
Oil and Gas
Oil Rig Jobs
Searching for oil rig jobs? Orion Group helps connect experienced rig workers with leading projects around the world.
Specialist Oil Rig Jobs and Opportunities
Our recruitment teams help oil rig workers and contractors with visa support, travel, mobilisation, and placement, on projects across the world.
Crane Operator
Crane Operators are responsible for lifting and transferring heavy equipment, pipes, and materials across offshore platforms. Precision and safety are critical, as these operations take place in changing sea and weather conditions. Orion recruits crane operators with offshore certification and experience working on jack-ups, semisubs, and production platforms.
Completion Engineer
Completion Engineers design and implement well completion plans that optimise production and maintain well integrity. They oversee operations such as tubing installation, sand control, and well testing. Orion connects completion engineers to offshore projects where precision and technical expertise are key to maximising output and maintaining safety standards.
Derrickhand
Derrickhands play a key role in drilling operations by managing mud systems, maintaining pumps, and monitoring drilling fluid properties. The position requires strong technical awareness and physical capability at height. Our team places experienced derrickhands on offshore and land rigs where reliability and quick problem-solving are essential.
Drilling Engineer
Drilling Engineers plan and supervise drilling operations to ensure wells are delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget. They manage well design, equipment selection, and real-time problem-solving during operations. Orion works with drilling engineers across exploration and production phases, supporting roles both offshore and onshore.
Drilling Supervisor
Drilling Supervisors (or Toolpushers) oversee rig activities, managing the drilling crew, safety, and daily progress against project objectives. They ensure compliance with operational standards and environmental regulations. Orion recruits experienced supervisors for offshore rigs and platform-based drilling operations worldwide.
Electrical Engineer (Offshore)
Offshore Electrical Engineers maintain and troubleshoot high-voltage systems, generators, and power distribution networks on rigs. They are essential to maintaining uptime and operational safety in harsh offshore environments. Orion places certified electrical engineers with strong offshore experience across drilling and production platforms.
Field Operations Manager
Field Operations Managers coordinate rig activities, production schedules, and crew logistics. They balance cost, safety, and performance to ensure smooth day-to-day operations across multiple rigs or fields. Orion recruits experienced field managers who bring strong leadership and a track record in offshore production.
HSE Manager (Offshore)
Offshore HSE Managers lead safety programs, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with international standards like ISO and OHSAS. They play a central role in protecting crew safety and environmental integrity on rigs. Orion supports energy companies by providing experienced HSE managers trained to maintain zero-incident operations offshore.
Instrument & Controls Engineer
Instrument and Controls Engineers maintain and calibrate monitoring and automation systems that keep rig processes stable and efficient. They ensure safety-critical systems perform within strict parameters. Orion places I&C engineers on offshore projects where precision control supports drilling and production reliability.
Mechanical Engineer (Offshore)
Offshore Mechanical Engineers are responsible for maintaining and optimising heavy machinery such as pumps, compressors, and rotating equipment. They ensure the mechanical integrity of all systems supporting drilling and production. Orion connects mechanical engineers with offshore operators who value preventive maintenance and technical excellence.
Production Engineer
Production Engineers monitor oil and gas output, diagnose bottlenecks, and recommend adjustments to improve performance. On rigs, they work with drilling and reservoir teams to optimise flow and reduce downtime. Orion places production engineers who combine strong technical knowledge with hands-on field experience.
Rig Electrician
Rig Electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical systems on drilling platforms, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to critical systems. They work on everything from lighting and motors to control panels and safety alarms. Orion recruits electricians qualified for offshore environments, helping keep rigs safe and fully operational.
International Oil Rig Jobs
Oil rig crews work together to explore, extract, process, and transport hydrocarbons from offshore reserves. Each role is critical to keeping the platform safe and productive.
Rigs can house hundreds of workers at a time, creating opportunities for both entry-level talent and highly experienced specialists. Daily responsibilities might include drilling operations, equipment maintenance, logistics coordination, or safety checks.
