A petroleum engineer who specializes in the design, construction, and management of oil and gas wells is known as a subsurface engineer. In order to advise clients on the best possible well design, subsurface engineers must be well-versed in the latest and most effective drilling technology. Because he or she frequently works with a large team of technicians and clients, a subsurface engineer must also have excellent communication skills.
It is the responsibility of a subsurface engineer to plan an oil or gas well for maximum efficiency. This can include determining the best drilling method as well as selecting the appropriate tools and equipment. The engineer must account for all potential hazards that could affect the well’s flow or the workers’ safety in the design. Engineers must stay on top of new equipment choices and upgrades in order to ensure the best design for their clients, as well-drilling technology is an ever-evolving field. Engineers must also be able to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and present plans to clients that are within their budget.
A subsurface engineer may be required during the construction process to perform a variety of tests on the well. The engineer can detect any problems or miscalculations early in the process by testing the well as it is being built, and adjust the well completion plan as needed. Individual equipment tests or measurements of the well flow through the pipes may be performed to ensure that each component of the system is operating at maximum efficiency. If any issues are discovered, the engineer must devise cost-effective solutions to get the well back on track to completion.
A subsurface engineer’s job often entails proper system management with an existing or completed well. Engineers may be hired to look over current operations and see if there are any improvements that could improve safety or well flow rate. They may also act as independent consultants for the client, reviewing and recommending changes to in-house completion and management plans in order to increase efficiency.
A subsurface engineer may be required to travel around the world as part of their job, and they should be comfortable working in multicultural settings. Because their clients and teams may come from all over the world, many are multilingual. Engineers may spend several months on a single project, seeing it through from start to finish. Because an engineer may work with a different team and new clients every few months, communication skills are essential in this job.