Drilling Fluids Specialist - Exploration Drilling

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 332,000 - 517,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Accommodation provided

Travel to field sites

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Specialist for operations based in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role focuses on formulating, testing, and optimizing drilling fluid systems to support safe and efficient drilling at varied sites.

You will troubleshoot issues like lost circulation and stuck pipe, supervise material inventories, and collaborate with engineers, geologists, and rig crews. This is a hands-on role requiring regular travel to field locations and strict adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in Drilling Fluids.
• Knowledge of water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based systems.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, manage and supervise drilling fluid programs to meet wellbore requirements.
• Test drilling fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration, rheology) and adjust formulations.
• Troubleshoot problems (lost circulation, stuck pipe, formation damage) and implement solutions.
• Maintain drilling fluid inventory and manage procurement/logistics.
• Record drilling fluid performance, costs and data; report findings.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Troubleshooting

Communication

Problem solving

Education

BSc in Chemical Eng / Chemistry

Tools

API standards

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading exploration company, is seeking a dedicated Drilling Fluids Specialist to join their operations based in Pretoria, Gauteng.

This role is essential for ensuring the efficient and safe execution of drilling operations by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in drilling fluid formulation, testing, and problem-solving, with a deep understanding of the impact of fluid properties on drilling performance and wellbore stability. This is a hands‑on role requiring frequent travel to drilling sites. You will be integral to achieving drilling objectives by maintaining optimal fluid properties under diverse geological conditions encountered in Pretoria region and surrounding areas. We prioritize safety, efficiency, and innovation in our drilling endeavors.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate, manage, and supervise drilling fluid programs to meet specific wellbore requirements and geological challenges.
• Conduct regular testing of drilling fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration, rheology, etc.) and adjust formulations as needed.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid‑related problems, such as lost circulation, stuck pipe, and formation damage, and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure adequate inventory of drilling fluid materials and manage the procurement and logistics.
• Maintain detailed records of drilling fluid performance, costs, and operational data.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers, geologists, and rig personnel to ensure fluid programs are aligned with overall drilling objectives.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations related to drilling fluid handling and disposal.
• Provide technical guidance and training to rig crews on drilling fluid best practices.
• Prepare regular reports on drilling fluid status, performance, and recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer or Specialist in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In‑depth knowledge of various drilling fluid systems (water‑based, oil‑based, synthetic‑based) and their applications.
• Proficiency in API standards for drilling fluid testing and analysis.
• Experience with drilling fluid additives and their functions.
• Strong understanding of wellbore hydraulics and formation interactions.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding, remote operational environment and adapt to changing conditions.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel frequently to drilling sites.

Benefits

• This contractor role offers a competitive daily rate, with opportunities for extended contracts based on performance and project needs.
• Our client provides a dynamic work environment focused on achieving operational excellence in the Gauteng region.
• Exposure to diverse drilling projects within the Oil & Gas sector.
• We value your expertise and offer a platform for you to showcase your skills in a challenging setting.
• Accommodation and travel expenses will be covered during field assignments.