Drilling Engineer - Geothermal Projects

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Relocation assistance

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is looking for an experienced Drilling Engineer focused on geothermal projects to design, plan, and oversee geothermal well drilling. You will work with geologists and engineers, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

The role requires 7+ years in drilling with geothermal exposure, strong analytical and communication skills, and readiness to travel to remote sites within a hybrid work model based in Mossel Bay.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in drilling engineering with geothermal experience or interest.
• Experience in well planning, execution, and supervision.
• Knowledge of drilling fluids, cementing, and formation evaluation.
• Familiarity with geothermal well design challenges.
• Strong HSE knowledge and practices.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan geothermal well drilling programs, including well trajectory, casing design, and cementing strategies.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and materials for geothermal operations.
• Oversee drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and best practices.
• Monitor drilling performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to optimize drilling efficiency and minimize NPT.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling-related hazards.
• Manage drilling contracts and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Prepare detailed drilling reports and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Evaluate new drilling technologies and methodologies applicable to geothermal energy.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Well planning

HSE principles

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Drilling software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in renewable energy, is seeking a highly skilled Drilling Engineer with a specialized focus on geothermal projects. This role will be based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, contributing to the development and execution of innovative geothermal energy solutions. You will be responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing drilling operations for geothermal wells, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in drilling engineering, coupled with specific expertise or a keen interest in the unique challenges and opportunities presented by geothermal exploration and development. This position offers a chance to be at the forefront of sustainable energy development in a region rich with potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan geothermal well drilling programs, including well trajectory, casing design, and cementing strategies.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and materials for geothermal operations.
• Oversee drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and best practices.
• Monitor drilling performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to optimize drilling efficiency and minimize non-productive time (NPT).
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling-related hazards.
• Manage drilling contracts and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Prepare detailed drilling reports and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Evaluate new drilling technologies and methodologies applicable to geothermal energy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling engineering, with specific experience or a strong demonstrated interest in geothermal drilling.
• Proven experience in well planning, execution, and supervision.
• Knowledge of drilling fluid systems, cementing, and formation evaluation techniques.
• Familiarity with geothermal well design considerations and challenges.
• Strong understanding of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) principles and practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and project management tools.
• Willingness to travel to remote sites and adopt a hybrid work model based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a provident fund, and performance-related bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional growth include advanced training in geothermal technologies and attendance at international conferences.
• The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending office-based responsibilities in Mossel Bay with remote flexibility.
• Employees benefit from working on cutting-edge projects in the renewable energy sector, contributing to a sustainable future.
• A relocation assistance package may be available for the right candidate.
• Excellent work-life balance is promoted.