H-1B Visa Reservoir Engineer Jobs
Reservoir Engineer jobs qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a closely related field. Employers in oil and gas, consulting, and energy services regularly sponsor H-1B petitions for this role. Each new worksite requires a separate certified LCA filed with DOL before you begin work.
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Get Access To All JobsTitle: Senior Geothermal Reservoir Engineer
Hours: Full-Time, Salaried
Location: Salt Lake City, UT, Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days can be remote)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Manager: Head of Exploration or Head of Reservoir R&D (depending on applicant’s skillset)
Why we exist
Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2,300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, historically it’s been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we’re building technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cheap and vital contributor to a carbon-free electrical grid. At Zanskar, we combine deep subsurface expertise with modern data and modeling to improve geothermal discovery and development outcomes. We conduct well tests and build reservoir models to make better calls on well targeting, and field optimization strategy.
Who you are
The Senior Geothermal Reservoir Engineer will play a critical role in understanding and forecasting geothermal reservoir performance and translating that understanding into field development decisions. A successful candidate will:
- Lead - own reservoir engineering workstreams end-to-end: test planning, execution support, interpretation, model updates, and recommendations.
- Model - move fluently between well test interpretation and numerical simulation, and reconcile mismatches between model predictions and field behavior.
- Collaborate - partner closely with geoscience, drilling, facilities, and operations teams to drive alignment and decision quality.
- Teach - raise the technical bar through strong documentation, clear communication, and mentorship across disciplines.
What you’ll do
Well test design, execution support, and interpretation
- Plan and oversee well tests and surveillance programs (production tests, injection tests, pressure transient tests, interference tests, falloff/step-rate tests, spinner/PTS campaigns, and tracer tests as appropriate).
- Provide real-time support during tests and interpret results post-test (e.g., permeability-thickness, skin, boundaries, connectivity, injectivity/productivity, and reservoir pressure trends).
- Build repeatable analysis workflows, templates, and QC checks so results are trustworthy and comparable across wells and campaigns.
History matching and integrated reservoir/wellbore modeling
- Build, calibrate, and maintain reservoir models that match observed field history (rates, pressures, temperatures/enthalpy, injectivity/productivity, and tracer/connectivity signals).
- Perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis; communicate what is known vs. uncertain and what data would most reduce uncertainty.
Forecasting, development planning, and optimization
- Generate production and injectivity forecasts under multiple operational and development scenarios (including uncertainty ranges).
- Evaluate reservoir management strategies (injection allocation, make-up well timing, pump strategies, and remediation options as relevant).
- Translate model outputs into decision-ready recommendations (generation impacts, operational tradeoffs, and key risks).
Data, tooling, and cross-functional communication
- Maintain high-quality operating datasets and ensure completeness and provenance across test data, production/injection data, and well logs.
- Build lightweight analytics (Python/SQL) to automate recurring analyses and monitoring dashboards.
- Present findings via concise memos and reviews; be the owner of the reservoir narrative that leaders and operators can rely on.
What we’re looking for
- B.S. (or higher) in Reservoir Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geoscience, or a related field.
- 4+ years of reservoir engineering experience in geothermal and/or analogous subsurface industries (oil & gas, hydrogeology, CCS), with demonstrated ownership of well tests and reservoir modeling work.
Proven excellence in several of the following technical skills:
- Well testing and surveillance: design and interpretation of PTA (build-up, falloff/step-rate), interference/connectivity tests, injectivity/productivity, and tracer-based diagnostics; strong data QC.
- Numerical simulation: develop and update geothermal reservoir models with wellbore models; calibrate against field data and integrate geologic constraints into conceptual and numerical models.
- History matching: ability to adjust parameters systematically, understand non-uniqueness, and communicate uncertainty and model limitations.
- Forecasting: scenario-based production and injectivity forecasts tied to operational constraints; translate results into actionable field recommendations.
