Lead Drilling Engineer - Oil & Gas

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company housing allowance

Transportation allowance

Health insurance

Performance bonus

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa, seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee drilling campaigns in the oil and gas sector. You will plan, execute, and supervise all drilling activities, manage risks, and optimize performance while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Lead the team of drilling engineers and rig crews, set programs, manage budgets, and coordinate with equipment vendors. A bachelor’s degree and 12+ years in drilling (3+ in leadership) plus strong HSE knowledge and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years drilling engineering experience, with at least 3 years in leadership in Oil & Gas.
• Deep knowledge of drilling techniques, well control, and formation evaluation.
• Experience with directional drilling, MPD, and automated drilling systems.
• Strong understanding of HSE standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling programs and procedures with safety and environmental compliance.
• Select drilling equipment and services; manage vendor relationships.
• Supervise on-site drilling operations providing technical support.
• Conduct daily performance reviews; identify and address issues.
• Manage budgets; track costs and optimize drilling efficiency.
• Mentor and develop junior drilling engineers and rig crews.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Leadership

HSE knowledge

Well control

Directional drilling

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MPD (Managed Pressure Dr drilling)

Automated drilling systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the exploration and production sector of the Oil & Gas industry , is seeking a highly experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee drilling operations in the Rustenburg area. This senior role is critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling campaigns. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and supervising all drilling activities, managing risks, and optimizing drilling performance. This is a pivotal position for an accomplished engineer looking to make a significant impact and lead a team in a challenging operational landscape, contributing directly to the company's success in resource extraction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and procedures, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services, and manage vendor relationships.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site, providing technical expertise and problem-solving support.
• Conduct daily performance reviews, identify potential issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage drilling budgets, track costs, and optimize drilling efficiency to meet project objectives.
• Mentor and develop junior drilling engineers and rig crews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity within the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling techniques, well control principles, and formation evaluation.
• Experience with directional drilling, managed pressure drilling (MPD), and automated drilling systems.
• Strong understanding of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and leadership role.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous bonus structure tied to operational performance and safety metrics.
• Company-provided housing and transportation allowances for Rustenburg operations.
• Continuous professional development opportunities and exposure to advanced drilling technologies.