Wells Engineer

California Resources Corporation; Bakersfield, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

California Resources Corporation is seeking a motivated Wells Engineer in California. The role focuses on designing and optimizing drilling, completion, workover, and abandonment plans, with emphasis on cost estimation, AFEs, and regulatory compliance.

The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver safe, efficient well operations. The position offers a base salary of $135K–$177K with a target bonus of 15% and eligibility for long-term incentives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in drilling, completions, workover, abandonment, integrated wells engineering, or oilfield service company.
• Experience with California well operations and regulatory requirements is preferred.
• Experience developing well cost estimates, AFEs, and post-well performance evaluations.
• Experience implementing engineering solutions using AI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop engineering designs, programs, and execution plans for drilling, completion, workover, and abandonment operations.
• Prepare detailed well cost estimates, AFEs, and economic evaluations.
• Perform engineering calculations, risk assessments, and technical studies to optimize well designs and operational performance.
• Support procurement activities by defining technical requirements and reviewing bids from service providers and contractors.
• Provide engineering support during regulatory reviews, inspections, and audits as needed.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and management summaries related to well performance, costs, and project status.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Well planning software

Cost tracking systems

Engineering analysis tools

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $135,000 USD to $177,000 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Description

California Resources Corporation is a publicly traded oil and natural gas exploration and production company and the largest oil and natural gas producer in California. We operate our world-class resource base exclusively within the State of California, applying complementary and integrated infrastructure to gather, process and market our production. Using advanced technology, CRC's workforce focuses on safely and responsibly supplying affordable energy for California by Californians.

We are currently looking for a motivated, and creative individual to fill the position of Wells Engineer.

The base annual salary for this posted position is reasonably expected to range from $135K - $177K, with a target annual bonus of 15% of base salary and eligibility to participate in our long-term incentive program.

Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k with Match
• Paid holidays
• FSA
• HSA

Responsibilities:

• Develop engineering designs, programs, and execution plans for drilling, completion, workover, and abandonment operations.
• Prepare detailed well cost estimates, authorizations for expenditure (AFEs), and economic evaluations.
• Perform engineering calculations, risk assessments, and technical studies to optimize well designs and operational performance.
• Support procurement activities by defining technical requirements and reviewing bids from service providers and contractors.
• Provide technical support during well execution, including troubleshooting operational challenges and recommending corrective actions.

Prepare and lead post-well reviews, look-backs, and lessons-learned sessions to identify opportunities for improvement.

Conduct cost-correlation analyses and benchmarking to improve forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency.

Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and support initiatives aimed at reducing well delivery costs and improving execution performance.

Identify and implement best practices to enhance safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

Collaborate with the Regulatory team to support preparation and submission of permits and other required documentation.

Ensure well designs and operational plans comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, company standards, and industry best practices.

Provide engineering support during regulatory reviews, inspections, and audits as needed.

Maintain close engagement with field operations teams during critical phases of well execution.

Conduct periodic visits to well sites to observe operations, evaluate performance, verify compliance with approved programs, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Support field personnel by providing timely engineering guidance and technical expertise.

Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including Operations, Production, Geoscience, HSE, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Finance.

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and management summaries related to well performance, costs, and project status.

Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.

Strong understanding of drilling, completion, intervention, well surveillance, well optimization, and/or abandonment engineering principles.

Familiarity with well planning software, cost tracking systems, and engineering analysis tools.

Knowledge of California permitting processes and regulatory frameworks is desirable.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Availability to support critical well operations outside normal business hours on an as‑needed basis may be required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in drilling, completions, workover, abandonment, integrated wells engineering, or oilfield service company.
• Experience with California well operations and regulatory requirements is preferred.

Experience developing well cost estimates, AFEs, and post-well performance evaluations.

Experience implementing engineering solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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