The Government of Oman, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Partex work together in a one-of-a-kind partnership called Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). PDO gives its workers the chance to work with global best practices and cutting-edge “Smart Field” technologies. The PDO puts a lot of money into training and development to help both Omani workers and expats advance in their jobs. Depending on your job, you can earn a tax-free salary of OMR 1,200 to OMR 6,500 here.
Skilled Drilling Engineer Jobs in Oman, You’ll also get perks like health insurance, educational grants, and a gratuity when your time here is up. There is more to PDO than just numbers. Your work is important, and every bit helps shape Oman’s energy future. When you join PDO, you become part of a team that cares about new ideas, safety, and people. These attributes will make your job path rewarding and meaningful.
Details of Drilling Engineer Job in Oman
- Title: Skilled Drilling Engineer Jobs in Oman
- Country: Oman
- Average Salary: OMR 1,200–6,500/month (depending on role)
- Job Type: Onshore / Offshore / Office
- Experience Required: 2–15 years (role-dependent)
- Certifications: IWCF / IADC WellSharp (site-based roles)
- Company: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
- Locations: Muscat, Marmul, Fahud, Nimr, Offshore
Top 6 Drilling Engineering Roles at PDO
1. Junior Drilling Engineer
- Average Salary in Oman: OMR 1,200–1,800/month
- Primary Duties: Assist senior engineers in daily drilling operations, monitor well parameters, and prepare end-of-well reports. Support planning and on-site execution under supervision.
- Experience Required: 2–4 years or fresh graduates in Petroleum/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering
2. Senior Drilling Engineer:
- Average Salary in Oman: OMR 4,000–6,500/month
- Primary Duties: Lead complex well designs, manage project lifecycle from planning to completion, and troubleshoot high-risk drilling operations. Optimize cost and performance while ensuring safety compliance.
- Experience Required: 8–15 years in oil & gas drilling
3. Drilling Operations Supervisor (Well Site):
- Average Salary in Oman: OMR 3,500 – 5,500/month
- Primary Duties: Act as the “Company Man” on the rig, enforce drilling programs, manage contractors, and ensure real-time safety and efficiency.
- Experience Required: 5–10 years in well-site operations
4. Well Design & Planning Engineer:
- Average Salary in Oman: OMR 3,000–5,000/month
- Primary Duties: Model well trajectories, design casings, and optimize fluid programs using advanced drilling software. Ensure well integrity and environmental safety.
- Experience Required: 4–8 years in drilling planning or well design
5. Drilling Contracts & Procurement Engineer:
- Average Salary in Oman: OMR 3,000 – 4,800/month
- Primary Duties: Manage contracts with drilling service providers, negotiate pricing, and ensure supply chain efficiency for rigs, bits, and mud services.
- Experience Required: 5+ years in procurement or contract management in oil & gas
6. Offshore Drilling Engineer:
- Average Salary in Oman: OMR 3,800–6,000/month
- Primary Duties: Oversee offshore drilling operations, ensure compliance with engineering standards, and monitor offshore equipment performance in real time.
- Experience Required: 5–12 years in offshore drilling operations
Core Responsibilities:
- Well Design: Choose the right casing, tubes, and drilling fluids for the temperature and pressure in Oman.
- Risk management: Look for dangers like lost circulation or a pipe that won’t move and make plans to deal with them.
- Performance Monitoring: Look at Rate of Penetration (ROP) and improve operations with real-time info from performance monitoring.
- HSE Leadership: Stick to “Goal Zero” standards to make sure everyone is safe.
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Required Skills & Qualifications:
Academic & Professional:
- A bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering
- IWCF or IADC WellSharp certification is needed for jobs that are based on-site.
- Knowing how to use either Landmark (OpenWells/Compass) or Schlumberger (Petrel/Techlog) tools
Soft Skills:
- Ability to adapt to different cultures when dealing with multicultural groups
- Being able to stay calm in stressful times
Benefits of Working in Oman’s Oil Sector
- Tax-Free Salary: If you have a fully tax-free income, your gross salary and your take-home pay will be the same. This means you can save more and spend in your future.
