Lead Reservoir Engineer - Production Optimization & Recovery Enhancement

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Reservoir Engineer to join a fully remote team. You will lead reservoir studies, develop recovery strategies, and provide expert guidance to global operations in a remote-first environment.

Responsibilities include modeling, economic evaluation, and mentoring colleagues while coordinating with international teams for optimized production and value optimization. This role emphasizes leadership and advanced simulation expertise.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering.
• Proven track record in production optimization and EOR/IOR.
• Expertise with reservoir simulation software and history matching.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical aspects of reservoir management and field development planning.
• Develop strategies for EOR/IOR and optimal hydrocarbon recovery.
• Oversee and execute complex reservoir simulations to forecast performance.
• Analyze production data and well performance to identify optimization opportunities.
• Conduct detailed economic evaluations and risk assessments for projects.
• Mentor junior reservoir engineers and guide the team.
• Collaborate with geology, geophysics, drilling and production teams via digital tools.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Stay updated with new technologies and reservoir engineering best practices.
• Contribute to company standards and technical guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Reservoir engineering analysis

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

ECLIPSE

CMG

Tempest

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking energy company, is seeking an experienced Lead Reservoir Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is central to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and optimizing production from the company's diverse asset base. You will be responsible for leading advanced reservoir studies, developing sophisticated recovery strategies, and providing expert technical guidance to global operations. Leveraging cutting-edge simulation tools and data analytics, you will drive initiatives to enhance production efficiency and economic value. The position requires strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of reservoir performance, and the ability to collaborate effectively with international teams through virtual channels. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape reservoir management strategies and advance your career in a remote-first environment, contributing significantly to the Oil & Gas industry.

Work from your preferred location within South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical aspects of reservoir management and field development planning.
• Develop and implement strategies for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR).
• Oversee and conduct complex reservoir simulations to forecast performance and evaluate development options.
• Analyze production data and well performance to identify optimization opportunities.
• Conduct detailed economic evaluations and risk assessments for reservoir projects.
• Mentor and guide junior reservoir engineers within the team.
• Collaborate with geology, geophysics, drilling, and production teams using digital tools.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in reservoir engineering.
• Contribute to the development of company standards and technical guidelines.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering, with a proven track record in production optimization and EOR/IOR.
• Expertise in reservoir simulation software (e.g., ECLIPSE, CMG, Tempest) and history matching techniques.
• Strong understanding of reservoir characterization, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in economic evaluation tools and methodologies.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to mentor technical staff.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective remote work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results autonomously.
• Must hold valid work authorization for South Africa and be able to work effectively remotely.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund, performance bonuses, and significant professional development opportunities.
• This is a permanent, fully remote position allowing for flexible work arrangements from anywhere in South Africa.
• Join a globally recognized company at the forefront of innovation in the Oil & Gas industry.