Drilling Fluids Engineer - Exploration Support

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 258,000 - 590,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

On-site role

Major project exposure

Contract extension potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer for an on-site contractor role in Paarl, Western Cape. The candidate will design, manage, and supervise drilling fluid systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimized risks during drilling campaigns.

The role requires hands-on expertise in rheology, chemistry of drilling muds, and solids control. You will work closely with drilling engineers and geologists to adapt fluids to changing conditions and formations on-site in Paarl.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mechanical) or related science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience designing and managing drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of rheology, fluid chemistry, and solids control principles.
• Familiarity with mud logging data and its interpretation.
• Hands‑on laboratory testing of drilling fluids.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise the mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on-site.
• Monitor fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration) and ensure specs.
• Manage solids control equipment and procedures to maintain fluid integrity.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems (lost circulation, stuck pipe).
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal.
• Procure and manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and additives.
• Conduct regular fluid testing and provide reports to the drilling team and management.
• Stay current with advancements in drilling fluid technology and recommend solutions.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize performance.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Rheology

Drilling fluids

On-site supervision

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

Mud logging software

Fluid testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an active operator in the Oil & Gas sector, requires a skilled Drilling Fluids Engineer for their operations based in Paarl, Western Cape. This is an on-site Contractor position, crucial for ensuring the successful and efficient execution of drilling campaigns. The Drilling Fluids Engineer will be responsible for the design, management, and supervision of drilling fluid systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing operational risks. This includes managing fluid properties, solids control, and chemical treatment programs to meet the specific challenges of various formations. We are seeking a hands‑on professional with a deep understanding of fluid mechanics, rheology, and the chemical components of drilling muds. This role demands meticulous attention to detail and the ability to respond effectively to changing drilling conditions in the challenging Paarl region. This is an on-site role.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise the mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on-site.
• Monitor fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration, etc.) and ensure they remain within specifications.
• Manage solids control equipment and procedures to maintain fluid integrity.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, stuck pipe, and formation damage.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal.
• Procure and manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and additives.
• Conduct regular fluid testing and provide detailed reports to the drilling team and management.
• Stay current with advancements in drilling fluid technology and recommend innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize drilling fluid performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mechanical) or a related science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience in designing and managing various types of drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of rheology, fluid chemistry, and solids control principles.
• Familiarity with mud logging data and its interpretation.
• Ability to perform hands‑on laboratory testing of drilling fluids.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Paarl for the duration of the contract.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., IWCF) are a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive day rate or project-based compensation.
• Significant involvement in key drilling projects.
• Opportunity to work with a reputable Oil & Gas operator.
• Exposure to diverse drilling challenges and environments.
• Access to necessary tools and resources for the role.
• Potential for contract extension based on performance.Work in the scenic Paarl region.