Principal Reservoir Engineer

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 82,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary + bonuses

Comprehensive medical, dental, and eye

Generous retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave + holidays

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance available

Company car or travel allowance

Job summary

Our client, a leading independent oil and gas operator, seeks a Principal Reservoir Engineer to lead technical strategy across Randburg-based assets. You will champion reservoir simulation, decline curve analysis, and reserves estimation while mentoring a team of engineers.

In this senior role, you will drive integrated plans, evaluate EOR opportunities, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to maximize asset value. A hybrid working model is available.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Petroleum Engineering or related with strong reservoir focus.
• 10–15 years of progressive reservoir engineering experience.
• Extensive use of reservoir simulation software and techniques.
• Proven ability in well test analysis, forecasting, and reserves estimation.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Randburg, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated reservoir management plans to optimise production and recovery.
• Characterise reservoirs using geological, petrophysical, and engineering data.
• Run and interpret reservoir simulations with Eclipse or Petrel RE.
• Conduct well test analysis and production data analysis including decline curves.
• Estimate and forecast hydrocarbon reserves in line with SPE PRMS.
• Identify opportunities for EOR and IOR to improve recovery.
• Collaborate with geoscientists, drilling and production engineers on field plans.
• Prepare technical reports, economic evaluations, and management recommendations.
• Mentor junior reservoir engineers and stay updated on new methods.

Skills

Reservoir simulation

Well test analysis

Material balance

Decline curve analysis

Reservoir characterization

Education

Master's/PhD in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Eclipse

Petrel RE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent independent oil and gas exploration and production company, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Reservoir Engineer to provide expert technical leadership from their offices in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior position is crucial for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery from existing fields and evaluating the potential of new exploration assets. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of reservoir simulation, well test analysis, material balance, decline curve analysis, and reservoir characterization techniques. You will be responsible for developing and implementing complex reservoir management strategies, forecasting production, and assessing reserves. This role offers the significant opportunity to influence strategic decisions and drive value creation within the company's upstream operations, with a dynamic hybrid working model. We are looking for an authoritative figure in reservoir engineering with exceptional analytical capabilities, strong communication skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. The successful candidate will play a key role in maximizing asset value and ensuring efficient resource development in Randburg. A proven track record in complex reservoir challenges and a forward-thinking approach are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated reservoir management plans to optimize production and recovery.
• Perform detailed reservoir characterization using geological, petrophysical, and engineering data.
• Conduct and interpret reservoir simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Eclipse, Petrel RE).
• Perform well test analysis and production data analysis (decline curve analysis).
• Estimate and forecast hydrocarbon reserves and resources in accordance with industry standards (e.g., SPE PRMS).
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR).
• Collaborate with geoscientists, drilling engineers, and production engineers to ensure field development plans are optimized.
• Prepare technical reports, economic evaluations, and recommendations for management.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior reservoir engineers.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in reservoir engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, or a related field with a strong reservoir focus.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering, with a focus on oil and gas exploration and production.
• Extensive experience with reservoir simulation software and techniques.
• Proven ability in well test analysis, production forecasting, and reserves estimation.
• Strong understanding of reservoir fluid properties, rock mechanics, and sedimentology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical teams effectively.
• Familiarity with economic evaluation software and principles.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Randburg, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging reservoir projects.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for international assignments.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Company car or travel allowance.