Drilling Fluids Engineer - Upstream Operations

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Remote work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer for an expanding Oil & Gas operation based in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design, implement and monitor drilling fluid programs tailored to challenging formations, ensuring wellbore stability and environmental compliance.

This remote role requires five+ years of hands-on experience with rheology, solids control, and drilling fluid software. You will collaborate with engineers and field technicians, providing guidance and training as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering/chemistry field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on drilling fluids experience.
• Deep knowledge of drilling fluid types, additives and properties.
• Familiarity with solids control and wellbore hydraulics.
• Proficiency with drilling fluid software and data analysis.
• Strong communication and remote-work capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement customized drilling fluid programs.
• Monitor rheology, density and filtration on-site; adjust formulations.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and additives.
• Supervise mud logging personnel and field technicians.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analyze results.
• Prepare daily/weekly well fluid reports and costs.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists and rig-site staff.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Provide remote technical support as needed.

Skills

Drilling fluids engineering

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

Drilling fluid software

Solids control equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding player in the **Oil & Gas** exploration and production sector, is actively seeking a highly skilled **Drilling Fluids Engineer** to join their technical team. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient and safe drilling operations through the expert management of drilling fluid systems. Based in the **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA** area, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring of drilling fluid programs tailored to specific geological formations and drilling challenges. This position requires a deep understanding of fluid rheology, chemistry, and solids control, as well as the ability to troubleshoot complex drilling fluid issues in real-time. Our client values innovation and a proactive approach to problem‑solving, making this an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement customized drilling fluid programs for various drilling projects, considering formation characteristics, wellbore stability, and environmental factors.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (rheology, density, filtration, etc.) on-site and adjust formulations as necessary to optimize drilling performance and wellbore integrity.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and additives, ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness.
• Supervise and train mud logging personnel and field technicians.
• Conduct laboratory testing of drilling fluid samples to evaluate performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Analyze drilling data to identify potential problems related to drilling fluids and recommend solutions.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and end‑of‑well drilling fluid reports, detailing operations, fluid performance, and costs.
• Collaborate closely with drilling engineers, geologists, and other rig‑site personnel to ensure seamless integration of drilling fluid operations.
• Ensure all drilling fluid operations comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Provide remote technical support and guidance to field operations when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, preferably with experience in challenging operational environments.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid types, properties, additives, and their applications.
• Familiarity with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Proficiency in using drilling fluid software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of wellbore hydraulics and wellbore stability principles.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites as needed for oversight and support, although the primary role is remote.
• Relevant industry certifications are a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance incentives and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement planning.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are emphasized, allowing you to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• This role provides the flexibility of a remote work arrangement, supporting a healthy work‑life balance while contributing to critical **Oil & Gas** operations.
• Join our client's innovative team and make a tangible impact from **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA**.