Drilling Engineer

RESPEC; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Schedules

Retirement & EPP (with company match 4

Professional Development and Training

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

Job summary

RESPEC in Calgary, Alberta seeks an experienced Drilling Engineer to lead a diverse portfolio of drilling projects, including exploratory, solution‑mining, geothermal, and disposal wells. You will design programs, manage execution, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to deliver practical, cost‑effective engineering solutions.

This role requires a strong technical background, project management, and willingness to travel (10%).

Qualifications

• Bachelor of science degree in petroleum, geological, or mining engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of drilling engineering experience.
• Strong client relationships and business development support.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines; work independently.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full project lifecycle from proposal through execution within schedule and budget.
• Lead drilling engineering and consulting for exploratory, solution-mining, geothermal, and disposal well projects.
• Develop well designs and drilling programs including casing, fluids, cementing, testing and completion.
• Prepare and manage AFE documents with cost estimates and budget approvals.
• Develop drilling cost estimates and project schedules coordinating with contractors and stakeholders.
• Provide project oversight to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant field operations.
• Monitor performance, identify risks, and implement solutions for successful outcomes.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Willing to travel 10% of the time.

Skills

Strong technical background

Project management

Client collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Independent judgement

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor of science in petroleum/geological/mining engineering

Job description

RESPEC is seeking an experienced Drilling Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will lead and support a diverse portfolio of drilling projects, including exploratory drilling, solution-mining wells, geothermal wells, and disposal wells. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to develop innovative well designs, drilling programs, and execution strategies that support energy and mineral resource development.

This position is ideal for a technically strong engineer who enjoys managing projects from concept through completion, solving complex challenges, and delivering high-quality results in a dynamic consulting environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the full project lifecycle, from proposal development and project planning through successful execution, while maintaining schedule and budget objectives
• Lead drilling engineering and consulting efforts for exploratory drilling, solution-mining, geothermal, and disposal well projects
• Develop detailed well designs and comprehensive drilling programs, including but not limited to:
  • Casing and tubular design
  • Drilling fluid and mud systems
  • Cementing programs
  • Well testing and completion programs
• Prepare and manage Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) documents, including cost estimates and budget approvals
• Develop accurate drilling cost estimates and project schedules while coordinating with drilling contractors, service providers, and project stakeholders
• Provide project oversight to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant field operations
• Monitor project performance, identify risks, and implement solutions to support successful project outcomes
• Collaborate closely with clients and internal technical teams to deliver practical, cost-effective engineering solutions
• Must be willing to travel 10% of the time

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of science degree in petroleum, geological, or mining engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of drilling engineering experience
• Strong technical background in well design and drilling program development and execution
• Prior experience in AFE preparation, cost tracking, financial accountability, and procurement services
• Strong client relationships and the ability to support business development efforts
• Experience with completions engineering and design would be an asset
• Professional license or the ability to achieve professional license
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prioritize work demands to meet deadlines while exercising judgement and working independently
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed

Additional Information

Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is a 100% employee-owned company and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.

Featured benefits include:

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Retirement & EPP (with company match up to 4%)
• Professional Development and Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

RESPEC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing,Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Company Info

Big challenges need bold thinkers.

If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.

At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.

We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you're looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.