Petroleum Engineers
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Sample of reported job titles:
Completion Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Engineer, Operations Engineer, Petroleum Engineer, Petroleum Production Engineer, Project Production Engineer, Project Reservoir Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Reservoir Engineering Consultant
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Assess costs and estimate the production capabilities and economic value of oil and gas wells, to evaluate the economic viability of potential drilling sites.
- Monitor production rates, and plan rework processes to improve production.
- Analyze data to recommend placement of wells and supplementary processes to enhance production.
- Specify and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery.
- Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing, or well surveys.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:Computer Modelling Group CMG STARS,eProduction Solutions PanSystem,Finite element analysis FEA software,Google Analytics,IHS Petra,Neotec WELLFLO,SAS statistical software,Schlumberger ECLIPSE,Schlumberger Petrel E&P,Schlumberger PVTi,TERRASCIENCES TerraStation,The MathWorks MATLAB,TRC Consultants PHDWin,Well Flow Dynamics Wellflow
- Business intelligence and data analysis software:TIBCO Spotfire
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD
- Data base user interface and query software:Landmark Graphics TOW/cs,Microsoft Access,Oracle software,Structure query language SQL
- Development environment software:Eclipse IDE,Microsoft Visual Studio,Software development tools
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events:Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
- Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
- Collect samples of raw materials or finished products.
- Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
- Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Work Context
- Face-to-Face Discussions:99% responded"Every day"
- Electronic Mail:98% responded"Every day"
- Work With Work Group or Team:93% responded"Extremely important"
- Telephone:87% responded"Every day"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:78% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Complex Problem Solving:Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making:Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Physics:Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Chemistry:Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 72%Bachelor's Degree
- 8%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning:The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Interests
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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