Petroleum Engineer - Production Optimization

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement savings plans

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Petroleum Engineer to focus on production optimization in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves analyzing production data, diagnosing performance issues, and implementing strategies to improve recovery from existing wells.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in production operations, experience with ESP, rod pumps and gas lift, and strong skills in production analysis software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in petroleum engineering focused on production ops and optimization.
• Experience with artificial lift systems (ESP, rod pump, gas lift).
• Proficient in production analysis software and well performance modeling.
• Strong understanding of fluid flow and wellbore hydraulics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with HSE standards in oil and gas.
• Experience in the SA oil & gas market is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze daily production, identify trends and anomalies.
• Diagnose well performance issues such as sand production and paraffin deposition.
• Develop and implement production optimization strategies (artificial lift design).
• Conduct nodal analysis and system diagnostics to improve performance.
• Recommend well workovers and interventions.
• Evaluate potential for EOR techniques.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, geologists and operations teams.
• Prepare production forecasts and economic evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain production databases and reporting systems.

Skills

Production optimization

Well performance analysis

Data analysis

Artificial lift systems

Fluid dynamics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Nodal analysis software

Well modeling tools

Production analysis software

Reservoir simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively recruiting a skilled Petroleum Engineer to focus on production optimization within their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is essential for maximizing the output and efficiency of existing oil and gas wells. You will analyze production data, diagnose well performance issues, and implement strategies to enhance recovery rates. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of production system analysis, artificial lift methods, and wellbore flow dynamics. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational success of our client in the Oil & Gas sector, working on projects that directly impact hydrocarbon recovery and profitability. We are seeking a technically proficient and proactive engineer who can drive improvements in production performance in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze daily production from wells, identifying trends and anomalies.
• Diagnose well performance issues, including sand production, paraffin deposition, and artificial lift failures.
• Develop and implement strategies for production optimization, such as artificial lift design and optimization, gas lift, ESPs, and rod pumps.
• Conduct nodal analysis and system diagnostics to improve overall well and facility performance.
• Recommend and oversee well workovers and interventions to address production problems.
• Evaluate the potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, geologists, and operations teams to develop integrated field development strategies.
• Prepare production forecasts and economic evaluations for proposed interventions.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations related to production operations.
• Maintain accurate production databases and reporting systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in petroleum engineering, with a focus on production operations and optimization.
• Proven experience with artificial lift systems (ESP, rod pump, gas lift).
• Proficiency in production analysis software and well performance modeling tools.
• Strong understanding of fluid flow in porous media and wellbore hydraulics.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental standards in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic operational environment.
• Experience in the South African Oil & Gas market is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings plans, and performance bonuses.
• This role provides a significant opportunity for professional development and career advancement within a leading company in the Oil & Gas industry.
• You will enjoy a dynamic work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , with the chance to make a tangible impact on production efficiency.
• Our client values work-life balance, offering a hybrid work arrangement for this position.