Oil & gas Jobs in Malaysia

Why Work in the Oil & Gas in Malaysia

Strategic Location and Rich Resources

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s leading oil and gas producers, with abundant offshore and onshore reserves. Its strategic location along major global shipping routes enhances access to regional and international markets.

Government Support and Industry Development

The Malaysian government actively supports the oil and gas sector through favorable policies, incentives, and investments. National oil company PETRONAS plays a key role in driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.

Diverse Career Opportunities

From engineering and geoscience to finance and environmental management, the industry offers a wide range of roles across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.

Competitive Compensation Packages

Oil and gas professionals in Malaysia benefit from attractive salaries, allowances, and benefits, especially in technical and offshore roles, reflecting the high demand for skilled labor.

Strong Infrastructure and Technology

Malaysia boasts advanced infrastructure, modern refineries, and technological capabilities that support efficient exploration, production, and distribution operations.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

The industry is evolving to align with global energy transition goals. Efforts in carbon capture, energy efficiency, and renewable integration provide future-ready opportunities.

International Exposure and Career Growth

Multinational companies and global partnerships offer Malaysian professionals the chance to work on international projects, gain valuable experience, and grow their careers regionally and globally.

Stable and Diversified Economy

Malaysia’s relatively stable economy and well-established legal and financial systems provide a reliable environment for long-term career planning in the oil and gas sector.

Creative Oil & Gas in Malaysia for International Candidates

Thriving Hub for Energy Innovation

Malaysia is emerging as a dynamic hub for energy innovation in Southeast Asia. International professionals are welcomed to contribute to cutting-edge projects in exploration, digital transformation, and energy transition initiatives.

Cross-Cultural Work Environment

Malaysia’s oil and gas sector is truly global, with a diverse workforce comprising talent from all over the world. International candidates benefit from working in multicultural teams that encourage collaboration, new perspectives, and creative problem-solving.

Access to Mega Projects and Deepwater Exploration

Malaysia is known for its complex offshore projects and deepwater developments. These ventures require high-level expertise, offering international professionals the chance to work on challenging, high-impact assignments.

Opportunities in Energy Transition and Sustainability

As Malaysia moves towards a low-carbon future, there is growing demand for global talent in areas like carbon capture, green hydrogen, and emissions management. International candidates can play a vital role in shaping sustainable energy practices.

Supportive Work-Life Balance and Expat Infrastructure

Malaysia offers a high quality of life with modern amenities, international schools, and a relatively low cost of living. Coupled with professional support for work visas and relocation, it’s an attractive destination for skilled expats.

Knowledge Transfer and Leadership Roles

The country is investing in capability development and welcomes experienced international professionals to take on mentoring, leadership, and strategic roles that support knowledge transfer and industry excellence.

Strategic Regional Base for Career Expansion

Working in Malaysia positions international professionals at the heart of the ASEAN region. It opens up opportunities across Southeast Asia, particularly in emerging energy markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Types of Oil & Gas Jobs in Malaysia

Sector	Job Role	Description
Upstream	Petroleum Engineer	Designs and develops methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits.
	Geologist / Geophysicist	Studies rock formations and seismic data to locate oil and gas reserves.
	Drilling Engineer	Plans and manages drilling operations for oil and gas wells.
	Reservoir Engineer	Analyzes reservoir behavior to optimize production and recovery.
	Well Services Supervisor	Oversees maintenance and enhancement of well performance.
	Subsea Engineer	Handles engineering tasks for underwater systems and equipment.
Midstream	Pipeline Engineer	Designs and manages pipeline systems for oil and gas transport.
	Logistics & Transportation Manager	Coordinates storage, transport, and distribution of hydrocarbons.
	HSE Officer (Health, Safety, Environment)	Ensures safety and environmental compliance across operations.
Downstream	Process Engineer	Optimizes refining processes and chemical transformations.
	Refinery Operator	Manages equipment and controls within refineries.
	Quality Control Specialist	Tests and ensures the quality of products like fuels and lubricants.
Support Functions	Project Manager	Leads multidisciplinary oil and gas projects from planning to execution.
	Supply Chain Specialist	Manages procurement, vendor relations, and inventory control.
	Finance Analyst	Handles budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning.
	HR Business Partner	Supports workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development.
	IT & Digital Transformation Lead	Implements digital tools like AI, IoT, and automation in operations.

