Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Competitive pay

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Drilling Fluids Engineer to design, manage and optimize fluid systems for safe and efficient drilling in Upington, Northern Cape. The role blends on-site supervision with potential remote project work.

You will monitor fluid properties, troubleshoot downhole issues, and deliver technical recommendations to crews and clients while ensuring environmental and safety compliance across projects. This is a hands-on senior role in a dynamic oil & gas environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• At least 4 years in drilling fluids or mud engineering in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based fluids.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites and work on-site/remote support.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems for specific well conditions and formations.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on rig sites, ensuring proper fluid properties are maintained.
• Test and analyze drilling fluid samples to monitor performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve drilling fluid-related issues during operations.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid products and equipment.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Provide technical support and recommendations to drilling crews and clients.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety procedures.

Skills

Drilling fluids chemistry

Rheology

Fluid mechanics

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key service provider in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a skilled Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operations team. This role will be based in Upington, Northern Cape , with a hybrid work arrangement that includes time on location and potential for remote support or project work. The Drilling Fluids Engineer is responsible for the design, management, and optimization of drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations. The successful candidate will monitor fluid properties, troubleshoot downhole issues related to drilling fluids, and provide technical recommendations. We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of fluid chemistry and its application in drilling environments. This is a critical role supporting the upstream operations of major energy companies. The position is within the operational network based out of Upington .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to specific well conditions and formations.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on rig sites, ensuring proper fluid properties are maintained.
• Conduct routine testing and analysis of drilling fluid samples to monitor performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any drilling fluid-related issues encountered during drilling operations.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid products and equipment.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Provide technical support and recommendations to drilling crews and clients.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety procedures related to drilling fluids.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or in a related mud engineering role within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with drilling operations and common downhole challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both on-site and in a remote support capacity.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to rig sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering operational and remote flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career progression and specialized training.
• Exposure to diverse drilling projects across the region.
• Supportive team environment within the Northern Cape province.
• Contribution to essential energy resource development.