Drilling Engineer - Midland, TX

ConocoPhillips; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ConocoPhillips, a leading energy company, seeks an experienced Drilling Engineer to design and execute safe, cost-effective drilling programs across unconventional assets. You will lead well planning, coordinate across disciplines, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

You will apply advanced engineering principles, mentor teammates, and contribute to continuous drilling performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical) or foreign equivalent.
• 3+ years’ experience in drilling engineering or operations.
• Willing to travel 10–20% annually and be on call outside standard hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead well planning and execution with detailed drilling programs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with permits and standards.
• Provide daily engineering guidance to onsite personnel and troubleshoot.
• Analyze drilling data to improve safety, efficiency, and performance.
• Develop and track performance metrics and cost/schedule estimates.
• Collaborate with asset, planning and finance teams to manage accruals.

Skills

Drilling planning

Project leadership

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Engineering degree (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical)

Tools

WellView

Landmark

Job description

• World’s largest independent upstream oil and gas business
• SPIRIT values - Safety People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
• Operations in 13 countries

Welcome to ConocoPhillips, where innovation and excellence create a platform for opportunity and growth. Come realize your full potential here.

Who We Are

We are one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. With operations and activities in 13 countries, we explore for, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas globally. We are challenged with an important job to safely find and deliver energy to the world. Our employees are critical to our success, and with them we power civilization. We’re grounded by our SPIRIT Values – safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. These values position us to deliver strong performance in a dynamic business – but not at all costs. We believe it’s not just what we do – it’s how we do it – that sets us apart.

Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment

To deliver superior performance, we create an environment that respects the contributions and differences of every individual. Wherever possible, we use these differences to drive competitive business advantage, personal growth and, ultimately, create business success.

Job Summary

At ConocoPhillips, the Lower 48 segment consists of operations located in the 48 contiguous U.S. states, with a portfolio mainly consisting of low cost of supply, short cycle time, resource-rich unconventional plays and commercial operations. The majority of our acreage is unconventional. Based on 2025 production volumes, the Lower 48 is our largest segment and contributed 67 percent of our consolidated liquids production and 74 percent of our consolidated natural gas production. In 2025, net production averaged 1,484 MBOED.

Position Overview

As an experienced Drilling Engineer at ConocoPhillips, you’ll play a critical role in designing and executing safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling programs across our unconventional assets. Working within a multi-disciplinary team, you’ll lead well planning and operations from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with project objectives and regulatory requirements. This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced engineering principles, collaborate across functions, and contribute to continuous improvement in drilling performance. Your work will directly impact well delivery, operational integrity, and environmental stewardship. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Whether your experience is in field operations, engineering design, or project management, your technical expertise and collaborative mindset will be valued here.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Lead well planning and execution by developing detailed drilling programs that align with safety, cost, and performance objectives.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by preparing and submitting all required permits and maintaining adherence to federal, state, and company standards.
• Support field operations by providing daily engineering guidance to onsite personnel and troubleshooting operational challenges.
• Optimize drilling performance by analyzing drilling data to improve safety, efficiency, and operational outcomes.
• Develop and track performance metrics by setting goals, monitoring progress, and implementing improvements to support continuous improvement.
• Drive cost and schedule accuracy by collaborating with asset, planning, and finance teams to develop estimates and track accruals.
• Evaluate and standardize processes by incorporating lessons learned and proven practices from past operations.
• Conduct internal and external benchmarking studies to identify and apply best engineering and operational practices.
• Strengthen vendor relationships by evaluating bids and ensuring alignment with operational needs.
• Champion knowledge sharing by engaging with internal subject matter experts, participating in technical networks, and contributing to industry societies.
• Mentor and collaborate within a one‑team environment to support technical development.

Success Profile

• Communicates Effectively: Invites dialogue to gain a shared understanding and influences with confidence to drive performance and achieve business results.
• Takes Accountability: Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments by courageously dealing with important problems, holding others accountable, and standing up for what is right.
• Makes Decisions: Generates effective solutions based on available information and makes timely decisions that are safe and ethical.
• Drives Performance: Delivers results through realistic planning to accomplish goals.

Basics Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Petroleum, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical) or foreign equivalent.
• 3 or more years’ experience in drilling engineering or operations.
• Willing and able (with or without reasonable accommodations) to travel 10–20% annually.
• Willing and able (with or without reasonable accommodation) to be on call outside of standard working hours.

Preferred Requirements

• 1 or more years’ experience working directly for an oil and gas operating company.
• 1 or more years’ experience as a drilling engineer for an oil and gas operator.
• Experience in unconventional reservoir plays (e.g., Permian, Eagle Ford, Bakken).
• Proficiency in drilling software (e.g., WellView, Landmark).
• Strong project management and performance optimization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others and work within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Commitment to ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Values and continuous improvement.

Apply By

Sep 29, 2026

Sponsorship

ConocoPhillips’ sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.

Benefits Overview

• Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.
• Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.
• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.
• Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.
• Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.

Why ConocoPhillips

At ConocoPhillips, we believe our people power the future of energy. We’re committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow—professionally and personally. We don’t just offer jobs—we offer meaningful careers in a company that values how we work as much as what we achieve.

EEO

In the US, ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.