Drilling Fluids Engineer - Onshore Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Drilling Fluids Engineer for a Durban-based hybrid role, combining on-site support with lab analysis from a local office. You will design fluid programs, test properties, and troubleshoot issues to optimize well performance while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

Required are a relevant Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in drilling fluids, with hands-on experience on rheometers, mud balances, and filtration tests. Willingness to travel is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum 5 years as Drilling Fluids/Mud Engineer in Oil & Gas.
• Experience with rheometers, mud balances and filtration tests.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry and system optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs for specific wells.
• Conduct field tests and lab analyses of fluids.
• Troubleshoot fluid-related issues on operations.
• Monitor fluid consumption and control costs.
• Prepare detailed reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineers and geologists to optimize fluids.
• Ensure environmental and safety compliance.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry

Tools

Rheometers

Mud balances

Filtration tests

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading service provider in the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a skilled Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their growing team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the successful and efficient execution of drilling operations by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. You will be responsible for the formulation, testing, and application of drilling fluids, ensuring they meet the specific geological and operational requirements of each well. This is a hybrid role, balancing essential on-site operational support with laboratory analysis and reporting from a local office. Join a company renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to innovation in the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well conditions and objectives.
• Conduct field testing and laboratory analysis of drilling fluid properties to ensure performance and safety.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems encountered during operations, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Monitor fluid consumption, manage inventory, and control costs associated with drilling fluid operations.
• Prepare detailed reports on fluid performance, chemical usage, and operational parameters for project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize fluid properties for drilling efficiency, wellbore stability, and formation protection.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental and safety regulations pertaining to drilling fluid handling and disposal.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in drilling fluid technology and recommend innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry, preferably with onshore operations.
• Hands-on experience with drilling fluid testing equipment and procedures (e.g., rheometers, mud balances, filtration tests).
• Solid understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and their impact on drilling performance.
• Knowledge of different drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Ability to interpret geological data and drilling parameters to optimize fluid performance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites as needed and work in a hybrid capacity.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance incentives and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression within a globally recognized Oil & Gas service company are abundant.
• You will work in a supportive team environment focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions.