Thermal Petroleum Engineer

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. 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. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes, strong proficiency in CMG STARS, and a proven ability to translate simulation insights into actionable operational and business strategies.

This position requires on-site presence.

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 Technology teams to evaluate opportunities, conduct petroleum engineering analyses, and provide technically sound recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• 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.
• Stay current with emerging thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies, simulation techniques, and reservoir engineering best practices.
• 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:

• 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.).
• Experience with complex reservoir systems, including naturally fractured carbonates.
• 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.
• 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.

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.