Drilling Fluids Engineer - Oil & Gas Operations

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Career advancement

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer for on-site work in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role focuses on designing and optimizing drilling fluid programs, monitoring properties, and ensuring safe, compliant operations at the wellsite.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of experience in oil & gas, strong hydraulics and rheology knowledge, and proven problem-solving abilities. Willingness to relocate for project assignments and travel to various operations in South Africa is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas sector.
• Proven experience with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong knowledge of drilling hydraulics, rheology, and cementing principles.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for drilling fluid management (e.g., API RP 13B).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, essential for collaboration on drilling sites.
• Willingness to work extended hours and potentially relocate for project assignments in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA or other operational areas.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Relevant certifications in drilling fluids technology are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well plans and geological conditions.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration control) on a continuous basis and make necessary adjustments.
• Ensure that drilling fluid systems comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Analyze fluid performance data and provide recommendations for optimization to improve drilling efficiency and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Supervise and train mud engineers and other field personnel involved in fluid handling and management.
• Maintain detailed records of fluid properties, treatments, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to address formation evaluation and wellbore integrity concerns.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Conduct post-well analysis of drilling fluid performance and prepare comprehensive reports.

Skills

Drilling hydraulics

Rheology

Data analysis

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Drilling fluids systems

API RP 13B familiarity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operational team in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA. This role is critical for ensuring the successful and efficient execution of drilling operations by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fluid rheology, properties, and their impact on drilling performance and wellbore stability. This is a hands-on, field-oriented position requiring presence at the operational site to provide immediate technical support and solutions. We are looking for an individual with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to safety and environmental best practices. Your expertise in drilling fluid technology will be vital in overcoming complex geological challenges and maximizing hydrocarbon recovery for our client's projects in the region. Join a team that values technical excellence and career progression in the demanding world of oil and gas exploration and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well plans and geological conditions.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration control) on a continuous basis and make necessary adjustments.
• Ensure that drilling fluid systems comply with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Analyze fluid performance data and provide recommendations for optimization to improve drilling efficiency and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Supervise and train mud engineers and other field personnel involved in fluid handling and management.
• Maintain detailed records of fluid properties, treatments, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to address formation evaluation and wellbore integrity concerns.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Conduct post-well analysis of drilling fluid performance and prepare comprehensive reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas sector.
• Proven experience with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong knowledge of drilling hydraulics, rheology, and cementing principles.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for drilling fluid management (e.g., API RP 13B).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, essential for collaboration on drilling sites.
• Willingness to work extended hours and potentially relocate for project assignments in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA or other operational areas.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Relevant certifications in drilling fluids technology are highly desirable.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, retirement plan contributions, and opportunities for career advancement.

Our client invests in its employees' professional development through training programs and certifications.

The role provides exposure to diverse drilling projects, allowing for continuous learning and skill enhancement within the Oil & Gas industry.

This is a key operational role in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA , offering stability and the chance to be integral to the success of major exploration and production initiatives.