Senior Drilling Engineer - Completions Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 195,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + bonuses

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer匹

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer with a focus on completions for challenging SA projects. Based in Queenstown, this hybrid role combines on-site oversight with strategic remote planning.

You will lead completion programs, mentor engineers, and collaborate across drilling, production, and reservoir teams to optimize asset value while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in drilling, strong completion expertise, and a track record in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in drilling with strong specialization in well completions.
• Proven experience designing and executing various completion types (open hole, cased hole, intelligent completions).
• In-depth knowledge of completion equipment, tools, and materials.
• Familiarity with wellbore integrity principles and practices.
• Experience with well simulation and performance analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and best practices in drilling and completions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the South African exploration and production landscape is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan complex well completion programs, including selection of appropriate equipment, materials, and procedures.
• Oversee the execution of completion operations on drilling sites, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Analyze well performance data and conduct post-completion evaluations to optimize future designs.
• Manage completion-related risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with drilling, production, and reservoir engineering teams to ensure alignment of completion objectives with overall project goals.
• Evaluate new completion technologies and equipment for potential application.
• Develop and manage budgets for completion operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and technical recommendations for management.
• Mentor junior drilling and completion engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Well simulation tools

Performance analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent operator in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly experienced and specialized Senior Drilling Engineer with a focus on Completions. This pivotal role will be responsible for the planning, execution, and optimization of well completion operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive hydrocarbon recovery. The position is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA, and operates on a hybrid model, allowing for strategic planning and collaboration from remote locations, complemented by essential on-site oversight. We are looking for a results-oriented professional with a deep understanding of completion technologies, materials, and wellbore integrity. Your expertise will be crucial in maximizing asset value and ensuring operational success in challenging drilling environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to innovation in completion practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan complex well completion programs, including selection of appropriate equipment, materials, and procedures.
• Oversee the execution of completion operations on drilling sites, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Analyze well performance data and conduct post-completion evaluations to optimize future designs.
• Manage completion-related risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with drilling, production, and reservoir engineering teams to ensure alignment of completion objectives with overall project goals.
• Evaluate new completion technologies and equipment for potential application.
• Develop and manage budgets for completion operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and technical recommendations for management.
• Mentor junior drilling and completion engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in drilling engineering, with a strong specialization in well completions.
• Proven experience designing and executing various types of completions (e.g., open hole, cased hole, intelligent completions).
• In-depth knowledge of completion equipment, tools, materials, and associated technologies.
• Familiarity with wellbore integrity principles and practices.
• Experience with well simulation and performance analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and best practices in drilling and completions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the South African exploration and production landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and industry certifications.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Access to advanced completion design and simulation software.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging drilling projects.