- Wide-Range Advantages Package: Get benefits like health insurance, money to help your kids go to school, and a gratuity at the end of your work. This will protect your family’s finances.
- Work with cutting-edge “Smart Field” technologies and international best practices to get global experience and learn new skills. Get hands-on experience with advanced drilling methods and automated operations.
- Chances to move up in your career: PDO puts a lot of money into training and development for its employees. They offer mentorship, technical classes, and leadership programs that can help you move from junior to senior positions.
- Rotating work and personal time: Many drilling jobs offer flexible plans, like working two weeks and then taking a week off, or working 28 days and then taking a week off. This gives you time to rest, travel, or spend with family.
- Safe and Supportive Work Environment: Work in a culture that puts safety first with “Goal Zero” standards and teamwork to make sure that every worker gets home safely while adding to Oman’s energy future.
Visa Requirements for Drilling Engineers in Oman:
Work Visa Sponsorship:
- PDO and other oil sector employers sponsor work visas for expatriates.
- You cannot apply independently; your employment offer from PDO is required before initiating the visa process.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Relevant academic qualifications (Bachelor’s in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering)
- Professional certifications like IWCF or IADC WellSharp for drilling roles
- Minimum relevant work experience depending on the role (e.g., 2–4 years for junior engineers, 8+ years for senior roles)
Medical Examination:
- Mandatory medical check-up, including blood tests, chest X-ray, and general health screening
- Must be fit for offshore/onshore duties, depending on your assignment
Police Clearance/Background Check:
- Certificate of good conduct or police clearance from your home country may be required
Visa Duration & Work Permits:
- Usually tied to your employment contract (typically 1–3 years, renewable)
- Includes residency permit (Oman RP) allowing you to legally live and work in Oman
Important Notes for Applicants:
- Visa processing is done after the job offer; do not travel to Oman without an official work visa
- Ensure all documents are authenticated (degrees, experience letters, certificates) as required by PDO
- Expatriates may bring family members under dependent visas if included in your contract, sometimes with education allowances
Application Process for Drilling Engineer Jobs at PDO, Oman:
Prepare Your Documents
- Updated CV/resume highlighting your drilling or oil & gas experience
- IWCF or IADC WellSharp certification (mandatory for site-based roles)
- Academic transcripts and relevant professional certificates
Identify the Role
- Decide whether you are applying for onshore (e.g., Marmul, Fahud, Nimr Fields) or offshore positions
- Specify the exact job title (e.g., Junior Drilling Engineer, Senior Drilling Engineer, Well Design Engineer)
Send Your Application
- Email your documents to PDO’s official recruitment email: externalrecruitment@pdo.co.om
- In your email, clearly mention:
- Years of experience in oil & gas
- Preferred location and role
- Any specialized drilling technologies you are experienced with (e.g., directional drilling, EOR techniques)
Technical Assessment
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to complete a technical assessment to evaluate your drilling knowledge and problem-solving skills
Interview
- Successful candidates from the assessment are called for a formal interview at PDO headquarters in Muscat
- The interview may include scenario-based questions, technical discussions, and HR evaluation
Offer & Onboarding
- Selected candidates receive an official job offer
- Complete the onboarding process, including medical checks, documentation, and orientation
Rotation & Assignment
- Employees are assigned to their respective onshore/offshore locations with defined rotation schedules (e.g., 2 weeks on/2 weeks off or 28/28)
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What qualifications are needed for drilling engineer jobs?
A Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering is required, along with certifications like IWCF or IADC WellSharp for site-based roles, ensuring technical competency and readiness for onshore or offshore operations in Oman.
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What is the typical salary for drilling engineers?
Drilling Engineers in Oman earn tax-free salaries ranging from OMR 1,200 for junior roles up to OMR 6,500 for senior positions, with additional benefits like health insurance, educational allowances, and end-of-service gratuity enhancing overall compensation packages.
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How can I apply for drilling engineer positions?
Candidates should send their updated CV and IWCF certification to PDO’s official recruitment email, specifying role preference, experience, and expertise, after which shortlisted applicants undergo a technical assessment and formal interview at Muscat headquarters.
