Chief Drilling Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Home office stipend

International travel

Professional development

Access to advanced drilling tech

Virtual team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Drilling Engineer for a remote-capable role overseeing global drilling programs. You will lead planning, execution, and safety across diverse projects, mentoring engineers and coordinating with geoscientists and operations teams.

The position requires 15+ years in drilling with senior leadership experience, strong well control knowledge, and proficiency in drilling software. International travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 15 years in drilling engineering with senior leadership experience.
• Proven expertise in onshore/offshore drilling planning and execution.
• Strong HS&E knowledge and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drilling plans for onshore and offshore wells.
• Oversee drilling operations ensuring safety and quality standards.
• Manage budgets, costs, and forecasting for drilling campaigns.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and crews.
• Conduct pre-job safety meetings and site visits as required.
• Evaluate equipment, services and technology providers.
• Manage risks and develop mitigation strategies for projects.
• Analyze drilling data and apply lessons learned to future work.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with geoscientists and reservoir engineers on design.

Skills

Leadership

Drilling planning

Well control

Remote work

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Wellplan

Petrel

DrillIQ

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in oil and gas exploration and production, is seeking a highly experienced Chief Drilling Engineer to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This senior role is crucial for overseeing all aspects of drilling operations, from planning and execution to cost control and safety management, across various international projects. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of advanced drilling techniques, well construction, and associated risks. You will be responsible for setting drilling standards, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the efficient and safe execution of complex drilling campaigns. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute your expertise to a forward-thinking company that values innovation and operational excellence. As a remote-first role, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere while making a significant impact on our global drilling performance. We are looking for a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader who can drive best practices and continuous improvement in our drilling operations. Your guidance will be instrumental in achieving our drilling objectives and maintaining our position at the forefront of the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive drilling plans and programs for onshore and offshore wells.
• Oversee the execution of drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Manage drilling budgets, costs, and forecasting, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to drilling engineers and rig crews.
• Conduct pre-job safety meetings and rig site visits (as needed, potentially virtual or in-person based on project requirements).
• Evaluate and select drilling equipment, services, and technology providers.
• Manage risks associated with drilling operations and develop mitigation strategies.
• Analyze drilling performance data and implement lessons learned to improve future operations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with geoscientists, reservoir engineers, and other stakeholders on well design and execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with significant experience in a Chief Engineer or similar senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in planning and executing complex onshore and offshore drilling operations.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid technology, well control, direction drilling, and completion technologies.
• Strong understanding of HS&E regulations and best practices in the oil and gas industry.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation and planning software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Experience with international drilling projects is a significant advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Remote work flexibility, offering a significant work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Annual performance bonus and potential for long-term incentives.
• Company-provided home office setup stipend.
• Opportunities for international travel for critical project oversight.
• Professional development and advanced training programs.
• Access to cutting-edge drilling technologies and methodologies.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual team environment.