Drilling Fluids Engineer – Field Ops & Optimization

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

On-the-job training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer to join our client’s operations team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This hands-on role designs, implements and manages drilling fluid systems to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations, working closely with drilling crews and clients.

The ideal candidate has a chemical/ petroleum background, at least 3 years’ experience in drilling fluids, and practical field experience with mud logging and solids control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or in a related role within the Oil & Gas service sector.
• Solid understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and their impact on drilling performance.
• Practical experience with mud logging equipment and fluid testing procedures.
• Knowledge of solids control equipment and their operation.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding field environment, often on a rotational basis.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to react quickly to operational challenges.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to specific well objectives, geological formations, and environmental considerations.
• Supervise the mixing and performance of drilling fluids on drilling rigs, ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Monitor and analyze drilling fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration, rheology) and make necessary adjustments.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as stuck pipe, formation damage, and lost circulation.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of fluid samples to evaluate performance and identify potential issues.
• Prepare daily drilling fluid reports, detailing fluid properties, treatments, and operational performance.
• Liaise with drilling engineers, rig personnel, and clients to communicate fluid status and recommend operational adjustments.
• Ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of drilling fluid chemicals and waste products.
• Stay current with advancements in drilling fluid technology and best practices in the industry.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Fluid testing

Mud logging

Solids control

Problem solving

Teamwork

HSE compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or related

Tools

Mud logging equipment

Solids control equipment

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer to join our client’s operations team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This hands-on role designs, implements and manages drilling fluid systems to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations, working closely with drilling crews and clients.

The ideal candidate has a chemical/ petroleum background, at least 3 years’ experience in drilling fluids, and practical field experience with mud logging and solids control.