Remote Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; London Borough of Newham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive annual bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & training

International project exposure

Home office setup allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer for a fully remote role. You will plan and design advanced well programs, coordinate remote drilling operations, and manage contractors while ensuring safety and environmental standards.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in drilling engineering, strong directional drilling expertise, and hands-on experience with drilling software. This remote role supports global operations and emphasizes collaboration and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on drilling engineering experience, with operations and planning focus.
• Experience in complex well planning, directional drilling and well construction methodologies.
• Proficiency with drilling software and simulation tools for planning and analysis.
• Exceptional remote communication, collaboration and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design advanced well programs including directional drilling, casing and mud systems.
• Develop detailed drilling procedures and contingency plans.
• Oversee drilling operations remotely with emphasis on safety, efficiency and environmental compliance.

Skills

Independent worker

Remote collaboration

Project management

HSE awareness

Decision making under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Drilling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the Energy sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Engineer for a fully remote position. This role will be integral to the planning, design, and execution of drilling operations, leveraging advanced technologies and collaborative remote workflows. While the company has operations in various locations, including East London, Eastern Cape , this position allows you to work from anywhere, focusing on delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling solutions. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing comprehensive well plans, managing drilling projects, ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards, and optimizing drilling performance. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned drilling professional to operate in a remote-first environment, contributing to significant projects and driving innovation in drilling engineering. We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and technically proficient individual with excellent communication and digital collaboration skills. The ideal candidate possesses a robust safety mindset and a commitment to operational excellence, thrives in a remote setting, and can manage complex drilling challenges effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design advanced well programs, including directional drilling, casing, and mud systems.
• Develop detailed drilling procedures and comprehensive contingency plans.
• Oversee drilling operations remotely, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance through effective communication and monitoring.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers via virtual collaboration tools and strict performance management.
• Conduct thorough post-well analysis and performance reviews to identify lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.
• Optimize drilling parameters remotely to minimize non-productive time (NPT) and control project costs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and company HSE policies.
• Participate actively in remote risk assessment workshops and HAZOP studies.
• Procure necessary equipment and services for drilling operations, managing logistics effectively.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers in a remote setting, providing technical guidance and support.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion in operations and planning.
• Proven experience in complex well planning, directional drilling, and well construction methodologies.
• Strong understanding of drilling equipment, fluids, cementation techniques, and HSE best practices.
• Proficiency with drilling software and simulation tools for planning and analysis.
• Exceptional remote communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Experience managing contracts and liaising with service providers virtually.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to safety is essential.
• Adaptability to work effectively in a global, remote-first operational environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement with significant flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging international drilling projects.
• A dynamic and safety-focused virtual work culture.
• Allowance for home office setup and expenses.