Engineers in the Oil and Gas Sector

I love my job. I do very interesting stuff, and I travel all over the world. I am a rotating machinery engineer, and my primary effort is in design, purchase, and trouble shooting of compressors, engines, turbines, generators, motors, pumps, etc. Anything with a turning shaft basically.

I recommend it enthusiastically and the salary is pretty good as well.

Have a look at my profile.

Started with company over a year ago and have spent a vast majority of my time working on standards and the mathematical processes for calculating tightening values for bolted joint in the oil and gas industry.

Now working in New Product Development and designing the wrenches and tensioners as well as all my mathematical work too.

Very busy and challenging work. 90% of time is left up to me to fill it - I have a project and I have my own timelines.

From working in this company I have gained many opportunities. I could have travelled to Kazakhstan, Angola, Tunisia, Nigeria, Brazil, Australia etc etc but have not as I prefer to stay with my wife and young daughter. The opportunities are out there though if you want them. I have travelled around parts of UK and Europe though with the engineering standards work for CEN, EN etc.

Other opportunities: Going through to be chartered. Reasons for this are (a) my companies Investors In People strategies, (b) personal and (c) when we put bids in for big contracts companies regularly like to know how many chartered engineers you will have working on their projects. Everyone wins! Getting my maths degree paid for me. Work with the Engineering Education Scheme each year mentoring a group of 6th form students. Represent the company on CEN committee meetings.

There is money to be made in the oil and gas sector. Its not all oil and gas either. Because of the industry we are in and the services we offer we also get involved in renewable energy too so its not all bad!

I enjoy this work as it provides me with a lot of challenges.

Hope that all helps

Kind Regards

Kev Brown

Been there and did that - for eleven years. Quite a rush at times. However, averaged over 100 hours /week one year. Other years were in the 90 hour range. If you're young, have no side interests and like to travel - this is your ticket to happiness. If you're married or have strong hobby interests - you'll get out like I did before it kills you.

Been working as a field operator in various capacities in the drilling industry for almost 20 years now, finally (last 5) been doing something really interesting and challenging. Overall the industry is a good one to get involved in. There is an atmosphere of innovation throughout the sector and if you are prepared to work hard enough you can not only make serious cash, you can make a significant difference too.

One thing though, decide now if you want a desk job in an office or if you want to get out into the field. That is where the real money and the greatest challenges are.