Drilling Fluids Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation

Career growth & training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Specialist for an on-site role in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The candidate will design, test, and implement drilling fluid programs, supervise fluid technicians, and support drilling crews with technical guidance.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry and at least 4 years of Oil & Gas experience with drilling fluids. IWCF certification is a plus, and the role focuses on safe, efficient drilling in challenging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related science.
• Minimum of 4 years experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Specialist in Oil & Gas.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid types, additives and functions.
• Familiarity with drilling fluid testing equipment and API standards.
• Understanding of wellbore hydraulics and interaction with fluids.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems based on well objectives and conditions.
• Oversee daily drilling fluid services operations including mixing, testing, and treatment.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and adjust treatments as necessary.
• Perform laboratory testing of drilling fluid samples per specifications.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid related problems during operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Provide technical training to rig personnel and fluid technicians.
• Maintain records of fluid properties, treatments, and costs.
• Communicate with drilling engineers and operational staff.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

IWCF/Other certifications

Drilling fluid testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Oil & Gas services sector, is actively seeking a skilled Drilling Fluids Specialist to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This role is crucial for the effective management and optimization of drilling fluid systems to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations. You will be responsible for the design, testing, and implementation of drilling fluid programs, on-site supervision of fluid technicians, and providing technical support to drilling crews. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of drilling fluid properties, chemical treatments, and their impact on drilling performance and wellbore stability. This is an operational, on-site role that requires dedication and problem-solving abilities in challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems based on well objectives, formation characteristics, and operational conditions.
• Oversee the daily operations of the drilling fluid services, including fluid mixing, testing, and treatment.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration) and adjust treatments as necessary.
• Perform laboratory testing of drilling fluid samples to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems encountered during operations, such as lost circulation or formation damage.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies related to drilling fluid management.
• Provide technical training and guidance to rig personnel and fluid technicians.
• Maintain accurate records of fluid properties, treatments, and costs.
• Communicate effectively with drilling engineers and other operational staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related science.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Specialist in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid types, additives, and their functions.
• Familiarity with drilling fluid testing equipment and procedures (API standards).
• Understanding of wellbore hydraulics, formation properties, and their interaction with drilling fluids.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a remote field environment.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IWCF) are a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, potential for bonuses based on performance, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage, retirement contributions, and paid vacation.
• Opportunities for career growth and further training are available within the organization.
• This role is based in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA.