Lead Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee complex drilling operations. You will plan, execute, and optimize all drilling activities, providing technical leadership to crews and support staff for safe, cost-efficient well construction.

You will require a Bachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering and 7+ years in drilling, with strong experience in well planning, simulation, and contractor management. Travel to field sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in drilling engineering with leadership of complex operations.
• Proven expertise in well planning, cementing, casing, and well control.
• Experience with budgets and contractor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling plans including trajectories, casings, and cementing.
• Oversee drilling operations ensuring safety and policy compliance.
• Manage equipment, rig selection, procurement, and supervision.
• Mentor junior engineers and field staff.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Well planning

Drilling simulation

Leadership

Budget management

Problem solving

Safety leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Petroleum Engineering

Mechanical Engineering (related)

Tools

Well planning software

Drilling simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Pretoria energy sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee complex drilling operations. This role is responsible for the planning, execution, and optimization of all drilling activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The Lead Drilling Engineer will provide technical leadership and guidance to drilling crews and support staff, driving best practices in well construction. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant energy projects in Gauteng, South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans, including well trajectory, casing programs, and cementing strategies.
• Oversee the execution of drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage drilling equipment and services, including rig selection, procurement, and supervision.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and daily operational reviews to ensure alignment and address potential issues.
• Monitor drilling performance, analyze data, and implement measures to improve efficiency and reduce Non-Productive Time (NPT).
• Manage drilling-related risks, including well control, formation damage, and environmental hazards.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and field personnel.
• Prepare post-well reports and conduct lessons learned sessions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in Pretoria.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with significant experience in leading complex drilling operations.
• Proven expertise in well planning software and drilling simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of well control principles, casing design, cementing, and directional drilling.
• Demonstrated experience in managing drilling budgets and contractor relationships.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions in challenging field conditions.
• Must be willing to travel to field locations as required and based in or willing to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance bonuses. We provide opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within a leading energy company. Join our team in Pretoria and contribute to impactful projects in the South African energy sector.