Drilling Fluids Engineer - Exploration Projects

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance and retirement plans

Performance bonuses

Relocation assistance

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Drilling Fluids Engineer for our client in Gauteng. The role focuses on designing, testing, and optimizing drilling fluid systems to support offshore and onshore operations in a dynamic exploration division.

You will work with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure wellbore stability, safety, and efficiency. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years in drilling fluids, proficiency in rheology, and experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic fluids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in Oil & Gas.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and properties.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based drilling fluids.

Responsibilities

• Design, supervise, and manage drilling fluid programs for various drilling operations.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of drilling fluid properties.
• Optimize drilling fluid formulations to meet specific geological and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot downhole drilling fluid issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure efficient use of materials and resources, managing inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers, geologists, and rig crews to ensure fluid program success.
• Maintain accurate records of fluid properties, volumes, and performance data.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies in drilling fluid engineering.
• Develop and deliver training on drilling fluid best practices.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal and management.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Data analysis

Technical communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Fluid property analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent force in the Oil & Gas industry, actively seeking a dedicated Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their exploration division based in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is crucial for the success of offshore and onshore drilling operations, focusing on the effective management and design of drilling fluid systems. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring optimal performance of fluids to enhance drilling efficiency, maintain wellbore stability, and ensure safety. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge exploration projects within a globally recognized company. The position is situated in Tembisa , a key industrial area within Gauteng , offering a strategic location for operational support.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, supervise, and manage drilling fluid programs for various drilling operations.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of drilling fluid properties.
• Optimize drilling fluid formulations to meet specific geological and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot downhole drilling fluid issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure efficient use of materials and resources, managing inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers, geologists, and rig crews to ensure fluid program success.
• Maintain accurate records of fluid properties, volumes, and performance data.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies in drilling fluid engineering.
• Develop and deliver training on drilling fluid best practices.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal and management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and properties.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (water‑based, oil‑based, synthetic‑based).
• Familiarity with drilling operations, wellbore hydraulics, and formation evaluation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding operational environment.
• Experience working within the Gauteng region or similar industrial hubs.
• Relevant certifications in drilling fluids are a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and potential for performance bonuses.
• This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, including exposure to diverse drilling projects.
• You will work within a supportive team environment, utilizing advanced technologies.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• The opportunity to be based in Tembisa, a strategic industrial center in Gauteng.