Exploitation Engineering Student (Conventional/Thermal)

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Canadian Natural Resources is hiring an Exploitation Engineering Student for Calgary onsite work in Conventional and Thermal assets. You will collaborate with Exploitation Engineers and teams to support reservoir analysis, production performance, development planning and optimization. You’ll gain experience analyzing wells, forecasting production, and contributing to economic evaluations, reports and tools. Ideal applicants are enrolled in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum or related engineering with strong analytical and communication skills and Excel proficiency; Power BI, SQL or Python are a plus. Requirements include a valid Alberta license, pre-employment drug screen and safety sensitive designation. Start dates are January, May or September 2027 for 4, 8 or 12 months. Apply online with resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts, highlighting collaboration and a proactive learning mindset.

The Opportunity:

Ready to gain hands-on engineering experience and make an impact from day one? Join Canadian Natural as an Exploitation Engineering Student and work alongside experienced professionals supporting our Conventional and Thermal assets.

As an Exploitation Engineering Student, you will work closely with Exploitation Engineers and collaborate with Reservoir, Production, Operations, Geoscience, and other technical teams to support the evaluation and development of our upstream oil and gas assets.

Exploitation Engineering focuses on maximizing asset value and hydrocarbon recovery through reservoir analysis, production performance evaluation, development planning, and optimization initiatives. In this role, you will apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges while supporting technical studies, evaluating development opportunities, and contributing to field development and asset optimization strategies.

If you are a motivated problem solver who enjoys data analysis, technical evaluations, and identifying opportunities to improve asset performance, this role is for you.

• Job location: Calgary, AB – Head Office
• Work schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off – 8 hours/day (Monday to Friday)
• Term lengths: 4, 8, or 12 months
• Term starts: January, May or September 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities:

• Participate in active and inactive well reviews to evaluate reservoir and production performance
• Analyze production, drilling, completion, geological, and reservoir data to support asset evaluations and development opportunities
• Support production forecasting, reservoir characterization and field development planning activities
• Assist with technical studies and evaluations to identify opportunities to optimize recovery and maximize asset value
• Perform data gathering & analysis and support engineering recommendations for development and optimization projects
• Participate in economic evaluations and development planning activities
• Develop and maintain engineering reports and tools
• Collaborate with Reservoir, Production, Geoscience, Operations, and other technical teams to support asset development strategies

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, Energy or related engineering disciplines preferred, all other engineering disciplines will be considered
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with Power BI, Spotfire, SQL, or Python is considered an asset
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
• Possess a valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license or equivalent provincial driver's license
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening test is required

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Student Relocation Policy (Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term)
• Safety boot allowance
• Safety training certifications and PPE covered
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS overview to see what we have to offer!

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts as part of your online application.

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment. 

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d. 

Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Student Testimonials!