Average Salary of Top 20 Job Profile of Oil & Gas in Malaysia

Job Profile	MYR (Monthly)	USD (Monthly)	INR (Monthly)
Petroleum Engineer	18,000	3,850	321,000
Drilling Engineer	20,000	4,280	356,000
Reservoir Engineer	19,000	4,065	338,000
Geologist / Geophysicist	16,000	3,425	285,000
Subsea Engineer	21,000	4,495	374,000
Process Engineer	15,000	3,210	267,000
Refinery Operator	10,000	2,140	178,000
Pipeline Engineer	14,000	2,990	248,000
HSE Officer	9,000	1,925	160,000
Project Manager	22,000	4,710	392,000
Logistics Manager	12,000	2,565	213,000
Quality Control Specialist	11,000	2,350	196,000
Supply Chain Specialist	10,000	2,140	178,000
Finance Analyst	9,500	2,030	169,000
HR Business Partner	8,500	1,820	152,000
IT/Digital Transformation	13,000	2,780	231,000
Well Services Supervisor	17,000	3,640	303,000
Offshore Installation Mgr.	23,000	4,925	410,000
Inspection / QA Engineer	11,500	2,460	205,000
Marine / FPSO Engineer	19,500	4,170	347,000

Job Eligibility to Work in Oil & Gas in Malaysia for International Job Applicants.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Educational Qualification	Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Geosciences, or related fields.
Professional Experience	Minimum 3–5 years (varies by role); higher experience required for senior positions.
Relevant Certifications	Certifications like IWCF, BOSIET, NEBOSH, PMP, API, etc., depending on the role.
Work Permit / Employment Pass	Must obtain an Employment Pass sponsored by a Malaysian employer.
Language Skills	Proficiency in English (mandatory); Malay language is a plus but not required.
Health & Safety Compliance	Must meet health, fitness, and offshore safety training standards (e.g., BOSIET).
Background Check	Clean criminal and employment history; reference checks are common.
Age Limit	Typically under 60 years old (per immigration regulations).
Skill Shortage / Critical Role	Preferential selection for roles listed under Malaysia's critical occupation list (e.g., offshore engineers, drilling specialists).
Industry Knowledge	Understanding of international and Malaysian oil & gas regulations and standards (e.g., PETRONAS procedures).
Adaptability to Local Culture	Ability to work in a multicultural, team-based environment.
Employer Sponsorship	A local employer (company) must initiate and support the work visa process.

General Roles and Responsibilities in Oil & Gas Jobs in Malaysia with 20 Job Profiles

Job Profile	General Roles and Responsibilities
Petroleum Engineer	Design and implement methods to extract oil and gas efficiently; analyze reservoir performance.
Drilling Engineer	Plan and manage drilling operations; ensure safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Reservoir Engineer	Monitor and forecast oil and gas production; optimize recovery techniques.
Geologist / Geophysicist	Analyze subsurface data to identify hydrocarbon deposits; support exploration and development decisions.
Process Engineer	Design and improve refining processes; monitor plant performance and troubleshoot operations.
Subsea Engineer	Design and maintain underwater systems; oversee subsea equipment installation and repair.
Pipeline Engineer	Develop pipeline systems for transporting oil/gas; ensure integrity and regulatory compliance.
Refinery Operator	Monitor and control refinery equipment; ensure product quality and safety standards.
HSE Officer	Enforce health, safety, and environmental policies; conduct audits and risk assessments.
Project Manager	Lead oil & gas projects from planning to execution; manage budgets, teams, and timelines.
Quality Control Specialist	Inspect materials and products; ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations.
Logistics & Supply Chain Specialist	Coordinate material flow, inventory, and vendor relations for timely project delivery.
Offshore Installation Manager	Oversee offshore platform operations; ensure safe and efficient facility performance.
Well Services Supervisor	Supervise maintenance and repair of oil wells; manage well intervention activities.
Marine / FPSO Engineer	Handle design, operation, and maintenance of floating production systems and marine vessels.
Instrumentation Engineer	Develop and maintain control systems and instrumentation for process automation.
Inspection Engineer	Conduct inspections of pipelines, vessels, and structures; report defects and recommend actions.
Finance Analyst	Analyze financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting for oil & gas operations.
HR Business Partner	Manage workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies.
IT / Digital Transformation Lead	Implement digital tools like AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimize operations.

