Drilling Fluids Engineer - Exploration Support

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 461,000 - 646,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

On-site in Paarl

Contractor role

Possible extension

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Drilling Fluids Engineer for an on-site contractor role supporting drilling campaigns. You will design, supervise, and optimize drilling fluid systems, manage fluid properties, solids control, and treatment programs in a dynamic oil and gas environment.

The ideal candidate has a chemical, petroleum, or mechanical engineering background with at least four years in drilling fluids, hands-on lab testing, and IWCF certification is a plus; readiness to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mechanical) or related science.
• Minimum 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in Oil & Gas.
• Experience designing and managing water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based mud systems.
• Strong knowledge of rheology, fluid chemistry, and solids control.
• Familiarity with mud logging data interpretation.
• Hands-on lab testing of drilling fluids.
• Excellent problem-solving and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on-site.
• Monitor fluid properties and ensure specifications are met.
• Manage solids control equipment and procedures.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid problems like lost circulation or stuck pipe.
• Ensure environmental compliance for drilling fluid disposal.
• Procure and manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals.
• Conduct regular fluid testing and provide reports to drilling team.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Rheology

Drilling fluids design

On-site supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

IWCF Certification

Tools

Mud logging software

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.