Drilling Fluids Engineer - Onsite Field Expert

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

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.