Petroleum Engineer Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

The following common skills and qualifications are required of a Petroleum Engineer:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Petroleum, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or related Engineering field.
  • An in-depth, creative knowledge of extraction techniques and principles.
  • The willingness and ability to work in remote locations, with harsh climates and often unfriendly locals.
  • The ability to handle a physically demanding and stressful work environment.
  • Good IT, research, and survey skills.
  • Strong technical, analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Good communication, interpersonal, and team working skills.
  • The willingness and ability to be held accountable for multi-million dollar operations.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Petroleum Engineer skill, qualifications and experience. Job requirements for specific Petroleum Engineer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.