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Science & ResearchISCO 2146

Petroleum engineer

Petroleum engineers evaluate gas and oil fields. They design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underneath the earth's surface. They maximise the recovery of hydrocarbon at a minimum cost, pursuing minimal impact on the environment.

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Rate 5 of the 23 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

troubleshoot

report well results

liaise with well test engineers

prepare extraction proposals

manage production fluid in oil production

About petroleum engineer

As a petroleum engineer in Poland's energy sector, you will be at the forefront of oil and gas exploration and extraction operations. Your work involves evaluating gas and oil fields using geological data and advanced modeling techniques, then designing and developing innovative methods to extract hydrocarbons from beneath the earth's surface. You will focus on maximizing recovery rates while minimizing extraction costs and environmental impact—a delicate balance that defines modern petroleum engineering.

Your day-to-day responsibilities span a wide range of technical and managerial activities. You might oversee well testing operations, interpret extraction data, manage fluid production in both oil and gas contexts, prepare detailed well formation evaluation programs, and design complex well flow systems. You will supervise technical staff, liaise with well test engineers, compile reservoir performance plans, and present findings in comprehensive scientific reports. This role demands strong mathematical and geological knowledge, combined with problem-solving abilities and regulatory awareness. Poland's energy sector, including offshore and onshore operations, provides significant opportunities for petroleum engineers, with career paths leading to senior technical roles, project management, or executive positions.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a petroleum engineer.

1

Field Evaluation and Assessment

  • Evaluate gas and oil fields using geological, seismic, and reservoir data
  • Interpret extraction data and geological information to assess field potential
  • Use reservoir surveillance techniques to monitor field performance over time
2

Well Design and Engineering

  • Design well flow systems that optimize production rates and minimize pressure loss
  • Prepare well formation evaluation programmes to assess subsurface conditions
  • Manage well interaction and ensure optimal well spacing and configuration
3

Extraction Methods and Development

  • Design and develop extraction methods that maximize hydrocarbon recovery
  • Prepare extraction proposals that balance recovery, cost, and environmental considerations
  • Apply enhanced oil recovery techniques to improve field productivity
4

Well Operations and Testing

  • Oversee and manage well testing operations to evaluate well performance
  • Monitor extraction logging operations and interpret results
  • Report well results and communicate findings to stakeholders
5

Production Management

  • Manage fluid production in both oil and gas operations
  • Optimize production parameters to maintain consistent output and equipment integrity
  • Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective measures
6

Reservoir Planning and Analysis

  • Compile comprehensive reservoir performance plans based on geological and production data
  • Analyze long-term field performance and predict future production scenarios
  • Support petroleum engineering decisions with data-driven analysis
7

Team Leadership and Technical Support

  • Supervise technical staff and coordinate multidisciplinary teams on projects
  • Liaise with well test engineers and coordinate testing and evaluation activities
  • Prepare scientific reports and present technical findings to management and stakeholders

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (23)

mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...geologygeologySolid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.report well resultsreport well resultsDocument and share well results in a transparent way; communicate results to business partners, auditors, collaborating teams and internal management.liaise with well test engineersliaise with well test engineersEstablish relationships with well testing engineers in order to optimise procedures.prepare extraction proposalsprepare extraction proposalsPrepare detailed extraction proposals by putting together subsurface information about extraction site and agreement of partners involved.manage production fluid in oil productionmanage production fluid in oil productionManage issues and anticipate potential problems arising from fluids involved in the production of oil.supervise staffsupervise staffOversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.prepare scientific reportsprepare scientific reportsPrepare reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.determine flow rate enhancementdetermine flow rate enhancementRecommend and evaluate flow rate enhancement; understand and safely carry out acid treatment or hydraulic fracturing.interpret extraction datainterpret extraction dataProcess and interpret extraction data and send feedback to the development teams. Apply learnings to concrete operational activities.compile reservoir performance planscompile reservoir performance plansMake up detailed development plans of the performance of the reservoir. Apply mathematical models for maximum economic recovery.well testing operationswell testing operationsTesting procedures, such as volumetric flow testing and pressure testing, which describe the ability of the well to produce oil.design well flow systemsdesign well flow systemsDesign/develop systems that help the well to flow; operate submersible pumps.prepare well formation evaluation programmesprepare well formation evaluation programmesPrepare well formation evaluation programmes. Communicate and collaborate with exploration teams.provide petroleum engineering supportprovide petroleum engineering supportProvide assistance during exploration sessions. Plan well operations and gather relevant data. Perform oversight and post-well analyses.select well equipmentselect well equipmentSelect and purchase the appropriate equipment for different functions within the well.monitor extraction logging operationsmonitor extraction logging operationsMonitor logging operations and oversee formation testing and sampling operations. Analyse and interpret results.address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and a...manage fluid production in gasmanage fluid production in gasManage issues and anticipate potential problems arising from fluids involved in the production of oil and gas.use reservoir surveillanceuse reservoir surveillanceUnderstand and operate well and reservoir surveillance system and remote sensing technology; monitor the reservoir level and decide on engineering interventions if necessary.manage well interactionmanage well interactionUnderstand and manage the process of different wells interacting with one another.
Optional (3) — show
design well for petroleum productiondesign well for petroleum productionDesign sections of the well that communicates with the reservoir fluids and rock to extract petroleum.monitor fuel storage tanksmonitor fuel storage tanksMonitor on site above ground diesel or gasoline. Location and management according to commonly accepted industry practice. Ensure underground storage tanks are regularly tested and found to be leak-pr...supervise well operationssupervise well operationsSupervise well-site operations and manage the staff, including training and supervision of personnel. Manage a crew that works together as a team. Make sure that deadlines are met with in order to max...

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Frequently asked questions

What does a petroleum engineer do?

Petroleum engineers evaluate gas and oil fields. They design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underneath the earth's surface. They maximise the recovery of hydrocarbon at a minimum cost, pursuing minimal impact on the environment.

What skills does a petroleum engineer need?

A petroleum engineer needs 23 essential skills, including mathematics, geology, chemistry, troubleshoot, report well results.

Will AI replace petroleum engineer jobs?

The AI disruption score for petroleum engineer is 48/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: interpret extraction data, report well results, monitor fuel storage tanks. Most resilient: liaise with well test engineers, chemistry, supervise staff.

AI Replacement Risk

48/ 100
Moderate Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills23

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