Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Accommodation on site

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Drilling Fluids Engineer to join the on-site operations team. You will formulate, test, and apply drilling fluids to support wellbore stability and efficient drilling in oil and gas projects.

This role requires hands-on field work, collaborating with drilling crews and geologists, and troubleshooting fluid systems under pressure while maintaining cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical or petroleum engineering or related science.
• 3+ years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or similar mud engineering role.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, additives and their applications.
• Experience with water-based and oil-based drilling fluid systems.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and challenges in oil and gas sectors.
• Ability to work effectively in demanding field environments, often under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs for specific well objectives and geology.
• Conduct routine testing of drilling fluid properties and adjust formulations as needed.
• Supervise and train mud technicians on site, ensuring proper fluid handling and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid issues to minimize downtime.
• Monitor inventory and order chemicals and materials for fluid systems.
• Maintain records of fluid properties, volumes, and costs.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Mud engineering

Field operations

Chemical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Mud testing equipment

Fluid sampling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a diligent and experienced Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operational team based in George . This critical role involves managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations. You will be responsible for the formulation, testing, and application of drilling fluids, crucial for wellbore stability and drilling performance. This position requires hands-on involvement at the operational site, working closely with drilling crews and geologists to troubleshoot and maintain fluid properties under challenging conditions. You will be a key player in ensuring the success of complex drilling projects in the Oil & Gas industry .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological formations.
• Conduct routine testing of drilling fluid properties and adjust formulations as needed.
• Supervise and train mud technicians on site, ensuring proper fluid handling and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot any drilling fluid-related issues that may arise during operations, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Monitor inventory and order necessary chemicals and materials for fluid systems.
• Maintain accurate records of fluid properties, volumes, and costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science.
• 3+ years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or in a similar mud engineering role.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, additives, and their applications.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based).
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and challenges in the oil and gas sector .
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding field environment, often under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Accommodation and meal allowances provided during site assignments.
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialized training.
• A supportive and safety-focused work culture.