Lead Drilling Engineer - Exploration Projects

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee exploration drilling projects on-site in Centurion, Gauteng. You will plan, execute, and supervise drilling operations, mentor a team of engineers, and drive innovation in drilling practices to optimize costs and performance.

The role requires a strong background in drilling hydraulics, wellbore stability, and formation evaluation, with proven leadership and HSE expertise in the Oil & Gas sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in drilling engineering, with exploration drilling focus.
• Proven experience in leading drilling operations and managing drilling teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling programs for exploration wells.
• Plan and execute drilling operations, including casing design and well control.
• Supervise drilling crews and service companies on site.
• Manage drilling budgets and control costs.
• Conduct post-well analysis and implement lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Select and procure drilling equipment and services.
• Provide technical guidance to junior drilling engineers.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop solutions.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to optimize well placement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Drilling hydraulics

Wellbore stability

Formation evaluation

Directional drilling

Drilling software

HSE knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Directional drilling technologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity within the Oil & Gas sector, is actively seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee critical exploration projects. This position is based in Centurion, Gauteng, and requires the successful candidate to be on-site to manage complex drilling operations. The Lead Drilling Engineer will be responsible for planning, executing, and supervising all drilling activities, ensuring they are conducted safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. This role demands exceptional leadership skills, extensive technical expertise in drilling engineering, and a thorough understanding of subsurface challenges. We are looking for an individual who can drive innovation in drilling practices and mentor a team of drilling engineers, contributing to the company's success in expanding its exploration footprint. This is a vital on-site role requiring a dedicated professional committed to excellence in South Africa's energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and procedures for exploration wells.
• Plan and execute drilling operations, including casing design, cementing, and well control.
• Supervise drilling crews and service companies on location to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Manage drilling budgets and control operational costs.
• Conduct post-well analysis and lessons learned sessions to improve future drilling performance.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Select and procure drilling equipment and services.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior drilling engineers.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop solutions.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to optimize well placement and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion focused on exploration drilling.
• Proven experience in leading drilling operations and managing drilling teams.
• Strong knowledge of drilling hydraulics, wellbore stability, and formation evaluation.
• Proficiency in drilling software and directional drilling technologies.
• Excellent understanding of HSE regulations and best practices in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and budgets effectively.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions in a demanding environment.
• Experience in Centurion or similar operational settings is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to lead significant exploration drilling projects.
• Contribution to the growth of a major Oil & Gas company.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Regular performance reviews and potential for advancement.
• Exposure to diverse drilling challenges and cutting-edge technology.
• On-site support and training resources.
• Dynamic and results-oriented work environment in Centurion.