Drilling Fluids Specialist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 461,000 - 775,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Contract extension possible

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Drilling Fluids Specialist for a remote-first contract role based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will design, monitor, and optimize drilling fluid systems to meet challenging geological conditions, supervise on-site fluid handling, and support rig personnel with best practices.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in Chemical/ Petroleum Engineering and has 5+ years' experience with water-, oil-, and synthetic-based drilling fluids, rheology, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Specialist or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and additives.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based drilling fluids.
• Ability to work remotely and travel to sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drilling fluid systems for varying well conditions.
• Supervise on-site mixing and application of drilling fluids.
• Monitor and adjust fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration).
• Troubleshoot issues such as lost circulation and shale instability.
• Ensure environmental compliance and record keeping.
• Provide technical support and training to rig personnel.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize programs.

Skills

Drilling fluids design

Rheology analysis

Fluid chemistry expertise

On-site supervision

Remote work capability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Petroleum Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Oil & Gas services sector , is seeking an experienced Drilling Fluids Specialist for a contract position based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is critical for ensuring the optimal performance and integrity of drilling operations through expert management of drilling fluid systems. The specialist will be responsible for designing, monitoring, and maintaining drilling fluid formulations to meet the specific geological and operational challenges encountered. This is a remote-first position, meaning the majority of your work can be conducted from your chosen location, with occasional site visits as required. We are looking for a highly technical individual with a deep understanding of fluid chemistry, rheology, and their impact on drilling efficiency, wellbore stability, and environmental considerations. Your expertise will directly contribute to the success and safety of exploration and production activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to specific well conditions and geological formations.
• Supervise and manage the mixing and application of drilling fluids on-site.
• Monitor fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration) and make necessary adjustments.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, shale instability, and wellbore contamination.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal and management.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of fluid samples.
• Provide technical support and training to rig personnel on drilling fluid best practices.
• Maintain detailed records of fluid properties, consumption, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize fluid programs.
• Stay updated on advancements in drilling fluid technology and products.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Specialist or Mud Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry .
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and additives.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and their interaction with fluid properties.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities remotely.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and willing to travel to operational sites as needed.
• Relevant industry certifications are a plus.

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive daily rate and the flexibility of a remote work arrangement, supporting a healthy work-life balance. Our client provides opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects within the Oil & Gas sector . While this is a contract role, there is potential for extension based on performance and project needs. You will have access to industry-standard tools and resources to perform your duties effectively. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled specialist seeking challenging projects and operational autonomy, based in or near Port Elizabeth .