- Cross-functional communication: write clear technical memos, present tradeoffs, and collaborate effectively with operations, drilling, and facilities teams.
- Nice-to-haves: reservoir-surface network integration; probabilistic history matching/optimization workflows; fluency in Python and SQL.
Location and Benefits
The position is based out of our headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a hybrid position with periodic travel (~15-30%) to operating geothermal assets.
Benefits include:
- Paid holidays
- 18 days PTO + PTO accrual increase based on tenure
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401k Stock options
- Paid Parental Leave
- Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions
Equal Opportunity Employer
Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.
Title: Senior Geothermal Reservoir Engineer
Hours: Full-Time, Salaried
Location: Salt Lake City, UT, Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days can be remote)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Manager: Head of Exploration or Head of Reservoir R&D (depending on applicant’s skillset)
Why we exist
Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2,300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, historically it’s been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we’re building technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cheap and vital contributor to a carbon-free electrical grid. At Zanskar, we combine deep subsurface expertise with modern data and modeling to improve geothermal discovery and development outcomes. We conduct well tests and build reservoir models to make better calls on well targeting, and field optimization strategy.
Who you are
The Senior Geothermal Reservoir Engineer will play a critical role in understanding and forecasting geothermal reservoir performance and translating that understanding into field development decisions. A successful candidate will:
- Lead - own reservoir engineering workstreams end-to-end: test planning, execution support, interpretation, model updates, and recommendations.
- Model - move fluently between well test interpretation and numerical simulation, and reconcile mismatches between model predictions and field behavior.
- Collaborate - partner closely with geoscience, drilling, facilities, and operations teams to drive alignment and decision quality.
- Teach - raise the technical bar through strong documentation, clear communication, and mentorship across disciplines.
What you’ll do
Well test design, execution support, and interpretation
- Plan and oversee well tests and surveillance programs (production tests, injection tests, pressure transient tests, interference tests, falloff/step-rate tests, spinner/PTS campaigns, and tracer tests as appropriate).
- Provide real-time support during tests and interpret results post-test (e.g., permeability-thickness, skin, boundaries, connectivity, injectivity/productivity, and reservoir pressure trends).
- Build repeatable analysis workflows, templates, and QC checks so results are trustworthy and comparable across wells and campaigns.
History matching and integrated reservoir/wellbore modeling
- Build, calibrate, and maintain reservoir models that match observed field history (rates, pressures, temperatures/enthalpy, injectivity/productivity, and tracer/connectivity signals).
- Perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis; communicate what is known vs. uncertain and what data would most reduce uncertainty.
Forecasting, development planning, and optimization
- Generate production and injectivity forecasts under multiple operational and development scenarios (including uncertainty ranges).
- Evaluate reservoir management strategies (injection allocation, make-up well timing, pump strategies, and remediation options as relevant).
- Translate model outputs into decision-ready recommendations (generation impacts, operational tradeoffs, and key risks).
Data, tooling, and cross-functional communication
- Maintain high-quality operating datasets and ensure completeness and provenance across test data, production/injection data, and well logs.
- Build lightweight analytics (Python/SQL) to automate recurring analyses and monitoring dashboards.
- Present findings via concise memos and reviews; be the owner of the reservoir narrative that leaders and operators can rely on.
What we’re looking for
- B.S. (or higher) in Reservoir Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geoscience, or a related field.
- 4+ years of reservoir engineering experience in geothermal and/or analogous subsurface industries (oil & gas, hydrogeology, CCS), with demonstrated ownership of well tests and reservoir modeling work.
Proven excellence in several of the following technical skills:
- Well testing and surveillance: design and interpretation of PTA (build-up, falloff/step-rate), interference/connectivity tests, injectivity/productivity, and tracer-based diagnostics; strong data QC.
- Numerical simulation: develop and update geothermal reservoir models with wellbore models; calibrate against field data and integrate geologic constraints into conceptual and numerical models.
