Drilling Fluids Engineer - Centurion

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Travel allowances

Professional certification support

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer to join a leading service provider for the oil and gas industry in Centurion, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and supervise drilling fluid programs, ensuring they meet geological and operational requirements.

The role requires a strong background in fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, with field experience. You will troubleshoot issues on site and provide expert technical support to drilling crews and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or related science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or in a similar role within oil & gas.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid systems, chemistry, and rheology.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to well conditions.
• Supervise mud operations on rigs and ensure fluid performance.
• Analyze drilling fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and filtration.
• Recommend fluid formulation adjustments to optimize performance and wellbore stability.
• Oversee solids control equipment and operations.
• Troubleshoot fluid-related problems and provide timely solutions.
• Maintain inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well fluid reports.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Communicate effectively with crews, management, and clients.

Skills

Drilling Fluids

Field Troubleshooting

Safety & Compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Solids Control

Fluid Analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading service provider to the oil and gas industry, is seeking a dedicated Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operations in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient drilling of wells by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and supervision of drilling fluid programs, ensuring they meet the specific geological and operational requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, along with practical field experience. This position requires a proactive individual who can troubleshoot issues and provide expert technical support on drilling sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid (mud) programs tailored to specific well conditions and geological formations.
• Supervise mud operations on drilling rigs, ensuring fluids meet performance specifications.
• Conduct regular analysis of drilling fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration).
• Recommend adjustments to fluid formulations to optimize drilling performance, wellbore stability, and formation protection.
• Oversee solids control equipment and operations.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems and provide timely solutions.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well fluid reports.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain effective communication with drilling crews, management, and clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or in a similar role within the oil and gas sector.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, chemistry, and rheology.
• Familiarity with various drilling fluid types and additives.
• Experience with solids control equipment and management.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in remote locations if required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Medical insurance and disability coverage.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for training and professional certification.
• Travel allowances and accommodation provided during field assignments.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Exposure to diverse drilling projects.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing company.