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How to Become A Reservoir Engineer

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What is a Reservoir Engineer

A reservoir engineer gets oil and gas out of underground rock formations safely and efficiently. They combine geology, fluid physics, and computer modelling to predict how a reservoir will behave. Then they design strategies to extract the most resources from it. It is one of the best-paid engineering careers in Australia.

Reservoir engineers work for oil and gas companies, engineering consultancies, and government agencies. Most roles are in Western Australia and Queensland. The work is a mix of computer modelling, data analysis, report writing, and collaboration with geologists and drilling teams. Some fieldwork is involved too.

Around 2,400 petroleum engineers work across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Ninety per cent are in full-time roles, and the median age is 39. The outlook is strong, with future demand rated Strong by yourcareer.gov.au (2025).

Salaries are among the highest in engineering. The average is around $155,000 per year, and experienced engineers can earn over $200,000 (PayScale, 2025). The entry requirement is a four-year engineering degree, and the career rewards ongoing learning and technical depth.

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Career Outlook for Reservoir Engineer

A career as a reservoir engineer offers strong job security and some of the best pay in Australian engineering. Around 2,400 petroleum engineers work across Australia, with 90% in full-time roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Western Australia accounts for over 61% of all roles, and Queensland is next at around 21%. The median age of the workforce is 39, and only 18% are women. The industry is actively working to improve gender diversity.

The outlook is positive. Future demand is rated Strong by yourcareer.gov.au (2025). Key drivers include ongoing LNG activity, managing mature fields, and growing carbon capture and storage projects. These projects all draw on the same subsurface skills as traditional reservoir work.

Pay is among the highest in the engineering profession. Average weekly earnings are around $3,365, or roughly $175,000 per year (Your Career, 2025). Most reservoir engineers work around 45 hours per week. Careers progress from graduate to senior engineer over five to ten years.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Reservoir Engineer

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) or a Related Discipline

Enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) at an Australian university accredited by Engineers Australia. You can also enter through closely related disciplines such as chemical engineering or geoscience. Curtin University, UNSW Sydney, and the University of Adelaide all offer accredited programs. The degree takes four years full-time. It covers fluid mechanics, reservoir simulation, geology, and field development planning.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience Through Internships or a Graduate Program

Apply for vacation work or a structured graduate program with an oil and gas company. Major employers in Western Australia and Queensland offer 12-month graduate programs. You will gain hands-on experience in reservoir modelling, well data analysis, and production planning. This step is essential before moving into independent engineering roles.

Step 3: Develop Proficiency in Reservoir Simulation Software

Learn industry-standard simulation tools such as Petrel (SLB), Eclipse (SLB), and CMG IMEX or GEM. Most employers provide in-house training for these platforms. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) also offers online courses and technical workshops. Strong software skills are required for most reservoir engineering roles in Australia.

Step 4: Join the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and Engineers Australia

Become a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the main professional body for reservoir engineers worldwide. Also join Engineers Australia to access networking, CPD programs, and the pathway to Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status. Both memberships are valued by Australian employers and support career advancement.

Step 5: Apply for Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) Status

After four or more years of engineering experience post-graduation, apply for CPEng status with Engineers Australia. This is the recognised mark of engineering competence in Australia. It is required for senior and independent advisory roles. The application takes three to six months and involves a competency assessment.

Step 6: Pursue Advanced Study for Senior or Leadership Roles

For senior or leadership positions, consider a Master of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) at Curtin University or UNSW Sydney. These programs take 1.5 to 2 years full-time. They deepen skills in advanced reservoir modelling, field development, and enhanced recovery. A postgraduate degree supports progression to principal engineer and management roles.

What does a Reservoir Engineer do?

A reservoir engineer spends their day building models, analysing data, and planning how to get more from underground fields. They work with geologists, drilling teams, and production staff to turn data into practical decisions. The role is mostly desk-based, with some site visits. Good communication and teamwork are just as important as technical ability.

Tasks

Reservoir engineers handle a wide range of technical and analytical tasks. Here is what the role looks like day to day.

  • Build and update simulation models to forecast how a reservoir will produce over time
  • Analyse well and production data to spot trends and performance issues
  • Assess reservoir size and capacity to estimate recoverable oil and gas volumes
  • Work with geologists to interpret rock and fluid data
  • Design ways to increase recovery from existing fields using enhanced recovery techniques
  • Prepare production forecasts and field development plans
  • Assess the economics of proposed drilling programs
  • Write technical reports and present findings to management and stakeholders
  • Stay current with new technologies and regulatory changes

Skills for Success

To work as a reservoir engineer, you need a solid base in geology, fluid mechanics, and mathematics. These are the subjects that underpin the technical side of the job. You will also need to learn industry-standard simulation tools like Petrel, Eclipse, or CMG. Most graduates pick these up through employer training or SPE professional development courses.

Soft skills matter just as much as technical know-how. You will work in teams with geologists, drilling engineers, and project managers. Explaining complex findings clearly, writing reports, and presenting to non-engineers are all part of the role. Curiosity, attention to detail, and comfort with incomplete data are what make a great reservoir engineer.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of geology, petrophysics, and fluid mechanics
  • Proficiency in reservoir simulation software (Petrel, Eclipse, CMG)
  • Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
  • Ability to build and update reservoir models
  • Economic evaluation and financial modelling
  • Technical report writing and stakeholder communication
  • Collaboration with geologists, drilling, and production teams
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking under data uncertainty
  • Project management and meeting deadlines
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data handling
  • Adaptability to new technologies and digital workflows
  • Understanding of safety and environmental regulations
  • Strong mathematical and quantitative reasoning
  • Well-site data collection and fieldwork skills

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a reservoir engineer in Australia is around $155,000 (source: PayScale, 2025). Entry-level roles start near $95,000. Senior engineers can earn over $210,000. Pay rises with experience and the size of the projects involved.

min $95 K

max $210 K

av $155 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.