Lead Drilling Engineer — Cape Town: Offshore & Onshore

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Pension

Career progression

Training & certs

International opportunities

Cape Town locale

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer to manage and optimize drilling campaigns from Cape Town, Western Cape. You will lead plans, supervise operations, and coordinate with contractors to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost control.

The role demands 10+ years in drilling, including 3+ years in leadership, with strong well‑control knowledge and SA regulatory familiarity. Excellent communication and leadership are essential in this on‑site role in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of drilling engineering experience, with 3+ years in lead or supervisory roles.
• Proven track record managing complex drilling projects offshore/onshore.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, and mud systems.
• Strong well-control and blowout prevention knowledge.
• Experience with drilling simulation and optimization software.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of SA oil & gas regulations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive drilling plans, including well design, casing, cementing, and completion strategies.
• Supervise drilling operations, ensuring safety, environment, and company standards compliance.
• Coordinate with drilling contractors, vendors, and third‑party service providers.
• Optimize drilling parameters to improve efficiency and reduce non‑productive time.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling hazards.
• Oversee procurement of materials and services for drilling ops.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and site personnel.
• Analyze drilling performance data and capture lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting of all drilling activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Risk management

Operational excellence

Education

Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Optimization software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer to manage and optimize drilling campaigns from Cape Town, Western Cape. You will lead plans, supervise operations, and coordinate with contractors to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost control.

The role demands 10+ years in drilling, including 3+ years in leadership, with strong well‑control knowledge and SA regulatory familiarity. Excellent communication and leadership are essential in this on‑site role in Cape Town.