Drilling Engineer - Onshore Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Onshore drilling projects exposure

Professional development

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Drilling Engineer for onshore operations in the Benoni region. You will plan, design, and execute well programs, and supervise rig-site drilling activities while upholding safety and cost efficiency.

The role requires a strong technical background in drilling engineering, proven leadership, and the ability to collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and HSE professionals to achieve project objectives. Field-based with remote support collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is required.
• 6+ years of progressive drilling engineering experience.
• Experience with onshore drilling planning and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs including design, trajectory, casing, and cementing plans.
• Prepare cost estimates and optimize drilling budgets.
• Supervise on-site drilling operations and monitor performance.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers per contracts and standards.
• Troubleshoot challenges like wellbore stability, lost circulation, and influxes.
• Conduct post-well analyses and implement improvements.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations and company policies.
• Review daily drilling reports and updates.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

WellView

StressCheck

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent independent E&P company, is actively seeking an experienced Drilling Engineer to oversee onshore drilling operations in the Benoni region. This hands-on role is integral to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling campaigns. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing well programs, managing drilling operations at the rig site, and ensuring adherence to best practices and company standards. This position requires a strong technical background in drilling engineering, combined with excellent leadership and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, reservoir engineers, and HSE professionals, to achieve project objectives. We are looking for a results-oriented individual who is committed to operational excellence and safety. While this role is primarily field-based, there will be opportunities for collaboration with remote support teams. Your expertise will be vital in optimizing drilling performance, managing risks, and ensuring the successful completion of challenging wells. The company is committed to innovation and continuous improvement in its drilling operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs, including well design, trajectory, casing design, and cementing plans.
• Prepare cost estimates and optimize drilling budgets for assigned wells.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site, ensuring safe execution and performance monitoring.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance with contracts and standards.
• Troubleshoot drilling challenges, such as wellbore stability issues, lost circulation, and formation influxes.
• Conduct post-well analysis and recommend improvements for future drilling operations.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies.
• Review and approve daily drilling reports and operational updates.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior drilling staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with a strong focus on onshore operations.
• Demonstrated experience in well planning, execution, and supervision.
• Proficiency in drilling software and tools (e.g., WellView, StressCheck).
• Strong understanding of drilling fluids, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding field environment and manage contractors.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to rig sites as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on significant onshore drilling projects.
• Gain experience with diverse geological formations and drilling challenges.
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs.
• Be part of a respected and growing E&P company.
• Focus on safety and operational excellence.