Principal Reservoir Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Bonus opportunities

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 searches for a Principal Reservoir Engineer to lead technical strategy in Randburg, Gauteng. The role emphasizes optimizing hydrocarbon recovery and assessing new exploration assets, with a strong focus on reservoir simulation and forecasting.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate across geoscience and drilling disciplines, and influence upstream decision-making within a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, or related field with a strong reservoir focus.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering.
• Extensive experience with reservoir simulation software and techniques.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Randburg, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated reservoir management plans to optimize production and recovery.
• Characterize reservoirs using geological, petrophysical, and engineering data.
• Run and interpret reservoir simulations with Eclipse, Petrel RE, etc.
• Perform well test analysis and production forecasting.
• Estimate and forecast reserves and resources per SPE PRMS.
• Mentor junior reservoir engineers and lead technical teams.

Skills

Reservoir engineering

Technical leadership

Analytical thinking

Forecasting

Education

Master's or PhD in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Eclipse

Petrel RE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent independent oil and gas exploration and production company, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Reservoir Engineer to provide expert technical leadership from their offices in Randburg, Gauteng. This senior position is crucial for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery from existing fields and evaluating the potential of new exploration assets. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of reservoir simulation, well test analysis, material balance, decline curve analysis, and reservoir characterization techniques. You will be responsible for developing and implementing complex reservoir management strategies, forecasting production, and assessing reserves. This role offers the significant opportunity to influence strategic decisions and drive value creation within the company's upstream operations, with a dynamic hybrid working model. We are looking for an authoritative figure in reservoir engineering with exceptional analytical capabilities, strong communication skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. The successful candidate will play a key role in maximizing asset value and ensuring efficient resource development in Randburg. A proven track record in complex reservoir challenges and a forward-thinking approach are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated reservoir management plans to optimize production and recovery.
• Perform detailed reservoir characterization using geological, petrophysical, and engineering data.
• Conduct and interpret reservoir simulations using industry-standard software (e.g., Eclipse, Petrel RE).
• Perform well test analysis and production data analysis (decline curve analysis).
• Estimate and forecast hydrocarbon reserves and resources in accordance with industry standards (e.g., SPE PRMS).
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR).
• Collaborate with geoscientists, drilling engineers, and production engineers to ensure field development plans are optimized.
• Prepare technical reports, economic evaluations, and recommendations for management.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior reservoir engineers.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in reservoir engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, or a related field with a strong reservoir focus.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering, with a focus on oil and gas exploration and production.
• Extensive experience with reservoir simulation software and techniques.
• Proven ability in well test analysis, production forecasting, and reserves estimation.
• Strong understanding of reservoir fluid properties, rock mechanics, and sedimentology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical teams effectively.
• Familiarity with economic evaluation software and principles.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Randburg, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging reservoir projects.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Potential for international assignments.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Company car or travel allowance.