A completions engineer in the oil and gas industry may need a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, experience in drilling and extracting wells, and at least five years of related experience. Prerequisites in math, geology, physics, and chemistry are required, and internships and fieldwork can provide hands-on training. A master’s degree can lower the amount of experience required, and networking through industry-related sites can help find employment.
A completions engineer usually works in the oil and gas industry; To become a completions engineer, you may need to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. Duties performed by this position may include testing and evaluating production wells, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and overseeing the production process. Mass oil production is based on drilling and extracting wells and experience in this field may also be required to become a completions engineer. Some companies may require at least five years of related experience and an advanced degree in a petroleum-related discipline.
Before enrolling in advanced courses, you may need to complete prerequisites in math, geology, physics, and chemistry. Some of the commonly required foundation courses include an introduction to petroleum engineering systems, mechanics of materials, and thermodynamics. These courses can prepare you for other courses in the field, including oil, oil or gas reservoir fluids and environmental law, as well as various levels of drilling and completion. Field training is often required to complete a degree program and may include well test analysis, natural gas processing, and advanced simulation.
Internships can also prepare you to become a completions engineer, and you should apply for a number of positions during your undergraduate degree. While some internships are office-based, you may need to be prepared to perform duties on an oil rig site or other locations where oil is extracted. During the internship, you can assist senior staff with risk assessment, safety procedures and well testing. As experience is often required to become a completions engineer, consider participating in fieldwork in various areas of industry. These opportunities can provide hands-on training and help familiarize you with the field.
Once you become a completions engineer, you may want to look for entry-level employment in oil and gas companies; some choose to continue their education while gaining experience. A master’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field can lower the amount of experience required by future employers. There are several associations and non-profit organizations in this field, and membership in these types of groups can help you find employment. You can also inquire about jobs with oil consulting firms and commercial or residential gas companies. There are numerous Internet forums for job-seeking completion engineers and you should consider networking through sites related to the field.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN