Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentives

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Learning opportunities

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Senior Drilling Engineer for our Durban operations. The role spans planning, execution, and supervision of drilling activities to assure safety, efficiency and cost control. Design well plans, manage drilling risks and optimize performance across projects in a demanding Oil & Gas environment.

The position offers a hybrid work model with on-site presence and remote flexibility, requiring strong technical drilling expertise and leadership under pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 7 years hands-on drilling engineering experience, Oil & Gas preferred.
• Proficient with drilling software and planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed well programs and drilling procedures.
• Select equipment, fluids, and techniques for optimal wellbore stability.
• Monitor drilling performance and address issues promptly.
• Manage on-site drilling operations, ensuring safety and policy compliance.
• Conduct risk assessments and contingency planning for kicks and stuck pipe.
• Collaborate with geologists and service providers for integrated projects.

Skills

Drilling engineering expertise

Budget management

Leadership

Team collaboration under pressure

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

WellView

StressCheck

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a proactive and seasoned Senior Drilling Engineer to join their operations based in Durban . This pivotal role involves the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will be responsible for designing well plans, managing drilling risks, and optimizing drilling performance across various projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in drilling engineering and a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in the demanding Oil & Gas industry . This position offers a hybrid work model, blending essential on-site presence with the flexibility to work remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed well programs and drilling procedures, including casing and cementing designs.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, fluids, and techniques to optimize wellbore stability and drilling efficiency.
• Conduct daily performance monitoring and analysis of drilling operations, identifying and addressing potential issues.
• Manage drilling operations on-site as required, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
• Perform risk assessments and develop contingency plans for drilling hazards such as kicks, lost circulation, and stuck pipe.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and service providers to ensure integrated project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in drilling engineering , with a significant portion in the Oil & Gas sector .
• Proficiency in drilling software and planning tools (e.g., WellView, StressCheck).
• Thorough understanding of drilling mechanics, directional drilling, and formation evaluation.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and control drilling costs effectively.
• Strong leadership and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and under pressure.

Benefits

• An attractive salary package coupled with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional certification.
• Access to cutting‑edge drilling technologies and methodologies.
• A dynamic work environment in Durban with the convenience of a hybrid work schedule .