Lead Reservoir Engineer - Subsurface Exploration

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual bonus

Health coverage

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Reservoir Engineer for its Mossel Bay, Western Cape office to lead subsurface initiatives in oil and gas. You will guide reservoir characterization, dynamic modeling, and reserve estimation while coordinating with geoscientists and drilling teams to optimize field performance.

This senior role requires 10+ years in reservoir engineering, advanced degrees, and a track record in planning development projects and mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Petroleum Engineering with 10+ years in reservoir engineering.
• Proven expertise in reservoir modeling, history matching, and production forecasting.
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor junior engineers.
• Experience with offshore or unconventional reservoirs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead reservoir characterization studies and build detailed models.
• Develop dynamic reservoir simulations to forecast production and optimize fields.
• Perform volumetric calculations and uncertainty assessments.
• Create integrated field development plans including well placement.
• Analyze historical production data and monitor reservoir behavior.
• Evaluate EOR technologies to maximize recovery.
• Mentor junior reservoir engineers.
• Collaborate with geologists, petrophysicists, and drilling engineers.
• Present findings and reserve estimates to management.
• Ensure compliance with industry practices and regulations.

Skills

Reservoir engineering

Leadership

Reservoir simulation

Uncertainty analysis

Petrophysics

Communication skills

Offshore experience

Education

MSc in Petroleum Engineering

PhD in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

ECLIPSE

INTERSECT

Petrel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic exploration and production company within the Oil & Gas sector, is actively seeking a seasoned Lead Reservoir Engineer to spearhead the subsurface initiatives from the Mossel Bay, Western Cape office. This senior position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional analytical skills to manage and optimize hydrocarbon reserves. The role involves complex reservoir characterization, performance analysis, and the development of long-term production strategies. You will lead a team of reservoir engineers, guide technical decision-making, and collaborate extensively with geoscientists and drilling teams. This is a key role in maximizing asset value and ensuring sustainable resource development in the Oil & Gas industry. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead reservoir characterization studies, integrating geological, geophysical, and engineering data to build detailed reservoir models.
• Develop and manage dynamic reservoir simulation models to forecast production, evaluate development scenarios, and optimize field performance.
• Perform volumetric calculations and uncertainty assessments for hydrocarbon reserves.
• Develop integrated field development plans, including well placement, recovery methods, and production targets.
• Analyze historical production data and implement performance monitoring systems to track reservoir behavior.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies and strategies for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to maximize resource extraction.
• Mentor and guide junior reservoir engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth within the team.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, petrophysicists, and drilling engineers, to ensure alignment and efficient operations.
• Present technical findings, reserve estimates, and development plans to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure all reservoir engineering activities comply with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Extensive experience with reservoir simulation software (e.g., ECLIPSE, INTERSECT) and geological modeling tools.
• Proven track record in reserve estimation (e.g., SEC, PRMS standards) and uncertainty analysis.
• Strong understanding of petrophysics, sedimentology, and structural geology.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience working with offshore or unconventional reservoirs is a plus.
• Familiarity with the operational context in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary, substantial annual bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and a generous retirement plan.
• Professional development opportunities, including advanced training and conference attendance, are actively encouraged.
• This hybrid role, based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , provides a stimulating work environment with significant autonomy and the chance to make a tangible impact on the company's success in the Oil & Gas sector.