If you’re interested in engineering or geoscience, you will likely be pursuing these STEM jobs in these fields when you graduate. However, statistically speaking, you are in the minority.
As Australia has shifted its focus toward 100% renewable energy sources, many young graduates have turned away from traditional fields like petroleum engineering and geology, whilst many universities have altered their programs in these disciplines or removed them altogether.
However, the net zero transition will take decades, a reality reflected in government policy changes. During this critical period, the oil and gas sectors remain essential for everyday living standards. That means STEM graduate jobs in oil and gas will increase in the coming years.
The signs of this increase are underway, with the number of junior talent choosing oil and gas jobs increasing by 5% from last year, according to our research on the industry’s employment and salary trends.
In oil and gas, there is a significant and persistent skills gap – and for STEM graduates, it presents opportunities for a rewarding career with a range of possible trajectories.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
Concerns about the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry are, of course, well documented and justified. Oil and gas companies are, however, actively innovating to minimise the environmental impact of their operations, as they recognise the need for sustainable practices in a world increasingly focused on climate change and environmental protection.
This is shaping an environment where STEM professionals can gain expertise in areas critical to sustainability, such as carbon and methane capture and storage, and incorporating renewable energy sources to power facilities and drilling sites.
The expertise of oil and gas engineers versed in two-phase flow technology will be particularly sought after for carbon capture operations, which will be dependent on this technology in the years to come.
Besides, STEM graduate jobs in oil and gas don’t limit you to a narrow range of skills; they can give you multidisciplinary knowledge that will be valued in multiple technical domains in the coming decades.
Top Oil & Gas Jobs in Australia for STEM Graduates
Demand for STEM talent is high for a range of engineering and geoscience specialisations, including:
Process Engineers
Process engineers design and develop processes for extracting oil and gas from reservoirs, refining crude oil into different products, and treating natural gas. With their background in chemical engineering, they create detailed plans for how raw materials are transformed into marketable products like diesel and jet fuel. The industry uses Process Engineer know-how to optimise the consumption of energy, water, and chemicals to reduce waste and lower environmental impact.
Geophysicists
Analysing seismic, magnetic and gravitational data to understand the geological structures below the Earth’s surface, geophysicists are integral to oil and gas exploration and production. Industry specialisations range from identifying drilling locations to monitoring reservoirs that are already in production stage.
According to our latest salary data, the median salary for junior geophysicists is $107,000, climbing up to $270,000 for leadership roles.
Geologists
In oil and gas, geologists are essential for identifying potential hydrocarbon reservoirs and assessing their viability for extraction. They also evaluate drilling data to refine extraction strategies and predict how reservoirs will behave over time, making their skills strategically important to the industry’s sustainability practices. Our latest salary data shows that junior geologists can earn a median salary ranging from $105,000 to $118,000.
Control Engineers
A Control Engineer’s role is to design and manage automated systems that regulate key processes like drilling, production, refining and transportation. This includes selecting the appropriate sensors, actuators and controllers to monitor and adjust variables like pressure, temperature and flow rate. They also develop algorithms and logic that define how the system should respond to changes in operating conditions, such as shutting down equipment in case of a malfunction.
Electrical Instrumentation Specialists
An electrical instrumentation specialist in the oil and gas industry is responsible for installing and maintaining said systems that control and monitor equipment. They also play a key part in integrating automation and electrical systems in various facilities. Along with calibrating instruments and diagnosing faults, they identify control strategies to optimise production and uphold safety standards.
Choose Your Employer Wisely
As a STEM graduate, your choice of employers in the oil and gas sector is as important as it would be in any other industry. You may be lured by genuine perks such as international travel, working in environments far away from office cubicle life and a generous salary. But it’s also wise to research employers, as working for the right company will help you make the most out of your abilities and love what you do.
Look for companies that prioritise ongoing learning and development and who value work-life balance for their employees. Choosing the right employer not only shapes your current job experience but also helps keep your skills current for future roles.
Connect with an Oil and Gas Recruitment Specialist
For support and personalised advice on finding STEM graduate jobs that align with your skills and aspirations, the team at Patch Personnel is just a click away. Contact us today for award-winning oil and gas recruitment expertise that helps you reach your career goals.
To learn more about current trends in oil and gas jobs in Australia, access your free copy of our Subsurface Oil & Gas Employment Insights Report here.