How difficult is it to get a job in Oil & Gas or energy industry?

Question

I have a mechanical engineering degree (BSME) with over 15 years experience in manufacturing, fabrication, project management, operations, troubleshooting, personnel supervising, business ownership etc.

How do I know where to start?

I can do operations / engineering / project management on the manufacturing side but have little exposure to real O&G product applications, problems and operations. I see energy being a long term problem here in the USA and really the world for the next 10-15 years.

How do I get started?

Oh yeah, I'm in Fort Worth, Texas.

Thanks

Answer 1

Right now you would be able to get on with a service company, say Schlumberger or Halliburton, Baker Hughes, etc. There are many positions they will hire engineers for, such as well logging, coring, LWD. You will need to get up to speed on oilfield terminology with some good books. I recommend "a Primer of Oilwell Drilling" It is sometimes hard to find but try the link below. I started in mudlogging with a ME degree although they usually hire geologists and have worked my way up the oilfield ladder.

Answer 2

Start with the first steps. Online job applications. I don't recomend general sites, but niche ones:

http://www.rigzone.com

http://www.oil-offshore-marine.com

and so on...

Good luck!

Answer 3

The oil and gas companies are looking for people with engineering experience, regardless what type of engineering background that you have!  Based on your background that you had given, you should not have trouble getting a job with one of the O&G companies.  Given the retirements of the Boomers, employment in the industry should be relative secured compared with the other industries over the next few decades.

Contact the Human Resource department of the various oil and gas companies.  You might have better luck with one of the O&G majors, since they can afford to provide on-the-job training until you can pull you weight (and you are expected to pull your weight soon).  Many of the O&G companies have offices in Texas, with Houston being the primary city of choice.

Be aware that, in the interview, you will be assessed on your engineering experience and on your personality (e.g., the people interviewing you will try to see if you fit in with the company's culture).  

Good luck!