Lead Drilling Engineer - High-Pressure Wells

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Continuous professional development

Performance-based bonus

Access to advanced drilling technology

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer for a hybrid role in Pretoria to plan, execute, and optimize HPHT drilling programs. The candidate will lead a team of drilling engineers, design well programs, select equipment, manage service providers, and oversee budgets while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with subsurface, completions, and production teams, mentor juniors, and drive operational excellence on challenging upstream projects.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in drilling engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Experience in planning and executing HPHT well drilling operations.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software such as StressCheck, WellCat, and well planning tools.
• Strong knowledge of casing design, cementing, drilling fluids, well control, and directional drilling.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed well plans and drilling programs for conventional and unconventional wells, including HPHT.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and site personnel.
• Monitor drilling performance, identify non-productive time (NPT), and implement corrective actions.
• Manage drilling operations budgets and monitor project expenditures.
• Oversee procurement and execution of drilling contracts and services.
• Ensure adherence to HSE policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with subsurface, completions, and production teams.
• Lead relationships with drilling contractors and service companies.

Skills

Leadership

HPHT operations

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

StressCheck

WellCat

Well planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key operator in the exploration and production of natural resources, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to join their team in Pretoria . This pivotal role involves the planning, execution, and optimization of complex drilling operations, particularly focusing on challenging high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) wells. The successful candidate will lead a team of drilling engineers, ensuring all operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. You will be responsible for designing well programs, selecting appropriate equipment, managing service providers, and mitigating operational risks. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to balance on-site responsibilities with remote work, fostering a productive and adaptable work environment. We are looking for a proactive leader with exceptional technical acumen and a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence. Join our client to contribute to significant upstream projects and shape the future of drilling operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed well plans and drilling programs for conventional and unconventional wells, with an emphasis on HPHT environments.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and drilling site personnel.
• Perform drilling simulations and analysis to optimize well trajectories, casing designs, and mud programs.
• Select and manage drilling equipment, tools, and services, ensuring technical compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and ensure all operational readiness checks are completed.
• Monitor drilling performance daily, identify non-productive time (NPT), and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency.
• Manage drilling operations budgets and track project expenditures against planned costs.
• Oversee the procurement and execution of drilling-related contracts and services.
• Ensure strict adherence to company HSE policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct post-well reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future drilling performance.
• Troubleshoot complex drilling problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Collaborate effectively with subsurface, completions, and production teams.
• Manage relationships with drilling contractors and service companies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing HPHT well drilling operations.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software (e.g., StressCheck, WellCat, well planning software).
• Strong knowledge of casing design, cementing, drilling fluids, well control, and directional drilling techniques.
• Experience with Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience in budget management and cost control.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and best practices (e.g., IADC, API).
• Willingness to work in a hybrid model, requiring periodic on-site presence in Pretoria .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting expertise and responsibilities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allowances.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and advanced training.
• Exposure to challenging and high-profile projects.
• Supportive team environment.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Access to advanced drilling technology.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.