Lead Drilling Engineer - Offshore Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentives

Medical & life insurance

Career development

International assignments

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Drilling Engineer for offshore campaigns based out of Cape Town. You will plan, execute, and supervise all drilling operations while upholding safety and environmental standards.

The role involves budget management, equipment selection, and delivering innovative solutions for complex reservoirs. Ideal candidates will have a Petroleum Engineering degree, 10+ years offshore drilling experience, MPD expertise, and IWCF certification, with strong leadership and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related technical discipline.
• At least 10 years of drilling engineering experience with offshore exposure.
• Expertise in well design, directional drilling and MPD.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools and well control.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• IWCF certification and commitment to HSE principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive drilling programs and risk assessments.
• Select and manage drilling fluids, cementing, and completion equipment and services.
• Oversee daily drilling operations, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations in offshore environments.
• Manage drilling contractor performance and resource utilization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to drilling teams near Cape Town.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Well design

MPD

Directional drilling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling equipment

Downhole tools

Well control procedures

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead challenging offshore drilling campaigns based out of Cape Town . This senior position involves the planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling operations, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and environmental standards. You will be instrumental in managing drilling budgets, selecting appropriate equipment, and developing innovative solutions for complex geological formations. This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute significantly to the success of major offshore exploration and development projects in a thriving energy hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive drilling programs and associated risk assessments.
• Select and manage drilling fluids, cementing, and completion equipment and services.
• Oversee daily drilling operations, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions in real-time.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations in offshore environments.
• Manage drilling contractor performance and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to drilling engineering teams operating near Cape Town .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in drilling engineering, with significant exposure to offshore operations .
• Demonstrated expertise in well design, directional drilling, and managed pressure drilling (MPD).
• In-depth knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, and well control procedures.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage complex projects.
• Valid IWCF certification and a strong commitment to HSE principles.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with annual performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and life insurance benefits.
• Structured career development path and opportunities for international assignments.
• Contribution to a dynamic and technologically advanced offshore environment.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements supporting the Cape Town operational base.