On-Site Drilling Fluids Engineer – Paarl (Contractor)

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 258,000 - 590,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

On-site role

Major project exposure

Contract extension potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer for an on-site contractor role in Paarl, Western Cape. The candidate will design, manage, and supervise drilling fluid systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimized risks during drilling campaigns.

The role requires hands-on expertise in rheology, chemistry of drilling muds, and solids control. You will work closely with drilling engineers and geologists to adapt fluids to changing conditions and formations on-site in Paarl.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mechanical) or related science field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience designing and managing drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of rheology, fluid chemistry, and solids control principles.
• Familiarity with mud logging data and its interpretation.
• Hands‑on laboratory testing of drilling fluids.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise the mixing and maintenance of drilling fluids on-site.
• Monitor fluid properties (density, viscosity, filtration) and ensure specs.
• Manage solids control equipment and procedures to maintain fluid integrity.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems (lost circulation, stuck pipe).
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal.
• Procure and manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and additives.
• Conduct regular fluid testing and provide reports to the drilling team and management.
• Stay current with advancements in drilling fluid technology and recommend solutions.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize performance.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Rheology

Drilling fluids

On-site supervision

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

Mud logging software

Fluid testing equipment

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Drilling Fluids Engineer for an on-site contractor role in Paarl, Western Cape. The candidate will design, manage, and supervise drilling fluid systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimized risks during drilling campaigns.

The role requires hands-on expertise in rheology, chemistry of drilling muds, and solids control. You will work closely with drilling engineers and geologists to adapt fluids to changing conditions and formations on-site in Paarl.