Drilling engineering or drilling engineer is a sub-branch and genre of petroleum engineering. By procedure, drilling engineers are tasked with implementing the design of boreholes as safely and economically as possible. These personnel must work closely and collaboratively with drilling contractors and service contractors, as well as geologists and other technical experts. Drilling engineers are also responsible for taking measures to protect the health and safety of personnel, as well as to protect the environment and keep costs to a minimum.

For drilling an oil or natural gas well, the rent of the property, the estimated value of the reserves sought, the costs of geological exploration, the planning of the well to be drilled, the layout and equipment to be established to reach the required depth, and the accurate estimation of the costs are of great importance. Drilling engineers are responsible for these stages. It also has the following responsibilities.

> To prevent bursting (uncontrolled release of fluid) well programming (eg stem dimensions and setting depth) should be done with adequate consideration.
> Programming drilling fluids, planning straightening drills, programming drill strings and drill bits to be used, contributing to the design of cementing and crash strings, and devising other plans.
> Evaluating the equipment and materials to be used in the drilling process and creating notes about them.
Providing technical support and supervision during the drilling process.
> Making cost estimations and analysis.
> Development of contracts with vendors.
> Drilling engineers are generally chosen among petroleum engineers and these personnel are preferred. However, engineers of other disciplines (such as mechanical or geological engineers) can be used in this field after being trained by the oil company.