Principal Reservoir Engineer

Palaris Australia; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Performance-based bonus

Office locations Wollongong, Newcastle

Job summary

Palaris Australia is seeking a Principal Gas Reservoir Engineer to lead studies, develop reservoir models and provide strategic technical advice for gas drainage design across conventional and coal seam gas assets.

You will work with geologists, geophysicists, production engineers and environmental specialists to deliver robust outcomes informing project development and investment decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years' reservoir engineering experience in consulting or operations.
• Experience in reservoir modelling and simulation for conventional and coal seam gas reservoirs.
• Strong understanding of reservoir characterisation, pressure behaviour, production forecasting and reserves estimation.
• Experience with industry-standard reservoir simulation and modelling software.
• Strong technical report writing and client communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead reservoir engineering and simulation studies for petroleum and coal seam gas reservoirs.
• Develop, calibrate and maintain static and dynamic reservoir models.
• Conduct reservoir performance analysis, forecasting and field development planning.
• Undertake reserves and resources assessments per industry standards.
• Evaluate reservoir management strategies and production optimisation opportunities.
• Provide technical due diligence and independent expert advice for clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and client deliverables.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and contribute to the consultancy's growth.
• Carry out business development activities and client relationship management.

Skills

Experience 5+ years

Reservoir modelling

Reservoir simulation

Technical report writing

Client communication

Mentoring juniors

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Industry-standard reservoir simulation software

Job description

As a Principal Gas Reservoir Engineer, you will be responsible for leading gas reservoir studies, developing gas reservoir models, providing strategic technical advice on gas drainage design, and supporting resource and reserve evaluations for conventional petroleum and coal seam gas assets.

You will work closely with geologists, geophysicists, production engineers, and environmental specialists to deliver technically robust outcomes that inform project development and investment decisions.

Moving from an operational role into consulting will involve less of the day-to-day distractions focusing more on high-value gas reservoir engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead reservoir engineering and simulation studies for petroleum and coal seam gas reservoirs.
  
• Develop, calibrate and maintain static and dynamic reservoir models.
  
• Conduct reservoir performance analysis, forecasting and field development planning.
  
• Undertake reserves and resources assessments in accordance with recognised industry standards.
  
• Evaluate reservoir management strategies, production optimisation opportunities and recovery mechanisms.
  
• Provide technical due diligence and independent expert advice for clients and stakeholders.
  
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and client deliverables.
  
• Mentor and support junior engineers and contribute to the continued growth of the consultancy's technical capabilities.
  
• Carry out business development activities, proposal preparation and client relationship management.
  

About You

You will be a recognised gas or petroleum reservoir engineering professional with extensive experience in both conventional and unconventional assets.

For this role you will need:

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  
• 5+ years' reservoir engineering experience within consulting, operational roles, or a combination of both.
  
• Demonstrated experience in reservoir modelling and simulation for petroleum and coal seam gas reservoirs.
  
• Strong understanding of reservoir characterisation, pressure behaviour, production forecasting and reserves estimation.
  
• Experience with industry-standard reservoir simulation and modelling software.
  
• Strong technical report writing and client communication skills.
  

You’ll stand out if you have:

• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation.
  
• Experience preparing Competent Person Reports (CPRs) or independent reserves assessments.
  
• Existing industry network within the mining, oil and gas, or energy sectors.
  
• Experience in Australian petroleum and coal seam gas basins.
  

Palaris is an independent advisory firm to the mining sector. We work where decisions carry consequences supporting:

• Resource companies (site and corporate)
  
• Financial institutions and lenders
  
• Equity investors
  

Our work sits at the intersection of technical insight and capital decisions, with a focus on clear, defensible judgement and practical optimisation.

What We Offer

• A 9-day fortnight and flexibility
  
• Bonus structure aligned to individual performance
  
• Lifestyle location for you and your family – Wollongong, Newcastle or Brisbane office
  

Applicants must have permanent work rights for Australia. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.