Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid coverage

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer for our Centurion operation in Gauteng. The role focuses on designing, implementing and managing drilling fluid systems for complex wells, ensuring wellbore stability and environmental compliance.

Strong leadership to mentor a team of fluids engineers is essential. The position is on-site at our Centurion facility, requiring hands-on leadership and collaboration with drilling operations and geologists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive drilling fluids experience in Oil & Gas.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineers.
• Deep knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, hydraulics and solids control.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based and synthetic-based muds.
• Strong understanding of wellbore stability and formation damage.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to rig sites (Centurion-based).

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize drilling fluid programs for various environments and well types.
• Oversee day‑to‑day drilling fluids operations on rigs.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and technicians.
• Perform regular performance reviews of drilling fluid systems and adjust as needed.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Analyze drilling fluid properties and performance data to troubleshoot issues.
• Collaborate with geologists and drilling engineers for wellbore planning.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluids materials and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports and end-of-well cost analyses.
• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices in drilling fluids.

Skills

Leadership

Drilling Fluids Expertise

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Drilling Fluids Engineer. This critical role will be based at our operational headquarters in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA . You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and management of drilling fluid systems for complex wells, ensuring optimal drilling performance, wellbore stability, and environmental compliance. As a Lead Engineer, you will provide technical guidance to a team of fluids engineers and collaborate closely with drilling operations and geologists. This is an on-site position, requiring your presence at our Centurion facility, offering a hands-on and impactful contribution to our drilling campaigns. We are looking for a seasoned professional with a strong understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize drilling fluid programs for various drilling environments and well types.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of drilling fluid services on drilling rigs.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and technicians.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of drilling fluid systems and recommend adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to drilling fluids.
• Analyze drilling fluid properties and performance data to troubleshoot issues and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with geologists, drilling engineers and other project personnel to ensure effective wellbore planning and execution.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports, end-of-well reports, and cost analyses.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in drilling fluid engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drilling fluids engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven leadership experience in managing a team of engineers.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, hydraulics, and solids control.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based muds).
• Strong understanding of wellbore stability, formation damage, and fluid-formation interactions.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding operational environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to rig sites as needed (though primary role is Centurion -based).

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid coverage.
• Opportunities for extensive training and professional development, including certifications and advanced courses.
• You will be part of a leading organization with a strong commitment to innovation and safety in the Oil & Gas sector.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• Pension fund contributions and generous leave allowances.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• This role provides significant career growth potential within a respected industry leader, based in the vibrant city of Centurion, Gauteng, ZA .