Lead Drilling Engineer - Offshore Projects

Placements24; Cape Town; Presencial; ZAR 1 200 000 - 2 000 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary + bonuses

Health insurance and retirement plan

International assignments

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer for offshore oil and gas operations in Cape Town, Western Cape. The role will lead complex drilling programs, ensure safety, optimize performance, and manage budgets while coordinating with on-site teams and regulators.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years of offshore drilling experience, deepwater and MPD expertise, and IWCF Level 4 certification, with strong leadership and communication skills for a

Qualificações

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Master's degree is preferred for advanced roles.
• IWCF Level 4 certification or equivalent is required/preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Develop comprehensive offshore drilling programs and operational plans.
• Supervise drilling operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Perform risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for all drilling stages.
• Oversee selection and procurement of drilling equipment, services, and personnel.
• Analyze drilling performance data and implement optimization measures.
• Manage drilling budgets and control expenditures.
• Provide technical leadership to drilling crews and engineers on-site.
• Conduct post-well reviews to capture lessons learned and improve practice.
• Coordinate with regulators and stakeholders to ensure permits and compliance.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Offshore drilling

Well control

MPD

Formação académica

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

IWCF Level 4 certification

Ferramentas

Drilling software

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned leader in the Oil & Gas sector , is seeking an accomplished Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee complex offshore drilling operations. This role is critical to the success of our exploration and production ventures and is based in the vibrant coastal city of Cape Town, Western Cape . The Lead Drilling Engineer will be responsible for the planning, execution, and optimization of all drilling activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This is a challenging yet rewarding position for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in a high-stakes environment. The position requires a hands‑on approach and deep technical expertise in offshore drilling technologies and methodologies. You will be working at the forefront of the industry, contributing to major projects in challenging marine environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and operational plans for offshore wells, considering geological, environmental, and safety factors.
• Manage and supervise drilling operations, ensuring adherence to company policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform detailed risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for all drilling phases.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of drilling equipment, services, and personnel.
• Analyze drilling performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage drilling budgets and control expenditures effectively.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to drilling crews and engineers on-site.
• Conduct post-well reviews and lessons learned sessions to continuously improve drilling performance.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and stakeholders to ensure compliance and obtain necessary permits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to offshore operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in deepwater drilling, well control, managed pressure drilling (MPD), and subsea systems.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex drilling projects from planning to execution.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluid technology, cementing, and wellbore stability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in drilling engineering software and simulation tools.
• Valid IWCF Level 4 certification or equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding, fast‑paced operational environment in Cape Town .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and an attractive long-term incentive plan.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including international coverage, is provided.
• A generous retirement fund contribution and extensive opportunities for professional growth and international assignments are available.
• This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge offshore projects, collaborate with a global team of experts, and reside in the beautiful city of Cape Town , renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.