Lead Reservoir Engineer - Oil & Gas Exploration

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an established independent oil and gas exploration company, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Reservoir Engineer to join their team, primarily based out of their regional hub near Upington , Northern Cape. This hybrid role is integral to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery from existing and potential reservoirs through advanced engineering analysis and strategy development. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in reservoir characterization, performance analysis, recovery forecasting, and the application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques. You will lead a team of reservoir engineers, mentor junior staff, and collaborate closely with geologists, geophysicists, and drilling engineers to optimize exploration and production strategies. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence major decisions impacting the company's upstream operations, with a balanced approach to on-site collaboration and remote analytical work.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain dynamic reservoir models to forecast production performance and evaluate development options. Conduct material balance calculations, decline curve analysis, and volumetric assessments. Analyze well test data and production history to understand reservoir behavior and identify opportunities for optimization. Design and evaluate Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) projects, including waterflooding, gas injection, and chemical EOR. Provide reservoir engineering input for field development plans, drilling programs, and facility design. Manage economic evaluations for reservoir development projects, including uncertainty analysis and risk assessment. Lead and mentor a team of reservoir engineers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback. Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (geology, geophysics, drilling, facilities) to integrate reservoir insights into overall field strategy. Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in reservoir engineering and petroleum geoscience. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management and joint venture partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related Engineering discipline. A Master's degree is highly desirable. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering within the upstream oil and gas industry. Proven expertise in reservoir simulation software (e.g., ECLIPSE, INTERSECT, PETREL RE) and well test analysis tools. Strong understanding of reservoir characterization techniques, petrophysics, and sedimentology. Demonstrated experience in leading reservoir engineering projects and teams. Proficiency in reservoir economics and uncertainty analysis. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site presence in the Upington area with remote analytical duties.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive medical coverage, a generous retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. This hybrid role emphasizes a strong work-life balance with flexible scheduling options. Significant opportunities for professional development, including specialized training, industry conferences, and leadership programs, are provided. The role offers the chance to work on challenging projects in the growing energy sector of the Northern Cape , contributing directly to the company's success and potentially to the regional economy.