Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Drilling Fluids Engineer to join our client’s team near Klerksdorp. The role combines on-site responsibilities with remote flexibility, supporting design, monitoring, and optimization of drilling fluid systems for safe, efficient operations.

The ideal candidate has a chemical engineering or chemistry background, 5+ years in drilling fluids, and strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot challenges such as lost circulation and shale instability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related scientific field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer.
• Expert knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry and rheology.
• Experience with water-based and oil-based drilling fluids.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design drilling fluid systems based on well objectives and geology.
• Supervise mixing and maintenance of fluids on the rig.
• Monitor fluid properties and adjust as needed.
• Analyze performance and troubleshoot issues like lost circulation.
• Conduct laboratory testing of drilling fluid samples.
• Prepare daily reports and provide technical recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineers and rig crews for efficiency.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Mud School Certification

Tools

Mud School Certification Tool

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team, primarily serving operations near Klerksdorp . This role operates under a hybrid model, requiring regular presence at the site while offering some remote flexibility. The Drilling Fluids Engineer is responsible for the design, management, and optimization of drilling fluid systems to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations. You will be tasked with monitoring fluid properties, troubleshooting downhole issues related to drilling fluids, and ensuring cost-effectiveness. This position requires a strong technical background in drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and an understanding of its interaction with various geological formations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, possesses excellent problem-solving skills, and can work effectively both on-site and remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend appropriate drilling fluid systems based on well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise the mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on the rig site.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration) and perform necessary adjustments.
• Analyze drilling fluid performance and identify solutions to drilling problems (e.g., lost circulation, shale instability).
• Conduct laboratory testing of drilling fluid samples.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal.
• Prepare daily drilling fluid reports and provide technical recommendations.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and rig crews to ensure operational efficiency.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the oil and gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and additives.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based).
• Familiarity with drilling operations and common downhole challenges.
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., mud school) are a plus.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• The hybrid work model provides a balance between on-site operational involvement and remote flexibility.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional development and training in the latest drilling fluid technologies.
• You will work with a dedicated team of professionals on diverse projects within the oil and gas sector.
• This role is an excellent opportunity for a motivated fluids engineer to advance their career in a dynamic industry.