Lead Drilling Engineer - Complex Well Design

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Relocation assistance

Career development programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer for Polokwane, Limpopo. You will spearhead complex well designs, oversee drilling programs, and drive safety, efficiency, and operational excellence across multi-disciplinary teams in the Oil & Gas sector.

The role requires 10+ years in drilling engineering, strong leadership, HPHT/wellbore experience, and proficiency with drilling simulations. You will manage budgets, mentor engineers, and optimize ROP while minimizing NPT in a developing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in drilling engineering with 5+ years lead/senior experience.
• Experience designing and drilling complex wells (HPHT, extended reach).
• Proficient in drilling simulation software and well planning tools.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed drilling programs for complex wells (offshore, deep, unconventional).
• Design well trajectories, casing programs, cementing strategies, and drilling fluids.
• Perform drilling risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Lead drilling operations: rig selection, resource allocation, monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with policies, best practices and regulations.
• Mentor and develop a team of drilling engineers.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers and service providers.
• Optimize parameters to improve ROP and reduce NPT.
• Manage drilling-related costs and budgets.
• Oversee tendering and contracting for drilling services.

Skills

Petroleum engineering

Drilling simulations

Well planning

Leadership

Risk management

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Well planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking energy exploration company, is seeking an experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead complex well designs and drilling operations in **Polokwane, Limpopo** region. This leadership position demands a seasoned professional with a proven track record in designing and executing challenging wells, optimizing drilling performance, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. You will be responsible for leading a team of drilling engineers, managing drilling programs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence drilling strategies and contribute significantly to the company's success in a developing resource area. We are committed to operational excellence and innovation in drilling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed drilling programs for complex wells, including offshore, deep, or unconventional wells.
• Design well trajectories, casing programs, cementing strategies, and drilling fluid systems.
• Perform drilling risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for potential hazards.
• Manage drilling operations, including rig selection, resource allocation, and daily performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of drilling engineers, fostering their technical and professional development.
• Collaborate effectively with geologists, reservoir engineers, geophysicists, and service providers.
• Optimize drilling parameters to maximize rate of penetration (ROP) and minimize non-productive time (NPT).
• Manage drilling-related costs and ensure projects are delivered within budget.
• Oversee the technical aspects of tendering and contracting for drilling services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with at least 5 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and drilling complex wells (e.g., extended reach, high pressure/high temperature, HPHT).
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and well planning tools.
• Strong understanding of drilling hydraulics, well control principles, and formation evaluation.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage risks and solve complex drilling challenges.
• Experience working in diverse geological environments within the **Oil & Gas** sector.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage teams in the **Polokwane** operational area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for career advancement.
• You will be part of a dynamic and innovative team working on challenging projects in the **Limpopo** region.
• Our client provides extensive training and development programs to enhance your skills.
• We foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, contributing to the growth of the **Oil & Gas** industry.
• Housing allowance and relocation assistance are available.