Lead Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary bonuses

Health, disability, and life insurance

Generous pension fund contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development and training

Relocation assistance may be provided

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to drive planning, execution, and optimization of drilling campaigns. The role combines office-based strategic development with field visits to support safe, efficient operations and budget adherence.

The ideal candidate brings extensive drilling engineering experience, strong well construction knowledge, and proven leadership to mentor engineers and guide cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• 9+ years of experience in drilling engineering within Oil & Gas.
• Experience planning and executing complex drilling operations.
• Proficiency with drilling fluids, cementation, well control, directional drilling, and completion equipment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design drilling programs for exploration and development wells.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, materials, and services, managing vendor relationships.
• Conduct detailed technical reviews of drilling procedures and well designs.
• Provide on-site technical support and troubleshooting during drilling operations.
• Perform drilling performance analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices.
• Manage drilling risks and develop mitigation strategies, including well control planning.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare detailed drilling cost estimates and monitor expenditures against budget.
• Liaise with geological, reservoir, and production teams to ensure integrated project execution.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Planning & analysis

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

StressCheck

WellPlan

Drilling simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly competent Lead Drilling Engineer to join their operations based in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role is crucial for the planning, execution, and optimization of drilling campaigns, ensuring operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and within budget. The Lead Drilling Engineer will be responsible for developing drilling programs, selecting appropriate equipment and services, and providing technical support to rig site personnel. This position involves a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between office-based strategic planning and potential field visits. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in drilling engineering, a strong understanding of well construction challenges, and excellent leadership qualities. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and continuous improvement in drilling performance. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to major projects within a key industrial region of South Africa. We seek a proactive individual committed to operational excellence and robust safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design drilling programs for exploration and development wells.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, materials, and services, managing vendor relationships.
• Conduct detailed technical reviews of drilling procedures and well designs.
• Provide on-site technical support and troubleshooting during drilling operations.
• Perform drilling performance analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices.
• Manage drilling risks and develop mitigation strategies, including well control planning.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare detailed drilling cost estimates and monitor expenditures against budget.
• Liaise with geological, reservoir, and production teams to ensure integrated project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in drilling engineering within the Oil & Gas industry, with progressive responsibility.
• Proven experience in planning and executing complex drilling operations.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, well control, directional drilling, and completion equipment.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation and planning software (e.g., StressCheck, WellPlan).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Valid IWCF certification is highly desirable.
• Experience with hybrid work models and remote collaboration tools.
• Familiarity with South African operational contexts is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, disability, and life insurance.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing work-life balance.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and training.
• Potential for field assignments and site visits.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for suitable candidates.
• Access to cutting-edge drilling technology and resources.
• Supportive and experienced engineering team.