Remote Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Remote-first work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for a fully remote role, guiding fluid systems to optimize wellbore performance and safety. You will work with drilling operations, geology and engineering teams worldwide, leveraging chemistry, rheology and formation knowledge.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering with 8+ years of drilling fluids experience, proficiency in fluid modeling, and strong communication for remote collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering.
• 8+ years in drilling fluids engineering with strong technical support experience.
• Expertise in drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, hydraulics and additives.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based and synthetic-based muds.
• Proficient in fluid modeling software and data analysis tools.
• Strong remote communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize drilling fluid programs for varied well designs.
• Provide real-time technical support for drilling-fluid issues.
• Monitor fluid properties and costs, recommending adjustments.
• Analyze lab results to ensure compliance with specs.
• Collaborate with engineers to mitigate drilling problems.
• Evaluate new drilling-fluid technologies and additives.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and HSE policies.
• Mentor junior engineers and operations staff.

Skills

Drilling fluids expertise

Rheology & hydraulics

Remote collaboration

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Fluid modeling software

Laboratory data interpretation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team on a fully remote basis. This crucial role involves providing expert technical support and strategic guidance on all aspects of drilling fluid systems to optimize wellbore performance, enhance safety, and control costs. You will work closely with drilling operations, geology, and engineering teams, leveraging your deep knowledge of fluid mechanics, chemistry, and formation properties. As a remote-first position, the ideal candidate must possess excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and be adept at collaborating virtually with field personnel and onshore teams worldwide. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply your specialized expertise within a flexible work environment, directly contributing to the efficiency and success of drilling campaigns. The role requires a proactive approach and a commitment to innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well designs, geological conditions, and operational objectives.
• Provide real-time technical support and troubleshooting for drilling fluid-related issues encountered during operations.
• Monitor fluid properties, performance, and cost-effectiveness, recommending adjustments as necessary.
• Analyze drilling fluid samples and interpret laboratory test results to ensure compliance with program specifications.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers to predict and mitigate drilling problems such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Research and evaluate new drilling fluid technologies, additives, and equipment for potential application.
• Prepare technical reports, performance analyses, and recommendations for fluid system improvements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company HSE policies related to drilling fluid management.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior drilling fluids engineers and operational staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in drilling fluids engineering, with a strong track record in technical support and program development.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, hydraulics, and additive functions.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based muds).
• Proficiency in using fluid modeling software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective remote collaboration with diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a remote setting.
• Must have a dedicated home office with stable, high-speed internet access.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, commensurate with the seniority and remote nature of this role. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with a generous retirement savings plan. We also offer substantial paid time off and continuous opportunities for professional development and training. This position is fully remote, providing significant flexibility. Close collaboration with operational teams supporting projects in the Welkom, Free State region will be a key aspect of this role.