Lead Drilling Operations Engineer

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Drilling Operations Engineer in the George, Western Cape region to oversee and optimize drilling campaigns. You will be responsible for the technical integrity of all drilling activities from planning through post-well analysis, leading a team of engineers and rig crews to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective results.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in drilling operations with at least 3 years in leadership, plus proficiency with drilling fluids,

Qualifications

• 10+ years in drilling operations engineering; 3+ years in lead/supervisory roles.
• Experience with offshore and/or complex onshore drilling projects.
• Proficiency with drilling fluid systems, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Experience with drilling software and performance monitoring tools.
• IWCF certification desirable; strong HSE knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of all drilling operations, ensuring alignment with project objectives and safety regulations.
• Develop detailed drilling programs, including well trajectories, casing designs, mud programs, and cementing strategies.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to drilling engineers, rig crews, and service providers.
• Manage drilling budgets, track costs, and identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of drilling equipment, materials, and services.
• Implement and enforce strict HSE policies and procedures throughout all drilling activities.
• Conduct pre-job safety meetings and post-well reviews to capture lessons learned and implement best practices.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop solutions to mitigate risks and non-productive time (NPT).
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and ensure compliance with all local and international standards.
• Stay updated on emerging drilling technologies and assess their applicability to current operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Decision making under pressure

HSE risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

WellView

OpenWells

Drilling simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Drilling Operations Engineer to oversee and optimize drilling campaigns in the George, Western Cape region. This pivotal role demands a seasoned professional with extensive experience in managing complex drilling projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will be responsible for the technical integrity of all drilling operations, from planning and execution to post-well analysis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, a deep understanding of drilling technologies, and a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in a demanding operational environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive innovation and excellence in drilling engineering, contributing significantly to our client's operational success and reputation within the Oil & Gas industry. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of wells and challenges, leveraging your expertise to overcome complex operational hurdles and deliver outstanding results. We foster a culture of continuous improvement and encourage proactive engagement from all team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of all drilling operations, ensuring alignment with project objectives and safety regulations.
• Develop detailed drilling programs, including well trajectories, casing designs, mud programs, and cementing strategies.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to drilling engineers, rig crews, and service providers.
• Manage drilling budgets, track costs, and identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of drilling equipment, materials, and services.
• Implement and enforce strict HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) policies and procedures throughout all drilling activities.
• Conduct pre-job safety meetings and post-well reviews to capture lessons learned and implement best practices.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop solutions to mitigate risks and non-productive time (NPT).
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and ensure compliance with all local and international standards.
• Stay updated on emerging drilling technologies and assess their applicability to current operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in drilling operations engineering, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven experience with offshore and/or complex onshore drilling projects.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software and performance monitoring tools.
• Strong understanding of HSE best practices and risk management in drilling operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make sound decisions in critical situations.
• Familiarity with WellView, OpenWells, or similar drilling management software.
• Valid IWCF (International Well Control Federation) certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and a robust retirement fund. Professional development opportunities, including specialized training and conferences, are provided. Employees enjoy generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements.