Lead Drilling Engineer - Offshore Exploration

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Career progression opportunities

Generous leave allowances

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer for Cape Town, Western Cape. The role leads planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness on site.

You will manage rigs and crews, optimize operations, and ensure compliance with HSEQ requirements while driving innovation and best practices across offshore projects. The position requires 10+ years in drilling engineering, offshore/deepwater experience, strong leadership and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 10+ years of drilling engineering experience with offshore and deepwater exposure.
• Proven record of managing complex drilling projects end-to-end.
• Strong leadership, safety mindset, and stakeholder management.
• Experience with drilling fluids, cementing, well control and completion techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and procedures for exploration and development wells.
• Oversee rig site operations, including well construction, cementing, and completion activities.
• Manage drilling budgets and costs; implement cost-optimization measures.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
• Select and procure drilling equipment and services ensuring quality.
• Supervise and mentor drilling engineers, toolpushers, and site personnel.
• Analyze drilling data and post-well reports to improve future operations.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to obtain permits and approvals.
• Maintain relationships with service providers and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

HSEQ knowledge

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Oil & Gas industry, is actively seeking a seasoned Lead Drilling Engineer for their Cape Town, Western Cape operations. This critical role involves the planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The successful candidate will spearhead drilling campaign strategies, manage drilling rigs and associated personnel, and ensure compliance with all relevant safety and environmental regulations. This position demands extensive experience in complex drilling environments, including deepwater and challenging geological formations. As a Lead Drilling Engineer, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements in drilling, driving innovation and best practices within the organization. Your leadership will be crucial in guiding a team of drilling engineers and technicians to achieve project milestones and operational excellence in the Western Cape region. The role requires a hands‑on approach and a strong commitment to safety leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and procedures for exploration and development wells.
• Oversee rig site operations, including well construction, cementing, and completion activities.
• Manage drilling budgets, track costs, and implement measures for cost optimization.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling operations.
• Select and procure drilling equipment and services, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Supervise and mentor a team of drilling engineers, toolpushers, and other site personnel.
• Analyze drilling data and post-well reports to identify lessons learned and improve future operations.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure all permits and approvals are obtained.
• Maintain strong relationships with service providers and contractors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling engineering, with significant offshore and deepwater experience.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex drilling projects from planning to execution.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, well control, cementing, and well completion techniques.
• Experience with various drilling rig types and equipment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, Quality) management systems.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Willingness to travel to offshore locations as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, and excellent retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization are significant.
• This role based in Cape Town, Western Cape provides a chance to work on challenging and technologically advanced projects.
• We foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous learning.
• The position includes generous leave allowances and support for professional development, including relevant certifications and training programs.
• This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a key player in the South African Oil & Gas landscape.