Lead Drilling Engineer: Complex Wells & Leadership

Placements24

Polokwane

On-site

ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000

Full time

4 days ago

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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.