21332

Petroleum engineers

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 213 › 2133

Definition

Petroleum engineers conduct studies for the exploration, development and extraction of oil and gas deposits; and plan, design, develop and supervise projects for the drilling, completion, testing and re-working of oil and gas wells. They are employed by petroleum producing companies, consulting companies, well logging or testing companies, government, and research and educational institutions.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct feasibility assessment studies for developing new oil and gas fields
Direct and monitor oil and gas drilling operations
Develop drilling programs, select sites and specify drilling fluids, bit selection, drill stem testing procedures and equipment
Direct and monitor the completion and evaluation of wells, well testing and well surveys
Design and select artificial lift machinery, and well and surface production equipment and systems, and specify programs for corrosion control and oil or gas treatment
Develop specifications for and monitor and supervise well modification and stimulation programs to maximize oil and gas recovery
Analyze reservoir rock and fluid data to design optimum recovery methods and to predict reservoir performance and reserves
Monitor and forecast oil and gas reservoir performance and recommend oil recovery techniques which extend the economic life of wells
Design, develop and coordinate the installation, maintenance and operation of subsea well-head and production equipment.
Petroleum engineers may specialize in drilling, production, reservoir analysis or subsea operations.

Example job titles

•oil and gas drilling engineer
•oil and gas production engineer
•petroleum engineer
•petroleum reservoir engineer
•petroleum well completion engineer
•subsea engineer

Overview

Petroleum engineers (NOC 21332) play a critical role in Canada's energy sector. Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, this occupation is classified under TEER Category 1, which designates jobs that typically require a university degree. These professionals design, develop, and supervise methods for extracting oil and gas from onshore and offshore reservoirs. They are primarily employed by oil and gas producing companies, consulting engineering firms, government agencies, and research institutions.

To practice as a petroleum engineer in Canada, candidates generally require a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related engineering discipline. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is mandatory to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and to legally approve engineering drawings and reports. Key duties in this role include conducting geological and engineering studies, designing well completion and workover programs, and monitoring production performance.

Skilled professionals under NOC 21332 are eligible for several Canadian immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program managed via the Express Entry system, as well as targeted streams under various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in energy-rich provinces. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a licensed Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.