How to Start a Career in Saudi Rig Jobs or Oil and Gas Process Operations
                     How to Start a Career 
in Saudi Rig Jobs or 
Oil and Gas Process 
Operations 
https://www.progressiverecruitment.com/en-sa/specialisms/oil-and-gas-upstream/
Understand the work
TRig roles cover drilling, maintenance, logistics, and 
HSE support. Life is rotational, often remote, and 
safety-led. You work in teams, follow strict 
procedures, and report issues fast.
Process operations focus on running units that treat, 
separate, or move oil and gas. You monitor gauges 
and control systems, respond to alarms, and keep 
equipment within safe limits. The pace is steady, 
precise, and shift-based
 Match your skills 
to the role
Start with a skills audit:
• Technical aptitude: reading P&IDs, 
basic mechanics, valves, pumps, and 
control loops.
• Digital literacy: SCADA/DCS basics, 
log entries, and MS Office for 
reporting.
• Safety mindset: hazard spotting, 
lockout–tagout, permit to work, and 
incident reporting.
• Team communication: clear 
handovers, radio use, and concise 
notes.
• Fitness and stamina: rig work can be 
physical and in harsh climates.
Tip: Build examples that prove each skill. 
Even projects from college or previous 
jobs count if you show outcomes.
1.HSE core: NEBOSH IGC or 
Get the right qualifications OSHA equivalents.
2.Offshore survival: 
BOSIET/FOET (if targeting 
offshore).
For many saudi rig jobs, a diploma or 3.Process operations: basic 
degree in mechanical, petroleum, or DCS operation, process 
electrical engineering is valued. safety, and isolation 
Tradespeople with technical certifications procedures.
can also find openings. Training that 4.Rig basics: well control 
boosts your chances includes: awareness, drilling 
fundamentals, and rig 
equipment familiarisation.
If you lack a degree, stack 
micro-credentials and hands-on 
training. Employers care about 
competence and safe habits.
 Aim for stepping-stone roles:
• Technician or roustabout to learn Build experience the smart way
rig routines and safety culture.
• Control room trainee or field 
operator to gain exposure to start-
up, shut-down, and emergency 
drills.
• Maintenance assistant to 
understand rotating equipment, 
vibration checks, and preventive 
tasks.
• Volunteer for toolbox talks, near-
miss reporting, and small 
improvement projects. These 
show initiative and safety 
ownership.
Analytical Thinking Problem Solving Knowledge of programming languages and tools
Create a targeted CV
 Keep it two pages:
• A crisp profile with your target role.
• Skills aligned to the job description.
• Evidence of safety performance, e.g., “250+ 
incident-free shifts”, “led a JSA review”.
• Bullet points with action + result: “Calibrated level 
transmitters, reduced false alarms by 30%”.
• Valid certificates with expiry dates.
• Willingness to work rotations and remote sites.
For candidates aiming for 
oil and gas process operator jobs, using the exact job 
title in your CV and cover letter helps recruiters find 
you in searches.
Find real openings
Go where hiring happens:
• Company career portals for 
operators, drilling contractors, 
and service firms.
• Specialist agencies. Search for 
reputable oil and gas recruiters 
with roles in KSA.
• Professional networks: LinkedIn 
groups, alumni, and industry 
forums.
• Local job fairs and technical 
colleges that partner with 
employers.
• Beware of fee-based 
“guarantees”. Genuine firms do 
not charge candidates.
Prepare for interviews and assessments
Expect technical questions on pumps, separators, gas dehydration, or well control basics. You 
may face a trade test, a panel interview, and a medical. Prepare STAR stories on hazard 
identification, a time you stopped unsafe work, and a shift handover under pressure. Bring copies 
of certificates and be clear about notice period and rotation preference.
Succeed on site
Arrive early, learn the permit process, and 
know your muster point. Keep a pocket 
notebook for parameters, log changes, and 
lessons. Never bypass a safeguard. Ask 
when unsure. Safety and consistency build 
your reputation faster than speed.
Conclusion
Think beyond your first job title. Skills in process 
safety, reliability, and digital control systems 
travel well across energy, chemicals, and even 
clean fuels. Start where you can add value 
today, and keep learning toward roles that 
shape tomorrow’s energy system.
THANK YOU