Lead Drilling Engineer - Exploration Projects

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

International opportunities

On-site role in Tembisa

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead exploration drilling projects based in Tembisa, Gauteng. This on-site role requires strong planning, execution, and oversight to ensure safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness from well design through completion.

You will lead drilling plans, supervise rig operations, assess risks, optimize parameters, and mentor staff while collaborating with geology, reservoir engineering and HSE for compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years drilling engineering experience.
• Leadership experience in managing drilling ops.
• Knowledge of HSE management systems.
• Proficient in drilling fluid systems, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Experience with offshore or challenging onshore exploration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage drilling plans for exploration/appraisal wells.
• Oversee drilling operations, ensuring safety and standards compliance.
• Manage rig selection, contracting and performance monitoring.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Optimize drilling parameters to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff.
• Coordinate with geology, reservoir engineering and HSE.
• Manage equipment, supplies and inventory for readiness.
• Prepare post-well reports and capture lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with SA and international drilling regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Decision making

HSE management

Education

Bachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Eng

Tools

Drilling software

Simulation tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a globally recognized energy company, is seeking an accomplished Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead exploration drilling projects based in Tembisa, Gauteng . This demanding role requires extensive expertise in planning, executing, and overseeing complex drilling operations. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of all drilling activities, from initial well design through to completion. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of drilling technologies, risk management, and regulatory compliance within the Oil & Gas sector . This is a site-based position requiring full commitment to operational excellence in Tembisa, Gauteng , working closely with rig crews and operational teams. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of energy exploration and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive drilling plans and programs for exploration and appraisal wells.
• Oversee the execution of drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and company standards.
• Manage drilling rig selection, contracting, and performance monitoring.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards.
• Optimize drilling parameters to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and technical staff.
• Coordinate with various disciplines including geology, reservoir engineering, and HSE to ensure seamless operations.
• Manage drilling equipment, supplies, and inventory to ensure operational readiness.
• Prepare post-well reports, analyzing performance and identifying lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with all South African and international drilling regulations.

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 a significant portion in offshore or challenging onshore exploration.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing drilling operations.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Proficiency in drilling software and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to make critical decisions under pressure and manage complex logistics.
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site in Tembisa, Gauteng .
• Experience with unconventional resources is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan contribution.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career advancement.
• Exposure to state-of-the-art drilling technologies and methodologies.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment in the heart of Tembisa, Gauteng .