Senior Production Engineer - Artificial Lift & Optimization

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is partnered with a leading exploration and production company seeking a Senior Production Engineer to join the team in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. The role focuses on maximizing hydrocarbon recovery through artificial lift systems, production optimization, and well integrity.

You will analyze data, design lift schemes (ESP, gas lift, rod pumping), monitor wells, perform nodal analyses, and work with reservoir, drilling and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in production engineering within upstream oil and gas.
• Strong expertise in artificial lift methods (ESP, gas lift, rod pumping) and their application.
• Experience with production facility operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of well integrity management and production chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for improvement in oil and gas recovery.
• Design, implement, and optimize artificial lift systems, including ESPs, rod pumps, and gas lift.
• Monitor well performance and troubleshoot production issues, including sand production, paraffin, and scale.
• Conduct nodal analysis and system analysis to optimize production flow from reservoir to sales point.
• Ensure well integrity and manage maintenance programs for production facilities.
• Develop and manage workover and intervention programs to enhance well productivity.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and operations personnel.
• Prepare production forecasts and economic evaluations for optimization projects.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in production engineering.
• Maintain accurate production databases and reporting systems.

Skills

Artificial lift

Production optimization

Nodal analysis

Rate transient analysis

Well integrity

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Production software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading exploration and production company, is looking for a highly motivated Senior Production Engineer to join their team in Welkom, Free State. This role is pivotal in maximizing hydrocarbon recovery from existing fields by focusing on artificial lift systems, production optimization, and well integrity. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of production engineering principles, advanced analytical skills, and a proven ability to implement effective solutions. Working from our Welkom base, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and sustainable operation of our assets in the Free State province, contributing to the overall success of our South African operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for improvement in oil and gas recovery.
• Design, implement, and optimize artificial lift systems, including ESPs, rod pumps, and gas lift.
• Monitor well performance and troubleshoot production issues, including sand production, paraffin, and scale.
• Conduct nodal analysis and system analysis to optimize production flow from reservoir to sales point.
• Ensure well integrity and manage maintenance programs for production facilities.
• Develop and manage workover and intervention programs to enhance well productivity.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and operations personnel.
• Prepare production forecasts and economic evaluations for optimization projects.
• Stay current with new technologies and best practices in production engineering.
• Maintain accurate production databases and reporting systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in production engineering within the upstream oil and gas industry.
• Strong expertise in artificial lift methods (ESP, gas lift, rod pumping) and their application.
• Proficiency in production optimization software and techniques (e.g., nodal analysis, rate transient analysis).
• Experience with production facility operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of well integrity management and production chemicals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in South Africa's oil and gas sector, particularly in the Free State, is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance incentives. Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement are abundant. This role offers the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement, based out of our Welkom, Free State office, providing a balance between remote work and on-site collaboration.