, petroleum engineers develop and use various enhanced recovery methods. These include injecting water, chemicals, gases, or steam into an oil reservoir to force out more of the oil, and computer-controlled drilling or fracturing to connect a larger area of a reservoir to a single well.

Even the best techniques in use today recover only a portion of the oil and gas in a reservoir, petroleum engineers research and develop technology and methods to increase recovery and lower the cost of drilling and production operations.
 

Employment

Petroleum engineers held jobs mostly in oil and gas extraction, professional, scientific and technical services, and petroleum refining. Employers include major oil companies and  smaller, independent oil exploration, production, and service companies.
 

Working Conditions

Most petroleum engineers work where oil and gas are found. Large numbers are employed  overseas in oil-producing countries.
 

Job Outlook

Employment opportunities of petroleum engineers is expected to be moderate. Even so, favorable opportunities are expected for petroleum engineers because the number of job openings is likely to exceed the relatively small number of graduates. Most job openings should result from the need to replace petroleum engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave.

Petroleum engineers work around the world and, in fact, the best employment opportunities may be in other countries. Many foreign employers seek petroleum engineers.