Thermal Petroleum Engineer
Salamander is seeking a Thermal Petroleum Engineer to support the modeling, evaluation, and optimization of thermal recovery processes in heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs, with a focus on expanding our growing business in the Venezuela heavy oil market. This role is central to the development and application of Salamander's advanced heating technologies, integrating reservoir simulation, thermal modeling, and field performance analysis to maximize production and efficiency in extra-heavy oil assets such as those of the Faja del Orinoco (Orinoco Belt). The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes, direct hands-on experience with Venezuela heavy oil reservoirs, strong proficiency in CMG STARS, and a proven ability to translate simulation insights into actionable operational and business strategies for the region.
This position requires international travel and onsite presence at our Houston location.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Build, calibrate, and maintain detailed thermal reservoir simulation models to evaluate the impact of heat addition within the wellbore and reservoir
- Perform history matching of thermal processes such as cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), steam flooding, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), and electric heating to predict future production performance
- Work closely with Business Development and Technical teams to evaluate opportunities in the Venezuela market, conduct petroleum engineering analyses, and provide technically sound recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including local operating partners
- Analyze active field data to monitor and optimize thermal operations using Salamander's proprietary heating technologies
- Integrate wellbore dynamics and reservoir behavior through coupled thermal and flow modeling to assess performance under various operating conditions
- Quantify reservoir uncertainties, evaluate sensitivities, and support decision-making through scenario analysis and probabilistic modeling
- Develop and apply data-driven and AI-based optimization tools (e.g., CMOST or similar) to enhance thermal recovery performance
- Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and proposals summarizing results, insights, and recommendations for both internal leadership and Venezuela-based stakeholders
- Stay current with emerging thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies, simulation techniques, and reservoir engineering best practices relevant to Venezuela's heavy oil sector
- Support all engagements in the Venezuela market in accordance with applicable regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements
- Provide technical mentorship and contribute to continuous improvement of Salamander's modeling and analysis workflows
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in petroleum engineering, reservoir engineering, or a related discipline.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Minimum 10 years of direct, hands-on experience with Venezuela heavy oil / extra-heavy oil reservoirs, such as the Faja del Orinoco (Orinoco Belt), required
- 5-10 years of experience in thermal reservoir simulation using CMG STARS, required
- Proven track record of history matching and forecasting field-scale thermal recovery processes (CSS, steam flooding, SAGD, electric heating, etc.), required
- Familiarity with dynamic integrated wellbore modeling (e.g., OLGA or equivalent) is an asset
- Experience applying AI-based reservoir optimization tools (e.g., CMOST) is a plus
- Experience with heat transfer and thermal analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools is a plus
- Working knowledge of Venezuela's regulatory, operating, and business environment for the oil and gas sector
- Spanish language proficiency preferred
- Willingness to travel to Venezuela and/or the broader Latin America region as needed
- Strong data analysis skills and ability to efficiently process and interpret large datasets
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with capability to address uncertainties and conflicting field data
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex technical findings into clear, credible business insights
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to technical excellence
What We Offer:
We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. Some of the exciting benefits we offer include:
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Employer-covered medical insurance options
- 100% employer-covered dental and vision plans
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. Salamander reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the role as necessary.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salamander is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Company’s Policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories is prohibited.