Lead Drilling Engineer - Onshore Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Career advancement opportunities

International assignments

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee all onshore drilling operations in the Rustenburg area. You will lead a team of engineers and specialists, delivering safe, efficient and cost-effective drilling campaigns while mentoring junior staff.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering and a track record of 10+ years in drilling with at least 3 years in lead roles; strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in drilling engineering with at least 3 years in lead/supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of onshore drilling techniques, equipment, and HSE best practices.
• Proven ability to manage complex drilling projects and budgets.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel to sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans, wellbore designs and directional drilling programs.
• Supervise and manage on-site drilling operations, ensuring safety and standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and rig crews.
• Manage drilling contracts, equipment procurement, and service provider relationships.
• Conduct post-drill analysis and implement improvements for future operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety procedures in Rustenburg.

Skills

Leadership

Onshore drilling

HSE

Budget management

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Well design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and results-oriented Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee and manage all onshore drilling operations in the Rustenburg area. This senior position demands extensive experience in well design, planning, and execution, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling campaigns. You will lead a team of drilling engineers and specialists, providing technical guidance and mentorship. This role is critical for optimizing drilling performance, managing risks, and ensuring the successful completion of wells in a challenging operational environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of advanced drilling techniques relevant to the North West region .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans, wellbore designs, and directional drilling programs.
• Supervise and manage drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and company standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior drilling engineers and rig crews.
• Manage drilling contracts, equipment procurement, and service provider relationships.
• Conduct post-drill analysis, lessons learned sessions, and implement improvements for future operations.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and safety procedures during drilling activities in Rustenburg .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of onshore drilling techniques, equipment, and HSE best practices.
• Proven ability to manage complex drilling projects and associated budgets.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel to operational sites as needed.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package with annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• Opportunities for career advancement and international assignments.
• A strong safety culture and a commitment to employee well-being.