Lead Drilling Engineer - Oil & Gas Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Pension

Career progression

Training & certs

International opportunities

Cape Town locale

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer to manage and optimize drilling campaigns from Cape Town, Western Cape. You will lead plans, supervise operations, and coordinate with contractors to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost control.

The role demands 10+ years in drilling, including 3+ years in leadership, with strong well‑control knowledge and SA regulatory familiarity. Excellent communication and leadership are essential in this on‑site role in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of drilling engineering experience, with 3+ years in lead or supervisory roles.
• Proven track record managing complex drilling projects offshore/onshore.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, and mud systems.
• Strong well-control and blowout prevention knowledge.
• Experience with drilling simulation and optimization software.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of SA oil & gas regulations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive drilling plans, including well design, casing, cementing, and completion strategies.
• Supervise drilling operations, ensuring safety, environment, and company standards compliance.
• Coordinate with drilling contractors, vendors, and third‑party service providers.
• Optimize drilling parameters to improve efficiency and reduce non‑productive time.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for drilling hazards.
• Oversee procurement of materials and services for drilling ops.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and site personnel.
• Analyze drilling performance data and capture lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting of all drilling activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Risk management

Operational excellence

Education

Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Optimization software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Drilling Engineer to manage and oversee all drilling operations from their strategic hub in Cape Town, Western Cape . This position is instrumental in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling campaigns, adhering to the highest industry standards and regulatory requirements. The Lead Drilling Engineer will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing drilling programs, managing service providers, and optimizing drilling performance. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role in a challenging and rewarding environment, contributing directly to the success of major projects. The role requires a deep understanding of drilling technologies, risk management, and operational excellence. You will have the autonomy to make critical decisions and shape the future of our drilling initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a hands‑on leader with a strong commitment to safety and operational integrity, driving best practices across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive drilling plans and programs, including well design, casing, cementing, and completion strategies.
• Supervise drilling operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, environmental policies, and company standards.
• Manage and coordinate with drilling contractors, vendors, and other third‑party service providers.
• Optimize drilling parameters to improve efficiency, reduce non‑productive time (NPT), and control costs.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for potential drilling hazards.
• Oversee the procurement of materials and services required for drilling operations.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior drilling engineers and site personnel.
• Analyze drilling performance data and implement lessons learned for future operations.
• Ensure accurate record‑keeping and reporting of all drilling activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex drilling projects in offshore and/or onshore environments.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, and drilling fluid systems.
• Strong understanding of well control principles and blowout prevention.
• Experience with drilling simulation and optimization software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with South African Oil & Gas regulations is advantageous.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary package
• annual performance bonuses
• comprehensive medical and life insurance
• generous pension scheme
• significant opportunities for career advancement and international assignments
• continuous training and development programs, including relevant industry certifications
• This role is based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , offering an excellent quality of life
• Enjoy a collaborative work culture and contribute to impactful energy projects