At Orion, we recruit for a wide range of oil rig positions, including:
Commissioning Technician
Ensures rig systems are tested and fully operational before production begins.
Electrical and Technical
Electrical and technical specialists maintain the complex systems that power and control rig operations. Orion places experienced professionals in roles covering power generation, automation, and electronic maintenance, ensuring offshore and onshore projects run safely and without interruption.
Facilities Engineers
Design and maintain platforms, pipelines, and processing plants.
Marine Roles
Marine crews support the safe transport, positioning, and operation of offshore rigs and vessels. Orion recruits marine specialists including deck crew, barge engineers, and vessel supervisors who ensure stability, navigation, and compliance across global offshore projects.
Technician Roles
Technicians keep vital rig systems running safely and efficiently, from mechanical and electrical maintenance to instrumentation and control support. Orion recruits skilled technicians for offshore and onshore projects, ensuring operations stay reliable, compliant, and productive across every stage of drilling and production.
Welding Roles
Welders play a crucial part in maintaining and constructing the structural integrity of rigs, pipelines, and offshore installations. Orion connects certified welders with projects worldwide, supporting fabrication, repair, and maintenance work that keeps energy operations safe and efficient.

Benefits of working on a Rig

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1. Strong pay and competitive packages.
Oil rig roles often come with high base salaries, performance bonuses, and long-term financial benefits.
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2. Clear career progression through structured rig hierarchies.
Many start in entry-level positions and move quickly into senior or specialist roles through on-the-job training and experience.
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3. Opportunities across major oil and gas hubs worldwide.
Rig professionals are in demand across global locations including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Middle East.
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4. Exposure to advanced subsea and drilling technologies.
Work with cutting-edge tools and systems that drive efficiency and safety in modern energy production.
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5. Rotational schedules that allow extended time off between shifts.
Extended leave periods give workers valuable downtime and the flexibility to balance demanding schedules with personal life.
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FAQs about Oil Rig Jobs
What qualifications do I need for entry-level oil rig jobs?
Entry-level oil rig jobs, such as roustabout or floorhand, typically require being over 18, physical fitness to lift at least 50 pounds and work long shifts, plus mandatory safety certifications like BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training). No prior experience or formal education beyond a high school diploma is usually needed, though first aid/CPR training boosts your chances.
How much do oil rig workers earn when starting out?
Entry-level oil rig workers, such as roustabouts or roughnecks, typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually in the US, depending on location and whether onshore or offshore. In the UK and North Sea regions, starting pay for similar roles often ranges from £20,000 to £35,000 per year, with potential for quick increases through overtime and experience.
How long are oil rig rotations different from onshore?
Oil rig rotations differ significantly between offshore and onshore work. Offshore rotations typically last 2-4 weeks on the rig followed by equal time off (e.g., 2/2 or 4/4 weeks), due to remote locations and high transport costs. Onshore rotations are shorter, often 1-2 weeks on/off, 7/7 days, or even daily commutes, thanks to easier land access.
Does Orion help with visas and travel for offshore jobs?
Of course, Orion Group provides visa support, travel assistance and planning, mobilisation, accommodation coordination and placement services for oil rig workers and contractors on offshore jobs worldwide.
Can I work offshore without previous experience?
Yes, you can work offshore without prior experience. Entry-level roles like roustabout, deckhand, or trainee positions are often open to beginners in the oil and gas sector, provided you obtain key certifications such as BOSIET, an offshore medical certificate, and sometimes HUET or STCW basics. Networking, and highlighting physical fitness and teamwork skills help secure these opportunities, though competition is high and training costs may apply upfront.
Apply for Oil Rig Jobs with Orion Group
Whether you’re new to offshore work or an experienced rig specialist looking for your next rotation, Orion can help you take the next step.
Browse our latest oil and gas vacancies or register your CV to get job alerts, straight to your inbox.