General Job Eligibility to work in Oil & Gas in Malaysia with 20 Job Profiles

Job Profile	Minimum Qualification	Experience Required	Preferred Certifications
Petroleum Engineer	BSc in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering	3–5 years	SPE Membership, PETRONAS License
Drilling Engineer	BSc in Mechanical or Petroleum Engineering	5+ years (offshore preferred)	IWCF, BOSIET, Well Control Certificate
Reservoir Engineer	BSc in Petroleum/Reservoir Engineering	3–5 years	SPE, PETRONAS Technical Standards
Geologist / Geophysicist	BSc in Geology or Geophysics	3+ years	SEG, G&G Software Proficiency (Petrel, etc.)
Process Engineer	BSc in Chemical Engineering	2–4 years	HAZOP, ISO 9001, API Standards
Subsea Engineer	BSc in Mechanical/Marine Engineering	4–6 years	IMCA, HUET, BOSIET
Pipeline Engineer	BSc in Mechanical/Civil Engineering	3+ years	CSWIP, ASME/API Codes
Refinery Operator	Diploma/Certificate in Engineering/Operations	2–3 years	Refinery Operator License, OSHA Certification
HSE Officer	BSc in Environmental Science/Engineering	3+ years	NEBOSH, OSHA, ISO 45001
Project Manager	BSc in Engineering + PMP preferred	7–10 years	PMP, PRINCE2, PETRONAS PM Framework
Quality Control Specialist	BSc in Chemistry/Engineering	3–5 years	ISO 9001, API Q1/Q2
Logistics & Supply Chain Specialist	BSc in Supply Chain/Logistics	3+ years	SAP, CIPS Certification
Offshore Installation Manager	BSc in Mechanical/Marine Engineering	10+ years	OPITO, BOSIET, STCW
Well Services Supervisor	BSc/Diploma in Petroleum Engineering	5–8 years	IWCF, BOSIET, Slickline/Coiled Tubing Certs
Marine / FPSO Engineer	BSc in Marine/Naval Engineering	5+ years	STCW, IMCA, BOSIET
Instrumentation Engineer	BSc in Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering	3+ years	ISA, IEC, Control System Certifications
Inspection Engineer	BSc in Mechanical/Material Engineering	3–5 years	CSWIP, API 570/510/653
Finance Analyst	BSc in Finance/Accounting	2–4 years	ACCA, CPA, SAP FI
HR Business Partner	BSc in Human Resource Management	3–5 years	SHRM, CIPD
IT / Digital Transformation Lead	BSc in IT/Computer Science	5+ years	AWS, Azure, Industry 4.0 Tools

