A reservoir engineer investigates, inspects, and evaluates underground oil and gas reserves in order to determine the most cost-effective method of extraction. He or she usually works on-site, analyzing schematics and combining scientific data at an existing well or a new drilling project. The data gathered is used to develop more cost-effective and fruitful data collection methods. The majority of reservoir engineers work for major oil companies, but some work as independent contractors or for government research and oversight committees.
A reservoir engineer’s day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the project at hand. If a company intends to drill a new well, the engineer may consult with surveyors and petroleum geologists to ensure that the potential reserve can supply enough oil or gas to justify the investment. He or she then weighs the pros and cons of various drilling and extraction techniques to determine which is the most cost-effective. Supervisors are usually presented with the resulting data and ideas for approval.
Once a project has begun, the reservoir engineer assists in the supervision of drillers, construction workers, and scientists until the project is completed. During the first few days after completion, the finished well is closely monitored to ensure that the amount of oil or gas extracted meets expectations. If a problem arises, the engineer examines the schematics and orders repairs or equipment changes. To ensure good results, he or she typically monitors production numbers throughout the drilling phase, which can last months or years.
A reservoir engineer may be asked to represent the company when dealing with partner corporations and government authorities because he or she is among the most knowledgeable of oil company employees in terms of day-to-day operations and drilling goals. The engineer may be required to write technical documents or give in-person presentations to present his or her findings. To convey highly detailed, complex information in a way that non-experts can understand, strong written and oral communication skills are required.
The majority of reservoir engineers have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum, chemical, or mechanical engineering or a related field. Before working independently in the field, a prospective reservoir engineer may need to pass licensing exams and complete an internship or junior assistant program, depending on the location and company. Until he or she has the experience to lead operations, a new engineer can expect to work alongside other experts and perform relatively simple job tasks. Many workers eventually advance to supervisory positions within their companies, where they are in charge of overseeing the work of other reservoir engineering crews.