Oil & Gas structural engineering
Oil & Gas structural engineering
(OP)
I have never worked for the O&G industry but I am considering it as a long term career path. Majority of my background (6+ years) is architectural and some industrial. For those who already work in this industry, what are some of the differences between upstream, downstream and off-shore work. And how easy a switch would it be for someone with no background in the industry.
Thanks.
Thanks.






RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
They typically are worded as though you were a sub-contractor installing widgets and not as a professional service supplier.
There are standard of care issues as well as very high insurance requirements.
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
Structural principles are the same, and chances are that you will be designing to a steel building code as you do in architectural projects.
In my case (offshore subsea) I had to undergo a bit of specific training to know installation methods, transportation and lifting matters plus specific offshore software. The company I work for was happy to provide this training which lasted around 6 months.
For starters, to me is best to be employed by a company rather than self-employed (to avoid all the insurance malarkey) but all this would probably depend on your jurisdiction and business practices in your area.
Good luck
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
Or you can start with small O&G companies before applying to big EPCs like Fluor, Bechtel, etc...
O&G is good, they pay more than commercial, they also pay overtime.
O&G has a lot of fancy 3d softwares that employers would want you to know. That is your disadvantage getting into O&G without referral.
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
Switching, yes it's possible, easy, not so much. You might need to take a more junior position than you expect to start with just to get a toe hold or pay yourself for some of the vendor software package training or industry driven general structural training packages. Not cheap but without it I think you'll find it more difficult than you think unless you have a lead in, whether personal or a bit of luck.
My motto: Learn something new every day
Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering
there are many o&g engineering firms scattered in the US but yes, houston is definitely the main hub.
RE: Oil & Gas structural engineering