Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer - Onshore Operations

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 69,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for our client in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role focuses on designing, implementing and maintaining drilling fluid programs to ensure safety and performance on offshore/onshore operations, with a hybrid work arrangement.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering, 6+ years in drilling fluids, and strong knowledge of rheology, additives and solid control, plus API standards and field

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering or related science.
• Minimum 6 years of drilling fluids engineering experience.
• Deep knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, additives, and solid control.
• Familiarity with mud logging data integration.
• Experience with API standards for drilling fluids.
• Excellent communication and field support skills.
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of South African operational environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs for specific well conditions.
• Oversee mixing, testing, and maintenance of drilling fluid systems on location.
• Monitor fluid properties and perform laboratory analyses.
• Provide technical recommendations to optimize drilling performance.
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Ensure environmental disposal and management compliance.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related issues such as lost circulation and shale instability.
• Prepare daily drilling fluid reports and post-well evaluations.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and rig crews to meet targets.

Skills

Drilling fluids engineering

Analytical skills

Field support

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent service provider in the Oil & Gas industry, is actively seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is critical for the safe and efficient execution of drilling operations by managing drilling fluid systems. The Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of drilling fluid programs, ensuring optimal performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compliance. This includes on-site monitoring, laboratory analysis, and providing technical recommendations to drilling crews. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and solid control, coupled with excellent problem-solving skills. You will work closely with drilling engineers and rig personnel to address challenges and optimize drilling fluid performance in Kimberley, Northern Cape. We are looking for a hands-on professional with a strong track record in drilling fluids management.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well conditions and objectives.
• Oversee the mixing, testing, and maintenance of drilling fluid systems on location.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (rheology, density, filtration, etc.) and perform laboratory analyses.
• Provide technical recommendations for fluid adjustments to optimize drilling performance and wellbore stability.
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal and management.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related issues, such as lost circulation, kicks, and shale instability.
• Prepare daily drilling fluid reports and conduct post-well evaluations.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and rig crews to achieve drilling targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in drilling fluids engineering, preferably in onshore operations.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, additives, and solid control equipment.
• Familiarity with mud logging data and its integration with drilling fluid performance.
• Experience with API standards related to drilling fluids.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective field support.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of South African operational environments is a plus.
• This role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, with a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in drilling fluids technology.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Exposure to diverse drilling projects and operational challenges.
• A supportive team environment in Kimberley, Northern Cape.