Drilling Engineer - Onshore Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Training & development

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Engineer to oversee onshore drilling operations in Durban. The role emphasizes safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling programs, with planning, design, and field supervision across KwaZulu-Natal.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in drilling engineering, strong well planning and problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of drilling fluids and cementing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years in drilling engineering with onshore focus.
• Experience in well planning, execution, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling plans including well design and casing programs.
• Supervise on-site drilling operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Manage equipment, services and contractors for cost optimization.
• Lead pre-spud meetings and daily operational reviews with stakeholders.
• Analyze data, identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Troubleshoot issues like lost circulation and stuck pipe.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Onshore operations

Well planning

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling fluids

Cementing

Completion technologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly competent Drilling Engineer to oversee onshore drilling operations based in Durban. This role is critical for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling programs. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing well drilling operations, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. As part of a dedicated operational team, you will leverage your expertise to solve complex drilling challenges and contribute to the successful development of our client's assets in KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding regions within the oil and gas industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling plans, including well design, casing programs, and drilling fluid specifications.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational efficiency.
• Manage drilling equipment, services, and contractors to optimize performance and cost.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and daily operational reviews with relevant stakeholders.
• Analyze drilling data, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems, such as lost circulation, kicks, and stuck pipe incidents.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in drilling engineering, with a strong focus on onshore operations.
• Demonstrated experience in well planning, execution, and problem-solving.
• Thorough knowledge of drilling fluids, cementing, and completion technologies.
• Familiarity with relevant safety regulations and best practices in the oil and gas sector.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding operational environment in and around Durban.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical coverage and retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and allowances for site-based work.
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities.
• A strong safety culture and supportive team environment.