Lead Drilling Engineer - Offshore Operations

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical insurance

Pension scheme

International assignments

Paid leave

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer to supervise planning, execution and safety of drilling operations, including offshore and deepwater projects. You will lead diverse teams, optimize drilling programs, and ensure projects stay on budget and schedule.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years of drilling experience, with strong leadership, and in-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, cementing, well control and HSE

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 10 years' drilling engineering experience.
• Leadership experience with drilling teams.
• Experience offshore/deepwater projects.
• Knowledge of HSE regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drilling programs and well designs.
• Oversee daily drilling operations and safety.
• Manage drilling contractors and cost performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Optimize drilling parameters to reduce NPT.
• Mentor junior engineers and rig personnel.
• Procure drilling equipment and services.
• Ensure timely reporting of operations.
• Stay abreast of new drilling technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Drilling Engineering

Offshore drilling

HSE knowledge

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Drilling software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Well control software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading name in the global Oil & Gas sector, is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Lead Drilling Engineer to join their team based in George, Western Cape . This critical role will oversee the planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling operations, ensuring they are conducted safely, efficiently, and within budget. The successful candidate will leverage extensive experience in complex drilling environments, including offshore and deepwater operations, to drive best practices and mitigate risks. This position is integral to our client's operational excellence and requires a proactive leader capable of managing diverse teams and sophisticated equipment. You will be instrumental in developing innovative drilling solutions and troubleshooting operational challenges. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility, and this role is central to upholding those commitments. Joining us means becoming part of a forward-thinking company that values technical expertise and operational integrity. Your contributions will directly impact the success of major projects in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive drilling programs and well designs.
• Oversee daily drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers, monitoring performance and costs.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling hazards.
• Optimize drilling parameters to improve efficiency and reduce non-productive time (NPT).
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers and rig personnel.
• Participate in post-well reviews to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.
• Manage the procurement of drilling equipment and services.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of drilling operations.
• Stay abrest of new drilling technologies and techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with significant offshore or deepwater project involvement.
• Proven leadership experience managing drilling teams and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation and planning software.
• Strong understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) regulations in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working in or managing operations related to the Western Cape region is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Opportunities for international assignments and career advancement.
• Paid leave and company holidays.
• Continuous professional development and training programs.
• A challenging and rewarding work environment in George, Western Cape .
• Access to state-of-the-art technology.