Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

International assignments

Training in drilling fluids

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer for projects near Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on designing robust drilling fluid programs and managing on-site fluid properties to ensure wellbore stability and optimal drilling performance.

The candidate should have hands-on experience with water-, oil-, and synthetic-based muds, plus strong hydraulics knowledge and field troubleshooting capabilities in SA's oil and gas sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Mud Engineer.
• Experience with water-, oil-, and synthetic-based muds and hydraulics knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design drilling fluid programs aligned to well objectives and formations.
• Monitor density, viscosity, rheology, and filtration to meet specs.
• Manage inventory for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Troubleshoot downhole fluid issues like lost circulation and instability.
• Supervise mud engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure environmental compliance for disposal and fluid management.

Skills

Drilling fluids design

Fluid properties monitoring

Troubleshooting

Project supervision

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Water-based mud systems

Oil-based mud systems

Synthetic-based mud systems

Field instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a specialized Drilling Fluids Engineer to manage drilling fluid systems for their projects near Paarl, Western Cape . This role is critical for ensuring wellbore stability, efficient drilling operations, and effective cuttings removal. You will be responsible for designing drilling fluid programs, managing fluid properties on-site, and troubleshooting any fluid-related issues that arise during drilling campaigns in the Oil & Gas industry . The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with various drilling fluid systems and a strong understanding of their impact on drilling performance and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and formations.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (density, viscosity, rheology, filtration) and ensure they meet design specifications.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Troubleshoot downhole fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation and wellbore instability.
• Supervise mud engineers and provide technical guidance on fluid operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal and management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Mud Engineer.
• Proven experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based muds).
• Strong understanding of drilling hydraulics, formation damage, and wellbore stability principles.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., API) and testing procedures.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work under pressure in field environments near Paarl .

Benefits

• Competitive salary with overtime and field allowances.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career growth within the Oil & Gas sector .
• Training in the latest drilling fluid technologies and environmental best practices.