Hands-on Research Engineer — Enhanced Oil Recovery Lab

Leidos; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Pittsburgh is seeking a Research Engineer to design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments advancing oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs. You will work in a lab with HPHT systems, XRD/CT/SEM, PVT, and core-flood apparatus to characterize rocks and fluids under simulated subsurface conditions.

You will join NETL’s Production team, performing interfacial science and reservoir-scale studies, collaborating with geologists, chemists, and engineers to push the boundaries of EOR

Qualifications

• Hands-on interfacial science experience: contact angle, interfacial tension, wettability studies.
• Experience operating rock/fluid characterization instruments (XRD, CT, SEM, PVT).
• Experience in high‑pressure/high‑temperature experiments and core flooding.
• Ability to design, run and troubleshoot lab experiments under simulated reservoir conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rock characterization and oil saturation mapping using advanced lab instruments.
• Perform PVT, interfacial tension, contact angle, and wettability assessments to optimize fluids.
• Design and execute experiments simulating reservoir conditions for EOR and measure hydrocarbon recovery.
• Operate and maintain HPHT systems and core flood apparatus for multiphase flow studies.
• Evaluate fracture conductivity, proppant performance, and geomechanical properties.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings; collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Petrophysics

Rock characterization

PVT analysis

Interfacial science

Wettability testing

HPHT testing

Core flooding

XRD

SEM

CT scanning

Laboratory operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or related field

Tools

XRD

CT scanners

SEM

PVT systems

Core flood setup

Job description

Leidos in Pittsburgh is seeking a Research Engineer to design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments advancing oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs. You will work in a lab with HPHT systems, XRD/CT/SEM, PVT, and core-flood apparatus to characterize rocks and fluids under simulated subsurface conditions.

You will join NETL’s Production team, performing interfacial science and reservoir-scale studies, collaborating with geologists, chemists, and engineers to push the boundaries of EOR