Experience Required to work in Oil & Gas in Malaysia

Job Level	Role Type	Typical Experience Required	Notes
Entry-Level	Graduate Engineer / Trainee	0–2 years	Requires relevant degree; internships preferred
	Field Technician / Operator	1–3 years	Vocational training or diploma typically required
Junior-Level	Junior Process / Mechanical Engineer	2–4 years	Hands-on site or plant experience beneficial
	HSE Assistant / Coordinator	2–3 years	NEBOSH or equivalent certification often expected
Mid-Level	Petroleum / Drilling Engineer	4–6 years	Offshore experience preferred; role-specific certifications important
	Subsea / Pipeline Engineer	5–7 years	Project exposure with EPC or operator companies is valued
	Inspection / QA Engineer	4–6 years	Familiarity with API, ASME codes expected
	Supply Chain / Logistics Officer	3–5 years	Industry ERP systems (e.g., SAP) proficiency preferred
	Finance / Cost Analyst	3–5 years	Oil & gas budgeting or project finance experience required
Senior-Level	Project Manager	8–12 years	PMP/PRINCE2 certified; multi-disciplinary project oversight experience
	Reservoir / Well Services Engineer	6–10 years	Expertise in production optimization and field development
	Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)	10–15 years	Strong offshore operations background; STCW/BOSIET mandatory
	Senior HSE Manager	8–12 years	High-level risk assessment and regulatory compliance experience needed
Specialist Roles	FPSO Engineer / Marine Engineer	6–10 years	Marine operations and offshore classification knowledge required
	Instrumentation & Automation Lead	7–10 years	Advanced DCS/SCADA systems and commissioning experience essential
Leadership / Executive	Operations Director / GM	15+ years	Proven track record managing complex upstream/downstream portfolios
	Technical Advisor / Consultant	12+ years	Subject-matter expertise in niche technical domains

Top Hiring Companies in Malaysia of International Candidates in Oil & Gas

Company Name	Specialization	Roles Commonly Offered to International Candidates
PETRONAS	National Oil & Gas Company (Upstream & Downstream)	Project Managers, Drilling Engineers, Subsurface Experts, Advisors
Shell Malaysia	Upstream (Deepwater), Retail, LNG	Process Engineers, Subsea Engineers, HSSE Experts, Digital Transformation
ExxonMobil Malaysia	Exploration, Production, Refining	Reservoir Engineers, Geoscientists, Operations Supervisors
Technip Energies	EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction)	Project Engineers, Structural Engineers, Cost Controllers
Sapura Energy	Offshore Services, Drilling, Subsea	Drilling Supervisors, Subsea Engineers, Project Planners
Hibiscus Petroleum	Independent Upstream Operator	Petroleum Engineers, FPSO Operators, Production Technicians
Malaysia Marine & Heavy Engineering (MMHE)	Offshore Fabrication, Marine Construction	Weld Inspectors, Marine Engineers, QA/QC Specialists
Halliburton Malaysia	Oilfield Services (Drilling, Cementing, Logging)	Field Engineers, Directional Drillers, Mud Engineers
Schlumberger (SLB)	Oilfield Services, AI & Digital Oilfield	Data Scientists, Field Service Engineers, Drilling Engineers
Baker Hughes	Oilfield Services, Equipment Manufacturing	Mechanical Engineers, Field Technicians, HSE Engineers
Mubadala Energy	Exploration & Production (Gas-Focused)	Asset Integrity Specialists, Production Engineers, Risk Managers
Yinson Holdings	FPSO Solutions & Offshore Production	Marine Engineers, Offshore Installation Managers, Electrical Engineers
Bumi Armada	Offshore Production (FPSO, FSU)	Operations Engineers, Marine Safety Officers, E&I Technicians
DNV Malaysia	Inspection, Certification, Risk Management	Inspectors, QA/QC Auditors, HSE Advisors
Velesto Energy	Drilling & Oilfield Services	Toolpushers, Rig Managers, Drilling Supervisors
Dialog Group Berhad	Integrated Technical Services, Storage Terminals	Terminal Operators, Pipeline Designers, Process Safety Engineers
Petrofac Malaysia	EPC & Oilfield Services	Commissioning Engineers, Cost Estimators, Rotating Equipment Engineers
Saipem Malaysia	EPC for Offshore Platforms and Subsea Systems	Structural Designers, Construction Engineers, Marine Coordinators
McDermott International	Offshore Engineering, Fabrication & Installation	Project Engineers, Welding Inspectors, Offshore Superintendents
Talisman Energy (Repsol)	Exploration & Production	Reservoir Engineers, Geologists, Production Supervisors