Lead Drilling Engineer - Well Operations

Placements24; Sandton; Sur place; ZAR 1 800 000 - 2 600 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Career advancement

Generous annual leave

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Engineer in Sandton, Gauteng, to spearhead well operations. This hands-on role requires extensive drilling expertise, strong leadership, and a focus on safety and efficiency.

You will plan, execute, and supervise drilling activities, mentor engineers and rig crews, manage budgets, and liaise with regulators and service providers to ensure safe, cost-effective operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of drilling engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling operations, equipment, and subsurface challenges.
• Proven ability to manage complex drilling projects and deliver results under pressure.
• Strong understanding of well control principles and safety management systems.
• Experience with drilling simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safety and environmental performance.
• Familiarity with SA regulatory requirements is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and procedures, including well design, casing design, and cementing plans.
• Oversee and manage daily drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to drilling engineers and rig crews.
• Manage drilling budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Conduct post-well analysis to identify lessons learned and implement improvements for future operations.
• Evaluate and select drilling equipment and services to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, service companies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Manage risks and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards such as kicks, stuck pipe, and lost circulation.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of drilling operations, performance metrics, and incident investigations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of drilling technologies and best practices within the organization.

Connaissances

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Risk management

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Outils

Drilling simulation software

Data analysis tools

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the upstream Oil & Gas sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead their well operations. This critical role is based in the bustling commercial district of Sandton, Gauteng . The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This is a hands-on position requiring deep technical expertise and strong leadership qualities. You will work closely with diverse teams to optimize drilling performance and mitigate risks associated with complex well construction. This role is integral to our client's continued success and expansion in the South African energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and procedures, including well design, casing design, and cementing plans.
• Oversee and manage daily drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to drilling engineers and rig crews.
• Manage drilling budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Conduct post-well analysis to identify lessons learned and implement improvements for future operations.
• Evaluate and select drilling equipment and services to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, service companies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Manage risks and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards such as kicks, stuck pipe, and lost circulation.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of drilling operations, performance metrics, and incident investigations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of drilling technologies and best practices within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling operations, equipment, and subsurface challenges.
• Proven ability to manage complex drilling projects and deliver results under pressure.
• Strong understanding of well control principles and safety management systems.
• Experience with drilling simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make sound technical and operational decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental performance.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory requirements for oil and gas operations is a plus.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, pension fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses.
• Our client provides opportunities for career advancement, ongoing professional development, and a dynamic work culture in Sandton, Gauteng .
• You will have the chance to work with a leading organization in the energy sector and contribute to significant projects.
• Other benefits include generous annual leave and employee assistance programs.