Drilling Engineer Jobs in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners

Explore Drilling Engineer Jobs in Saudi Arabia for Foreigners. Learn about salaries, visa sponsorship, top companies, and how to apply in 2026.

Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading oil producer and home to Saudi Aramco, the largest energy company globally. For foreign professionals, drilling engineer jobs in Saudi Arabia provide high salaries, world-class projects, and excellent career growth in the oil and gas industry.

If you are a foreign drilling engineer seeking opportunities abroad, Saudi Arabia is one of the best destinations in 2026. This guide covers job roles, salaries, visa sponsorship, top employers, and application tips to help you secure a position.

Why Work as a Drilling Engineer in Saudi Arabia?

High Salaries – Drilling engineers earn between SAR 18,000 – 45,000 per month (USD 4,800–12,000), plus benefits.
Tax-Free Income – No personal income tax means more savings.
Visa Sponsorship – Most employers provide work visas, relocation, and housing packages for foreign hires.
World-Class Projects – Work on onshore and offshore drilling operations, advanced rigs, and mega oilfields.
Expatriate-Friendly Environment – Saudi Arabia has one of the largest foreign workforces in the Gulf region.

Key Responsibilities of a Drilling Engineer

Foreign drilling engineers are recruited for both onshore and offshore projects. Typical responsibilities include:

Designing and planning drilling programs.
Supervising drilling rigs and crews.
Monitoring well performance and safety compliance.
Selecting drilling equipment and optimizing costs.
Ensuring environmental and HSE standards are met.
Coordinating with geologists, production engineers, and project managers.

Salary Packages for Drilling Engineers in Saudi Arabia

Job Role	Average Monthly Salary (SAR)	Equivalent in USD
Junior Drilling Engineer	18,000 – 25,000	4,800 – 6,600
Mid-Level Drilling Engineer	25,000 – 35,000	6,600 – 9,300
Senior Drilling Engineer	35,000 – 45,000	9,300 – 12,000
Drilling Supervisor	40,000 – 50,000+	10,600 – 13,300+

Many companies also provide free accommodation, transportation, health insurance, and annual flight tickets for expats.

Top Companies Hiring Drilling Engineers in Saudi Arabia

Foreign drilling engineers can find opportunities with national oil companies, international operators, and service providers:

Saudi Aramco – The largest oil company in the world, employing thousands of drilling engineers.
Halliburton Saudi Arabia – Oilfield services including drilling solutions.
Schlumberger Saudi Arabia – Advanced drilling and reservoir services.
Baker Hughes Saudi Arabia – Drilling technology and offshore support.
Weatherford Saudi Arabia – Well construction and drilling operations.
NES Fircroft & Worley – Global recruitment firms managing drilling projects in KSA.

Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Drilling Engineers

Saudi Arabia has a straightforward work visa process, usually handled by the employer:

Secure a Job Offer – A Saudi employer must sponsor your visa.
Work Visa Processing – Employer applies through Saudi Ministry of Labor.
Iqama (Residence Permit) – Issued after arrival, allowing you to live and work legally.
Family Sponsorship – Many drilling engineers bring their families once settled.

How to Apply for Drilling Engineer Jobs in Saudi Arabia

1: Prepare Your Resume

Highlight drilling operations, rig experience, well design, and HSE compliance.
Keep it Saudi-style: clear, technical, and achievement-focused.

2: Gain Industry Certifications

IWCF (International Well Control Forum)
IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors)
HSE Certifications (NEBOSH, IOSH)
Petroleum Engineering Degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s)

3: Apply Through Trusted Platforms

Saudi Aramco Careers Portal
LinkedIn Jobs (Saudi Arabia)
Rigzone (Oil & Gas jobs worldwide)
Bayt.com
NaukriGulf
Oil and Gas Job Search

4: Prepare for Interviews

Expect technical questions on drilling fluids, well design, casing, and safety practices.
Prepare for behavioral questions on leadership, decision-making, and adaptability in offshore environments.

Tips for Foreigners Seeking Drilling Engineer Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Highlight offshore and onshore rig experience.
Emphasize safety and compliance knowledge – very important in KSA.
Network with recruiters on LinkedIn and Gulf job fairs.
Apply to multinational oilfield service companies (they hire more foreigners).
Be open to starting on a contract role before moving to permanent positions.

Final Thoughts

For foreign professionals, drilling engineer jobs in Saudi Arabia offer one of the best opportunities in the global oil and gas sector. With high salaries, tax-free income, visa sponsorship, and exposure to mega projects, Saudi Arabia continues to attract skilled drilling engineers from around the world.

If you have the technical expertise, industry certifications, and adaptability, this could be the perfect time to build a successful career in the Kingdom’s oil and gas industry.