- History matching: ability to adjust parameters systematically, understand non-uniqueness, and communicate uncertainty and model limitations.
- Forecasting: scenario-based production and injectivity forecasts tied to operational constraints; translate results into actionable field recommendations.
- Cross-functional communication: write clear technical memos, present tradeoffs, and collaborate effectively with operations, drilling, and facilities teams.
- Nice-to-haves: reservoir-surface network integration; probabilistic history matching/optimization workflows; fluency in Python and SQL.
Location and Benefits
The position is based out of our headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a hybrid position with periodic travel (~15-30%) to operating geothermal assets.
Benefits include:
- Paid holidays
- 18 days PTO + PTO accrual increase based on tenure
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401k Stock options
- Paid Parental Leave
- Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact in displacing carbon emissions
Equal Opportunity Employer
Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.
See all H-1B Visa Reservoir Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Reservoir Engineer
Match your degree to petroleum engineering SOC codes
USCIS evaluates whether your degree field directly relates to reservoir engineering duties. Pull the O*NET profile for SOC 17-2171 and confirm your transcripts reflect subsurface analysis, fluid mechanics, or reservoir simulation coursework before submitting your petition.
Check prevailing wages before accepting an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your worksite location and experience level. Run your title and zip code through the OFLC Wage Search to verify the wage tier before you sign anything.
Target operators with multi-basin footprints
Operators running assets across multiple basins file LCAs for each worksite, so they're practiced at H-1B sponsorship paperwork. Search Migrate Mate to find employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history specifically in reservoir or petroleum engineering roles.
Get your international credentials evaluated early
If your petroleum or geoscience degree is from outside the U.S., have a NACES-member credential evaluation agency assess equivalency before your employer files the I-129. USCIS scrutinizes foreign degree equivalency in engineering petitions, and delays here can push your start date past your OPT or status deadline.
Confirm a separate LCA for every new project site
Reservoir engineers often rotate between field locations and office worksites. Each distinct worksite address requires its own DOL-certified LCA before you can legally work there. Ask your employer's immigration team to confirm coverage whenever a project assignment changes.
Use premium processing when start dates are firm
Drilling campaigns and reservoir studies run on fixed timelines. If your employer needs you on-site by a specific date, request USCIS premium processing on the I-129 to get a decision within days rather than months, reducing the risk of a delayed start.
H-1B Visa Reservoir Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Reservoir Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Reservoir engineering typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering, geoscience, or a closely related discipline, which meets USCIS's specialty occupation definition. Employers document this in the I-129 petition by showing that the specific duties, such as reservoir modeling, decline curve analysis, or fluid flow simulation, require degree-level knowledge in a directly related field.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Reservoir Engineer positions?
Integrated oil and gas operators, independent E&P companies, oilfield services firms, and reservoir consulting groups are the most active H-1B sponsors for this role. You can browse employers with verified LCA filing history in petroleum and reservoir engineering on Migrate Mate, which surfaces that DOL data by role and location so you're not guessing at sponsorship willingness.
What happens to my H-1B status if the project ends or I'm reassigned?
H-1B status is tied to the specific employer and position listed on the approved I-129 petition, not the project. If your employer reassigns you to a different worksite, a new LCA must be certified for that location before you work there. If your employment ends, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer, change status, or depart the U.S.
How long does H-1B status last for a Reservoir Engineer?
Initial H-1B status is granted for up to three years and can be extended for another three years, reaching a six-year maximum. Extensions beyond six years are possible only if a PERM labor certification or I-140 immigrant petition has been filed and meets specific age-of-filing thresholds, which your employer's immigration counsel would manage.
What documents should I gather before my employer files the H-1B petition?
Gather your passport, degree certificates with transcripts, any credential evaluation reports if your degree is from outside the U.S., and documentation of relevant work experience such as employment letters or project records. Your employer will need these to establish specialty occupation and prevailing wage compliance in the LCA and I-129 package submitted to DOL and USCIS.