Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead planning, execution, and optimization of complex drilling projects in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role requires guiding rig operations, ensuring safety and environmental compliance, and controlling costs for offshore and onshore projects.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of drilling experience, strong leadership, and expertise in well control, directional drilling, and drilling software tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Petroleum or Mechanical).
• Minimum 8 years of progressive drilling engineering experience.
• Proven ability to plan and execute offshore and/or onshore drilling.
• Solid knowledge of well control, directional drilling, and completion techniques.
• Experience with drilling simulation software and performance tracking.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling plans, well design, and trajectories.
• Direct day-to-day drilling operations and oversee crews and service providers.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental policies, and procedures.
• Monitor performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage drilling-related costs and budgets.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and end-of-well reviews; share lessons learned.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and select appropriate equipment.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

HSE compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Performance tracking tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity within the Oil & Gas sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA . This role is central to the planning, execution, and optimization of complex drilling operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing drilling programs, managing rig operations, ensuring safety and environmental compliance, and controlling costs. This position requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage challenging drilling projects and drive efficiency in operations. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in enhancing the company's drilling performance and contributing to its success in the Port Elizabeth region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans and programs, including well design and trajectory.
• Manage day-to-day drilling operations, overseeing rig crews and third-party service providers.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, environmental policies, and operational procedures.
• Monitor drilling performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to optimize efficiency.
• Manage drilling-related costs and ensure projects are completed within budget.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings, end-of-well reviews, and lessons learned sessions.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior drilling engineers.
• Evaluate and select appropriate drilling equipment and technologies.
• Collaborate with subsurface and operations teams to achieve drilling objectives.
• Prepare detailed drilling reports and performance analyses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven track record in planning and executing offshore and/or onshore drilling operations.
• Strong understanding of well control principles, directional drilling, and completion techniques.
• Experience with drilling simulation software and performance tracking tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations in the South African context is a plus.
• Willingness to be based in or frequently travel to the Port Elizabeth area.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package of R per annum , commensurate with experience and expertise.

• health insurance
• retirement plan contributions
• performance-based bonuses

Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the organization are abundant. Join a reputable company committed to operational excellence and safety in the dynamic Eastern Cape region, working from our strategic hub in Port Elizabeth .