Drilling Engineers


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics > Drilling Engineers > Working Conditions
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Drilling Engineers

Drilling Engineers - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, petroleum engineers:

Interpersonal Relationships

  • Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to coworkers, but also spend time alone analyzing information.
  • Are responsible for the work done by drilling crews.
  • Are sometimes placed in conflict situations.
  • Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
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  • Communicate with coworkers daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
  • Occasionally write letters and memos.
  • Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical Work Conditions

  • Almost always work indoors in labs and offices. May on occasion work outdoors at drilling sites and in oil fields.
  • Work with coworkers, but in a separate office or many feet apart.

Work Performance

  • Must be very exact in their work. Errors could cause teams to drill where oil is not located. This would cost the company a lot of money.
  • Repeat the same tasks over and over, such as supervising drilling operations.
  • Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impacts coworkers and the company.
  • Rarely consult with a supervisor before setting their tasks and goals for the day. They can usually make most decisions without consulting with a supervisor.
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  • Are moderately competitive. They may compete with other companies.
  • Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/Travel

  • Generally have a set schedule each week. Most work more than 40 hours a week.
  • May work seven days a week, if working at a drill site as a drilling engineer.
  • May be on-call in case of emergencies or changes in drilling conditions.
  • May travel to remote areas and stay there for extended periods.
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.