Drilling Fluids Engineer - Offshore Operations Support

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Training & certifications

Travel allowances

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Drilling Fluids Engineer to join our client’s offshore-focused team in George, Western Cape. You will design, implement, and optimize drilling fluid programs to meet challenging geological and operational conditions, while supporting safe offshore operations.

The role requires 5+ years in drilling fluids, offshore exposure, and strong data analysis skills. A hybrid work arrangement provides on-site collaboration with offshore projects and shore-based duties

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in drilling fluids engineering, offshore exposure.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid systems and chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to well objectives.
• Supervise offshore fluid mixing and handling operations.
• Monitor and adjust fluid properties to maintain performance.

Skills

Drilling fluids design

Offshore operations

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors degree in Chemical/Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Fluid property software

Solid control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking an experienced Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team, primarily supporting offshore operations from their hub in George, Western Cape . This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and safe drilling of wells by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. The engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring fluid programs, ensuring they meet the specific geological and operational challenges encountered. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging offshore projects, utilizing advanced technologies and contributing to the successful extraction of valuable resources. The successful candidate will be based in the scenic coastal city of George , known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. Our client values innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship, providing a supportive environment for professional growth. This role involves a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility while maintaining essential on-site support and collaboration. You will play a pivotal role in mitigating drilling risks and enhancing overall operational efficiency in a demanding offshore environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, recommend, and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise and manage fluid mixing and handling operations on offshore rigs.
• Monitor fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration, etc.) and adjust formulations as necessary to maintain optimal performance.
• Analyze drilling fluid samples and interpret data to troubleshoot issues and prevent drilling problems such as kicks, lost circulation, and stuck pipe.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal and management.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of drilling fluid systems and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate closely with rig crews, geologists, and company representatives to ensure seamless operations.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment, ensuring adequate supply for operations.
• Prepare detailed reports on fluid performance, costs, and operational challenges.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and technical standards for drilling fluid operations in the George region and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with significant exposure to offshore operations.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and application.
• Familiarity with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Experience with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, particularly in diagnosing and resolving drilling fluid issues.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in relevant software for fluid property calculations and reporting.
• Valid offshore survival training and medical certificates are essential.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the George area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for extensive training and professional certifications.
• Travel allowances and accommodation support for offshore assignments.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement for shore-based duties.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allowance.
• Exposure to high-profile offshore projects.
• Vibrant work culture and opportunities for career advancement.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
• Support for work-life balance initiatives within the beautiful Western Cape .