Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing/relocation assistance

Medical & retirement benefits

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Drilling Engineer in Benoni, Gauteng to lead well planning, design and execution. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and cost control across challenging Oil & Gas projects in South Africa.

You will oversee drilling programs, select equipment, analyze data, and ensure regulatory compliance while driving continuous improvement and cost optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in drilling engineering in Oil & Gas.
• Hands-on experience with planning and execution of drilling operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design drilling programs (well trajectory, casing, cementing).
• Select equipment, tools, services for operations.
• Develop drilling fluid programs and monitor performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation plans for hazards.
• Supervise on-site or remote drilling operations per procedures.
• Manage contractors to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Analyze data, troubleshoot, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare performance reports, cost estimates, and post-well analyses.
• Ensure compliance with policies, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in drilling engineering.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelors in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Drilling Engineer to join their operational team in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is integral to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling operations. You will be responsible for the planning, design, and execution of drilling programs, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and environmental standards. The position requires a proactive individual with a strong understanding of drilling technologies, equipment, and procedures. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant exploration and production projects within South Africa , working alongside experienced professionals in a challenging yet rewarding sector. The successful candidate will play a vital part in resource acquisition and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design drilling programs, including well trajectory, casing design, and cementing procedures.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services required for drilling operations.
• Develop drilling fluid programs and monitor their performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling hazards.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site or remotely, ensuring compliance with planned procedures and safety standards.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Analyze drilling data, troubleshoot operational problems, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare drilling performance reports, cost estimates, and post-well analyses.
• Ensure all drilling activities comply with company policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the drilling engineering discipline.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in drilling engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Hands-on experience with drilling operations planning and execution.
• Solid understanding of well control principles, casing and cementing design, and drilling fluid technology.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation and planning software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with relevant health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.
• Must possess valid work authorization for South Africa and be available to work in Benoni, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Company-provided housing or relocation assistance may be available.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a leading Oil & Gas company.
• Exposure to challenging and technically demanding projects.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave policy.