Drilling Fluids Specialist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 332,000 - 627,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Contract extension potential

Hands-on exposure to diverse drilling

Professional development opportunities

Coastal East London work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Drilling Fluids Specialist for a contract in East London, Eastern Cape. You will design and optimize drilling fluid systems, supervise rig-site operations, monitor fluid properties, and collaborate with drilling engineers to improve wellbore stability and drilling efficiency.

The role requires a degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with 5+ years in the oil and gas industry, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and familiarity with

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Specialist in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work on rig sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems based on well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on the rig site.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration) to meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems (lost circulation, wellbore instability, stuck pipe).
• Provide technical recommendations for fluid adjustments and additive usage.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and mud loggers to optimize performance.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and materials.
• Prepare daily drilling fluid reports and end-of-well reports.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and additives.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Drilling fluid testing procedures

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key service provider within the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Drilling Fluids Specialist. This contract role will be responsible for the design, application, and optimization of drilling fluid systems to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations. The position is based in East London, Eastern Cape. The specialist will work closely with drilling engineers and rig crews to monitor fluid performance, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical recommendations. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced fluids engineer to contribute to challenging drilling projects and gain exposure to diverse operational environments. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and their impact on drilling efficiency and wellbore stability. Join a dynamic team that values technical expertise and operational support. Your knowledge will be crucial for successful drilling campaigns. Our client is committed to providing top-tier services to the energy industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend appropriate drilling fluid systems based on well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on the rig site.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration, etc.) and ensure they meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and stuck pipe.
• Provide technical recommendations for fluid adjustments and additive usage.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and mud loggers to optimize drilling performance.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and materials.
• Prepare daily drilling fluid reports and end-of-well reports.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and additives.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Specialist in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and testing procedures.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with drilling operations and equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively on rig sites.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IADC WellSharp) are a plus.
• Experience working in the vicinity of East London, Eastern Cape or similar operating areas.
• Ability to adapt to varying work schedules and demanding field conditions.

Benefits

• This contractor role offers a competitive daily rate commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for contract extension may be available based on performance and project needs.
• The role provides hands-on experience with various drilling projects and technologies.
• While this is a contractor position, our client facilitates professional development through access to internal knowledge sharing and relevant industry updates.
• The role is based in the coastal region of East London, Eastern Cape , offering a unique work environment.
• Our client values expertise and provides a supportive platform for contractors to succeed in the demanding oil and gas industry.
• You will be part of a dedicated team focused on delivering exceptional drilling fluid services.