Drilling Fluids Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Training & career progression

Paid leave

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Drilling Fluids Specialist for on-site duties in George, Western Cape. You will design and manage drilling fluid systems, supervise mixing on the rig, and optimize fluid properties to meet well objectives.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with at least 5 years in drilling fluids or mud engineering, and hands-on lab testing and solids control experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Specialist or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and applications.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Ability to perform laboratory tests and interpret results.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work on remote drilling sites as required.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations pertaining to drilling fluids.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend appropriate drilling fluid formulations based on well conditions and objectives.
• Supervise the mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on the rig.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Analyze drilling fluid samples and conduct performance tests.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Ensure efficient solids control and waste management of drilling fluids.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well fluid reports.
• Maintain inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and environmental standards.
• Provide technical training and support to rig personnel on drilling fluid best practices.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Mud engineering

Laboratory testing

Wellbore stability

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Solids control equipment

Drilling fluids lab equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the global Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Drilling Fluids Specialist to join their operational team in George, Western Cape . This role is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance of drilling operations. The specialist will be responsible for the design, management, and optimization of drilling fluid systems, playing a vital part in mitigating drilling risks and maximizing performance. You will work on-site, providing hands-on expertise and technical support during drilling campaigns. This position demands a rigorous approach to problem-solving and a commitment to adhering to the highest industry standards. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing complex fluid systems in challenging environments. You will be a key contributor to operational success, working closely with drilling engineers and rig crews. This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career in a vital segment of the Oil & Gas industry, based in the scenic Western Cape region of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend appropriate drilling fluid formulations based on well conditions and objectives.
• Supervise the mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on the rig.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Analyze drilling fluid samples and conduct performance tests.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid‑related problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Ensure efficient solids control and waste management of drilling fluids.
• Prepare daily and end‑of‑well fluid reports.
• Maintain inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and environmental standards.
• Provide technical training and support to rig personnel on drilling fluid best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Specialist or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In‑depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and applications.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Ability to perform laboratory tests and interpret results.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and challenges.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to work on remote drilling sites as required.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations pertaining to drilling fluids.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package including a base salary, performance incentives, and comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• We provide opportunities for extensive training, professional development, and career progression within the company's global operations.
• Support for continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements is a key focus.
• The role includes paid leave and other benefits in line with industry standards.