Drilling Engineer Jobs in Oman 2026

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the heart of the Middle East’s oil and gas sector, Oman offers drilling engineer roles that combine exciting challenges with rewarding pay. Salaries in these positions are typically tax-free and highly competitive, reflecting the skill and responsibility required.

Most roles demand anywhere from 2 to 15 years of experience, depending on the level, from junior engineers just starting out to senior experts managing complex well projects. These jobs are mostly on-site in Oman’s oilfields, so while remote work is rare, the experience is unmatched for those willing to embrace adventure and hands-on learning. Positions are generally full-time and permanent, offering stability along with a career that can truly define your professional life.

Landscape of Drilling Engineering in Oman:

Oman’s geology is renowned for its complexity, encompassing both tight gas reservoirs and heavy oil fields that necessitate the application of sophisticated Thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques. This complexity renders the function of a Drilling Engineer considerably more dynamic than in numerous other regions. You are not merely overseeing a drill bit; you are functioning as a project manager, a safety leader, and a cost analyst simultaneously.

Why Work for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)?

PDO represents a distinctive cooperative venture among the Government of Oman, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Partex. This international collaboration guarantees that employees are introduced to global best practices and the most recent advancements in “Smart Fields” and automated drilling. PDO is also a pioneer in “In-Country Value” (ICV), demonstrating a substantial commitment to investing in the training and development of their personnel, whether they are Omani nationals or expatriate experts.

Top Drilling Engineer Jobs in Oman:

Although “Drilling Engineer” constitutes a broad category, the industry in Oman employs specific titles to delineate levels of seniority and technical specialization. Below are the five most frequently encountered titles at PDO and its partner contractors:

1. Junior Drilling Engineer

The initial position for numerous technical graduates or individuals with 2 to 4 years of professional experience.

• The Role: Supporting senior personnel in daily drilling activities, overseeing operational parameters, and compiling end-of-well reports.
• Key Focus: Acquiring foundational knowledge of well design and logistics under supervision.

2. Senior Drilling Engineer

A position designated for seasoned professionals with 8 to 15 years of industry experience.

• The Role: Leading the design of intricate well architectures, including Horizontal, Multilateral, or HPHT wells. They oversee the complete project lifecycle, from initial planning through to final completion.
• Key Focus: Cost efficiency and engineering troubleshooting for high-risk wells.

3. Drilling Operations Supervisor (Well Site)

The connection between the office-based engineering team and the plant floor.

• The Role: Serving as the “Company Man” on the rig, responsible for assuring the safe execution of the drilling program in accordance with the engineering plan.
• Key Focus: Real-time decision-making, adherence to safety regulations, and effective contractor management.

4. Well Design & Planning Engineer

A highly specialized position dedicated to the pre-spud phase.

• The Role: Employing sophisticated software to simulate well trajectories, casing configurations, and fluid management strategies.
• Key Focus: Ensuring the well’s structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.

5. Drilling Contracts & Procurement Engineer

For engineers who favor the commercial and logistical aspects of the enterprise.

• The Role: Overseeing the management of multi-million dollar contracts with service providers for rigs, drill tools, and mud services.
• Key Focus: Vendor negotiations and the optimization of supply chain operations.

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Responsibilities:

A Drilling Engineer in Oman assumes multiple roles. Whether situated in the capital city of Muscat or undertaking a rotation in the inland deserts, your responsibilities will probably encompass:

• Well Design: Choosing suitable casing, tubing, and drilling fluids capable of withstanding Oman’s distinctive pressure and temperature conditions.
• Risk Management: Recognizing potential hazards such as “loss of circulation” or “stuck pipe” and developing contingency plans to address and mitigate these risks.
• Performance Monitoring: Employing real-time data to evaluate the Rate of Penetration (ROP) and implementing adjustments to optimize time and cost efficiency.
• HSE Leadership: In the Oman oilfield, “Goal Zero” (zero damage to individuals and the environment) is the established standard. You are accountable for ensuring that each crew member returns home safety.

Technical Standards and Required Skills:

To remain competitive at a firm such as PDO, one requires a combination of academic knowledge and practical field experience.

Essential Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering is required.
• Certification: IWCF (International Well Control Forum) or IADC WellSharp certification is frequently a requirement for on-site positions.
• Software: Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard applications including Landmark (OpenWells/Compass) and Schlumberger (Petrel/Techlog).

Soft Skills:

• Cultural Adaptability: Engaging in work within the interior regions of Oman requires cooperation with a diverse and multicultural workforce.
• Pressure Management: Drilling constitutes a continuous, high-stakes operation around the clock. You must maintain clear thinking when circumstances deviate from the plan.

Benefits:

• Tax-Free Salary: Competitive compensation without income tax.
• Professional Growth: World-class training and exposure to advanced drilling technologies.
• Hands-On Experience: Work on challenging wells in Oman’s diverse oilfields.
• International Collaboration: Learn global best practices through PDO’s partnerships with Shell, TotalEnergies, and Partex.
• Career Stability: Full-time, long-term positions with clear advancement paths.
• Safety and Support: Strong focus on HSE standards and employee well-being.
• Cultural Exposure: Work in a multicultural environment and gain valuable global experience.

Company Details & Official Contact Information:

If you are prepared to become part of a global leader in the energy sector, please ensure that you contact the official recruitment channels of Petroleum Development Oman.

• Company Name: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Headquarters Address: Bait Al Mina, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, P.O. Box 81, PC 100.
• Location (Interior Operations): Marmul, Fahud, and Nimr Fields.
• Official HR Email: externalrecruitment@pdo.co.om

How to Apply for Drilling Engineer Jobs in Oman?

To apply for Drilling Engineer positions at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), kindly submit your current CV along with a copy of your IWCF certification directly to the Human Resources department at externalrecruitment@pdo.co.om. In your email, explicitly indicate your years of experience within the oil and gas industry and specify whether you are seeking an onshore or offshore position.

Candidates are advised to emphasize their familiarity with particular drilling technologies, including directional drilling and enhanced oil recovery methods. Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited to undergo a technical assessment, followed by a formal interview at the PDO headquarters in Muscat.

Conclusion:

Oman’s drilling engineer roles offer tax-free, high-paying careers with hands-on experience in some of the world’s most challenging oilfields. Working with PDO means access to cutting-edge technology, international expertise, and unmatched professional growth. For those ready to embrace adventure, responsibility, and impact, these positions are a career-defining opportunity.

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