How to Become a Completion Fluids Engineer
Completion fluids engineers specialize in petroleum, yet they also have an understanding of chemical engineering since their job consists of mixing and using different chemicals during the drilling and completion fluids process.
As a completion fluids engineer, you are responsible for overseeing the drilling and completion fluids programs, which many times will require you to travel to multiple drilling sites ran by your company. If a problem occurs you will be in charge of getting the problem resolved and drilling restarted. Due to the fact oil is in high demand and the drilling and completion fluids program runs day and night, this may require you to work outside normal hours.
Another major aspect of your job as a completion fluids engineer is to ensure that you follow certain safety protocols when working. The federal government has regulations that drillers and those associated with the oil and gas industry must abide by in order to minimize the number of injuries on the job. This is especially true, as drilling is one of the deadliest jobs. As a completion fluids engineer, you should familiarize yourself with the different safety requirements posed by the government as well as any your employer has.
As a completion fluids engineer, you should know how to handle any emergency situations that arise. Most companies will provide completion fluids engineers with emergency training once they've been hired. At a minimum it should include going over the procedures of what to do when an emergency occurs. Some companies go even further and hold a mock disaster that allows you to actually practice. Regardless of the exact training you receive as a completion fluids engineer, you should be prepared as your actions could be the difference between life and death.
Completion Fluids and Brines
To get a job as a completion fluids engineer you must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering or science although most employers prefer education beyond this. Many companies also require that you have experience working in the oil and gas field particularly in drilling and completion fluids programs. You can do this by working on an oil rig during the summers or serving as a chemical or petroleum engineer intern in a completion fluids department of a petroleum company.
Receiving on-going education and keeping current on the latest developments is also important if you choose to become a completion fluids engineer. The oil and gas industry changes rapidly due to high demand as well as emerging technology. In order to provide the most efficient drilling and completion fluids programs, you must continue to learn new things and implement them into your work as a completion fluids engineer.
While becoming a completion fluids engineer requires a lot of responsibility, it offers great personal incentives as well as monetary rewards since the salary is high among all types of engineers. It is an excellent career choice if you enjoy complex problems and are interested in the oil and gas field.


