Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Southampton; Ibrido; GBP 41.000 - 59.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Hybrid work model

Company vehicle and travel allowance

Retirement plan and life insurance

Competitive salary and benefits

Descrizione del lavoro

The Client in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a senior Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer for a hybrid role combining on-site supervision with remote technical support. You will design, implement, and manage drilling fluid systems to optimize performance and cost efficiency.

You will lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and maintain strong client relationships while ensuring safe operations and adherence to industry standards.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive drilling fluids engineering experience in Oil & Gas.
• Deep knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, filtration, and additives.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based fluids.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and wellbore mechanics.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage client relationships.
• Hybrid work experience; willingness to travel to rig sites.
• IADC WellSharp certification advantageous.

Mansioni

• Design and optimize drilling fluid programs for specific wells and geology.
• Oversee selection, mixing, and maintenance of drilling fluid systems on rigs.
• Monitor real-time drilling fluid performance and adjust properties.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid problems such as lost circulation and wellbore instability.
• Provide technical guidance to drilling crews and field engineers.
• Conduct site visits to ensure proper implementation and safety.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports and cost analyses for clients.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams on customized solutions.
• Participate in remote reviews and on-site support within the hybrid model.

Conoscenze

Leadership

Client liaison

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Strumenti

IADC WellSharp certification

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client, a major service provider within the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer for their Randburg, Gauteng hub. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site supervision and remote technical support, focusing on the design, implementation, and management of drilling fluid systems. You will ensure optimal performance of drilling fluids across various drilling operations, contributing to drilling efficiency, wellbore stability, and cost control. This position involves technical leadership, client liaison, and mentoring junior engineers. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and their application in diverse geological formations and drilling environments. This is a key role in supporting safe and efficient drilling operations in the demanding Oil & Gas landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Oversee the selection, mixing, and maintenance of drilling fluid systems on drilling rigs.
• Monitor drilling fluid performance in real-time, analyzing data and making necessary adjustments to maintain desired properties.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Provide technical guidance and support to drilling crews and field service engineers.
• Conduct regular site visits to drilling operations to ensure effective implementation of fluid programs and adherence to safety standards.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, performance analyses, and cost-effectiveness evaluations for clients.
• Stay updated on new technologies and innovations in drilling fluid systems.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to develop customized drilling fluid solutions.
• Participate effectively in both remote technical reviews and on-site operational support as part of the hybrid work model.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drilling fluids engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, filtration, and additive properties.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluids (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and wellbore mechanics.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage client relationships.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote analysis with on-site operational engagement.
• Ability to travel to rig sites and client locations as required.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IADC WellSharp) are advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Exposure to a wide range of drilling projects and technologies.
• Company vehicle and travel allowance.
• Retirement plan and life insurance.
• Hybrid work flexibility supporting work-life balance.
• Supportive team environment and strong client relationships.