Drilling Fluids Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration incentives

Diverse projects

Health benefits

Professional development

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, is seeking a Drilling Fluids Specialist to lead formulation, testing, and optimization of drilling fluid systems on site. You will work to enhance wellbore stability, environmental compliance, and overall drilling performance, collaborating with field teams across projects.

The role requires a chemical or petroleum engineering degree and 3–5 years of mud engineering experience in oil and gas, with hands-on knowledge of water-based, oil-based, and synthetic

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum) or a related science field.
• 3–5 years proven experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and filtration properties.
• Experience with various drilling fluid types (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with API standards and testing procedures for drilling fluids.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and recommend drilling fluid systems based on well conditions and data.
• Conduct routine testing and analysis of drilling fluid properties for optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems during operations.
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal and handling.
• Provide technical support and training to drilling crews on fluid operations.

Skills

Drilling fluids chemistry

Rheology knowledge

Filtration properties

API testing procedures

On-site operations

Education

Engineering (Chemical/Petroleum)

Related science degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Drilling Fluids Specialist to enhance their operational capabilities in Centurion, Gauteng . This role is fundamental to ensuring successful and efficient drilling operations within the Oil & Gas sector 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 challenges encountered. Your work will directly impact drilling performance, wellbore stability, and environmental compliance, contributing to the overall success of projects in a demanding and dynamic field, requiring a strong presence on-site to support field operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and recommend appropriate drilling fluid systems based on well conditions and geological data.
• Conduct routine testing and analysis of drilling fluid properties to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems encountered during operations.
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal and handling.
• Provide technical support and training to drilling crews on fluid operations.

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum) or a related science field.
• Proven experience (3-5 years) as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and filtration properties.
• Experience with various drilling fluid types (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with API standards and testing procedures for drilling fluids.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in remote or challenging environments.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package with performance incentives.
• Exposure to a wide range of drilling projects and technologies.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment focused on operational excellence.