Remote Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work allowance

Global health insurance coverage

Home office setup allowance

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Placements24 invites a Senior Drilling Engineer to join a globally distributed team, working remotely from anywhere. You will design, plan and execute drilling programs while ensuring safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance across international sites.

You will lead remote operations, optimize costs, assess drilling fluids and equipment, and develop contingency plans, with a focus on well control and directional drilling in Oil & Gas projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related discipline.
• 8+ years hands-on drilling experience.
• Proven track record managing complex drilling projects.
• Directional drilling, well control, and drilling fluids knowledge.
• Remote communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Oil & Gas regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and well construction plans, adhering to strict safety standards.
• Manage drilling operations remotely, providing technical guidance and support to rig site personnel.
• Conduct cost analysis and implement measures to optimize drilling expenditures.
• Perform risk assessments and develop contingency plans for potential drilling challenges.
• Evaluate and select appropriate drilling equipment, fluids, and techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Remote operations

Well control

Directional drilling

Risk management

Education

Petroleum Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their globally distributed team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be responsible for the design, planning, and execution of drilling operations for oil and gas wells, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This role demands a deep understanding of drilling technologies, risk management, and regulatory compliance. You will play a crucial part in optimizing drilling performance and contributing to successful project outcomes across various operational sites, all managed remotely from Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and well construction plans, adhering to strict safety standards.
• Manage drilling operations remotely, providing technical guidance and support to rig site personnel.
• Conduct cost analysis and implement measures to optimize drilling expenditures.
• Perform risk assessments and develop contingency plans for potential drilling challenges.
• Evaluate and select appropriate drilling equipment, fluids, and techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in drilling engineering and operations.
• Proven track record in managing complex drilling projects from conception to completion.
• In‑depth knowledge of directional drilling , well control, and drilling fluid technology.
• Excellent remote communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and best practices in the Oil & Gas sector .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and remote work allowance.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging international projects.
• Comprehensive global health insurance coverage.
• Allowance for home office setup and continuous professional development.
• Flexible working hours and the ability to work from any location, supporting a remote‑first culture.