Lead Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and pension benefits

International assignments

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer in Randburg, Gauteng. The role supervises complex drilling operations, mentors engineers, and collaborates with subsurface and HSE teams to ensure safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will design drilling programs, manage risks, and oversee on-site or remote operations while maintaining high standards of performance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive drilling engineering experience, with leading/supervisory roles.
• IWCF certification is required.
• Experience designing and executing diverse well programs (exploration, development, HPHT).
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software and well-control principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs including well design, trajectory, casing, and cementing strategies.
• Perform economic analysis and cost estimation for drilling operations.
• Select and procure drilling equipment, services, and consumables.
• Oversee drilling operations on-site or remotely with safety and program adherence.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff; manage drilling risks and contingencies.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir/production engineers to optimize well performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct post-drilling analysis and prepare detailed performance reports.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Team management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

WellPlan

StressCheck

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the Oil & Gas sector , is seeking a highly experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to join their team in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior position involves the planning, execution, and supervision of complex drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The Lead Drilling Engineer will be responsible for developing drilling programs, selecting appropriate equipment and technologies, and managing drilling risks. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate closely with subsurface, operations, and HSE teams to achieve project objectives. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role and contribute significantly to high-profile drilling projects within a reputable energy company. We are looking for a proven leader with a deep understanding of drilling engineering principles and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs, including well design, trajectory, casing, and cementing strategies.
• Perform economic analysis and cost estimation for drilling operations.
• Select and procure appropriate drilling equipment, services, and consumables.
• Oversee drilling operations on-site or remotely, ensuring adherence to programs and safety standards.
• Manage drilling risks, including well control, formation evaluation, and contingency planning.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and technical staff.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and production engineers to optimize well performance.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct post-drilling analysis and prepare detailed performance reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Extensive experience in designing and executing various types of well programs (e.g., exploration, development, HPHT).
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software (e.g., WellPlan, StressCheck).
• Strong knowledge of well control principles and equipment.
• Experience with solids control, drilling fluid technology, and cementing.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication abilities.
• IWCF certification is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, training, and career advancement are abundant.
• Performance bonuses and potential for international assignments are part of the attractive package.