Principal Reservoir Engineer - Oil and Gas Exploration

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive package

Bonus potential

Global health insurance

Retirement plan

Training programs

Job summary

Confidential Energy Co. in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Reservoir Engineer to lead subsurface evaluation, modeling, and optimization across exploration and development assets.

The role focuses on advanced simulation, reserves estimation, and strategic decision support for a major global energy portfolio. The candidate will mentor engineers, coordinate cross-disciplinary teams, and drive innovations in reservoir characterization.

Qualifications

• 12+ years progressive reservoir engineering experience in exploration and development.
• Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Proven expertise in reservoir simulation software (Eclipse/CMG/Tempest) and interpretation tools.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical evaluation of subsurface reservoirs including geological modeling and dynamic simulation.
• Develop reservoir management plans to maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
• Conduct production forecasting, decline curve analysis and economic evaluations.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, drilling and production engineers on field development strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers and oversee data acquisition and monitoring programs.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for senior management and JV partners.
• Ensure reservoir engineering activities comply with industry standards and best practices.
• Participate in risk assessment and mitigation for projects.

Skills

Reservoir engineering

Reservoir simulation

Economic evaluation

Leadership

Communication

Seismic interpretation

Education

Master's or PhD in Petroleum/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Eclipse

CMG

Tempest

Job description

About the Role

A major international energy company is seeking a highly experienced Principal Reservoir Engineer to join their exploration and production team based in Soweto, Gauteng . This senior technical role is critical for evaluating subsurface reservoir potential, optimizing hydrocarbon recovery, and managing reservoir performance throughout the lifecycle of exploration assets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in reservoir characterization, simulation, and production forecasting, particularly within emerging exploration frontiers. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects and influence strategic decisions in the global oil and gas sector from our operational base in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical evaluation of subsurface reservoirs, including geological modeling, petrophysical analysis, and dynamic reservoir simulation.
• Develop detailed reservoir management plans to maximize hydrocarbon recovery and economic value.
• Conduct advanced reservoir studies, including production forecasting, decline curve analysis, and economic evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, geophysicists, drilling engineers, and production engineers to develop integrated field development strategies.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and intermediate reservoir engineers.
• Oversee the design and implementation of reservoir monitoring programs and data acquisition strategies.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies for reservoir characterization and performance optimization.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management and joint venture partners.
• Ensure reservoir engineering activities comply with industry best practices and company standards.
• Participate in risk assessment and mitigation for exploration and development projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in reservoir engineering, with a significant focus on exploration and development projects.
• Proven expertise in reservoir simulation software (e.g., Eclipse, CMG, Tempest) and interpretation tools.
• Strong understanding of reservoir characterization techniques, including core analysis, well testing, and seismic interpretation.
• Demonstrated experience in reserves estimation and economic evaluation methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to influence technical and business decisions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with unconventional reservoir plays is a significant advantage.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for project reviews and field visits as required from Soweto .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, substantial bonus potential, comprehensive global health insurance, and a generous retirement plan. This role provides unparalleled opportunities for technical leadership and career advancement within a world-leading energy corporation. Employees benefit from extensive training programs, international assignments, and a culture that fosters innovation and professional excellence. Join a team shaping the future of energy exploration and production from our strategic hub in Gauteng .