Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineers plan, estimate and oversee the recovery of hydrocarbons such as oil and gas from petroleum reservoirs, or more generally master the technology of two-phase subsurface fluid flow. This includes the eventual abandonment of wells and realising associated geostorage opportunities like the underground storage of CO₂. They design and develop the procedures to extract oil and gas from, or store CO₂ and hydrogen in, porous underground rock formations or reservoirs. These rock formations can be found on land or at sea and have wells drilled into them to access these deposits.

Petroleum Engineers research geological data and information on suitable locations for wells for possible extraction of oil and gas. They determine what drilling equipment would be the most efficient for such purposes. They study new techniques to recover more oil and gas deposits in reservoirs as well as more sustainable ways of obtaining resources while lowering costs of production. Increasingly, Petroleum Engineers implement and optimise CO₂ storage solutions, often for depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

• Estimating locations for drilling of oil and gas
• Designing equipment to extract hydrocarbons from oil reserves
• Overseeing installation and operation of field equipment
• Developing plans for the drilling and subsequent recovery of oil and gas
• Working alongside geologists and other scientists on extracting resources
• Assessing potential risks in the extraction process
• Preparing operation budgets by estimating costs of production
• Providing engineering advice for exploration and extraction
• Developing and optimising geostorage solutions including long-term monitoring
• Conducting operations in accordance with environmental policies
• Ensuring workplace health and safety for all personnel

These will enable you to understand the best way to extract oil and gas reserves, maximise recovery, increase profit while ensuring environmental sustainability. 

Oil and gas are natural resources that continue to be a vital source for energy in society. Furthermore, the success of the net zero energy transition relies on the ability to store CO₂ underground. There remains a huge demand for petroleum engineers as our society will always require and utilize two-phase flow technology in large underground reservoirs. Petroleum engineers can work in:

• Construction companies
• Contacting firms
• Government 
• Manufacturing companies
• Mining Engineering
• Oil and gas production companies
• Professional services

They can work in office, on site in oil fields, production centre. Petroleum Engineers hired by international companies may also get the opportunity to work as an expatriate in many oil producing countries around the world. Travel is frequent in this role to visit sites and meet other engineers.

Career pathways include:

• Completion engineers
• Consultants
• Drilling engineers
• Production engineers
• Project managers
• Reservoir engineers
• Subsurface engineers

You will require:

• Skills in mathematics and chemistry for analysis 
• Analytical skills to understand technical data 
• Creativity to come up with extraction designs 
• Problem solving skills to prevent potential issues in drilling
• Interpersonal skills to work with other engineers on projects
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Capability in computing and design

Benefits

The oil and gas industry has an increased demand of job opportunities due to the increased use for natural gas and other petroleum by-products. It is common for Petroleum Engineers to work overseas in different areas of the world particularly in oil producing states. This means that there could be many travel opportunities while working.

Petroleum Engineers can also gain a high rate of pay amongst other benefits including high retirement plans, full health, disability, and life insurance plans as well as a generous paid time off. The low rate of unemployment and easy access to the industry make it a worthwhile role for those considering gaining employment.

Countries of Occupation

Within Australia, many petroleum extraction facilities such as oil and gas rigs are located in Western Australia with company offices located in Perth.

Outside Australia, the top countries for employment are:

• Brazil
• Canada
• Denmark
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

To pursue this path in Australia, you can start with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum).

You can apply for a graduate program or entry level role upon graduation or further your education by studying a postgraduate coursework program in Petroleum Engineering to gain a more competitive stance.

A doctoral degree will also allow you to specialise in a specific piece of research:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Petroleum Engineering
• Master of Philosophy in Petroleum Engineering

This field will allow you to register with the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Engineers Australia, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), the Association of Professional Engineers Australia (APEA) and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia.