Petroleum engineers evaluate oil and gas reservoirs to determine their profitability. They examine the geology of future drilling sites to plan the safest and most efficient method of drilling and recovering oil. They manage the installation, maintenance, and operation of equipment. They also manage the completion of wells. During production they monitor yield and develop modifications and stimulation programs to enhance it. They're also responsible for solving operational problems that may arise. Since current extraction techniques only recover part of the available oil or gas in a reservoir, petroleum engineers also develop new drilling and extraction methods. Petroleum engineers usually specialize in a particular aspect of drilling operations. For example, reservoir engineers determine the best way to recover the most oil or gas from a particular deposit, and estimate how much that will be. Drilling engineers figure out the best way to drill a particular well so that it's economically efficient and safe for people and the environment. Completions engineers decide the best way to finish building a well so that the oil or gas flows upwards from the ground. Production engineers monitor production and figure out how to coax more out of an under-producing well. Petroleum engineers are vital to today's economies. They make the drilling process safer for people, communities, wildlife, and the environment. They also make it more efficient, and prices more affordable for customers. They ensure compliance with best practices, industry standards, and environmental and safety regulations, and contribute to energy independence.
