Sr. Reservoir Engineer - EOR

Job Summary:

CNPC USA is seeking a Sr. Reservoir Engineer - EOR to support CO₂-EOR, chemical EOR, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects. This role combines laboratory and field study design, pilot and full-field development planning, performance monitoring, advanced reservoir simulation, and cross-functional technical coordination. The successful candidate will take ownership of project outcomes; collaborate with internal teams, external consultants, research organizations, and industry partners;

and communicate results through technical reports and presentations. This position reports to the GEI (Geo-Engineering Integration) Team Lead.

• Manage ongoing EOR projects, identify and develop new project opportunities, and maintain a strong understanding of current developments and emerging trends across the global EOR landscape.
• Develop comprehensive EOR pilot and full-field implementation plans, including chemical flooding, gas injection, or thermal recovery methods.
• Conduct advanced EOR simulations to predict reservoir behavior and optimize recovery strategies using industry-standard modeling software.
• Lead the research and development of EOR chemicals, including surfactants, polymers, and specialized additives tailored to various reservoir conditions.
• Oversee and perform relative permeability core analyses and fluid-rock interaction studies to validate EOR designs.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate geological, petrophysical, and production data into EOR models.
• Provide technical oversight during the execution of EOR projects, including monitoring performance and troubleshooting field challenges.
• Interface with external technical consultants, research organizations, and industry partners on EOR laboratory and field studies and subsurface evaluations.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, representing CNPC USA at technical symposia and contributing to patent filings or technical publications. Write project reports and give presentations on project status and results to engineering and management.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in reservoir simulation software (e.g., CMG, ECLIPSE, or tNavigator).
• Experience with CO₂-EOR screening, candidate reservoir selection, injection-pattern design, injection-rate optimization, and performance forecasting.
• Experience with water-alternating-gas injection, continuous CO₂ injection, mobility-control methods, and optimization of injection strategies.
• In-depth, hands-on knowledge of core flooding, phase behavior (PVT) analysis, and EOR screening criteria.
• Experience in chemical EOR formulation and laboratory testing protocols.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical writing, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work with little supervision.

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field, required.
• Doctoral degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field, a plus.
• Must have at least seven (7+) years of Reservoir Engineering experience, including substantial experience with EOR and/or CCUS technologies in the upstream oil and gas sector.
• Experience with both conventional and unconventional reservoirs is preferred.
• Direct experience with enhanced recovery, CO₂ storage, or gas reservoir development projects is preferred.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally for up to 60 days per year.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

This position primarily operates in an office environment. Secondary responsibilities may require work in a laboratory and the use of standard laboratory equipment.

Domestic and international travel may be required, including travel between CNPC locations, partner facilities, laboratories, and testing sites.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.