ADD ADVICE TO FAVPetroleum engineer
Petroleum engineers manage the process of bringing oil and gas from reservoir to surface.
What petroleum engineers do
- analyse data from from geophysical surveys, mud loggers and other sources to build up a picture of the strata from which oil is to be extracted
- build computer-based models of oil fields
- analyse whether an oil field is economic
- liaise with other companies that are sharing the costs and profits of each development.
Key skills
- good mathematical and analytical abilities
- supervisory skills, to manage employees and contractors working on oil platforms
- three-dimensional visualisation ability
- computer literacy, to use modelling software
- excellent verbal and written communications skills for meeting, reports, negotiations, etc.
Training to be a petroleum engineer
Petroleum engineers often study petroleum engineering to BSc or MSc level before starting their career. Some graduates from other engineering disciplines are trained on the job.
Training includes time spent on oil platforms, gaining an understanding of the practical issues involved in oil production, and time at onshore offices nearby and at head offices of oil companies, completing analytical and project management work.
Suitably skilled and experienced engineers can apply to become registered as chartered petroleum engineers with the Energy Institute.
Salaries
Starting salaries typically range from £21,000 to £29,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
