Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health and retirement benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead drilling design, planning, and execution in and around Paarl, Western Cape. The role emphasizes safety, cost control, and operational excellence across on-site and field operations.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years of drilling experience, strong well control knowledge, and proven leadership. Hybrid work arrangement with focus on safety and performance in a prominent energy sector role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in drilling engineering with hands-on operational exposure.
• Experience planning and executing complex drilling campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of well control, casing design, cementing, and formation evaluation.
• Familiar with different drilling rigs and equipment.
• Proficient in drilling simulation software and engineering tools.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and costs.
• Commitment to safety and environmental protection.
• Experience in Western Cape operating conditions is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and procedures for various well types.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services to meet objectives.
• Manage drilling operations on-site, ensuring safety standards and best practices.
• Supervise drilling crews and contractors, fostering a safe, productive environment.
• Monitor drilling parameters in real time and adjust as needed.
• Lead daily progress and safety meetings with rig crew and stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and track costs, identifying efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the team.
• Stay updated on latest drilling technologies and techniques.

Skills

Drilling design

Well control

Budget management

Leadership

Project planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Engineering tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the energy sector, is seeking an accomplished Senior Drilling Engineer to join their growing team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for planning, executing, and managing all aspects of drilling operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will be responsible for designing well programs, selecting equipment, managing service providers, and troubleshooting complex drilling challenges. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in drilling operations, a strong understanding of well control principles, and excellent leadership capabilities. This hybrid position offers flexibility while requiring engagement with our operational base in Paarl .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and procedures for various well types.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services to meet operational objectives.
• Manage drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety standards and best practices.
• Supervise drilling crews and contractors, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
• Perform real-time monitoring of drilling parameters and make necessary adjustments.
• Conduct daily progress and safety meetings with the rig crew and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage drilling budgets and track operational costs, identifying areas for efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
• Stay updated on the latest drilling technologies and techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling engineering, with significant hands-on operational exposure.
• Proven experience in planning and executing complex drilling campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of well control, casing design, cementing, and formation evaluation.
• Familiarity with various drilling rig types and equipment.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and relevant engineering tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Commitment to safety and environmental protection.
• Experience in the Western Cape region's operating conditions is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses. We are dedicated to the professional growth of our employees, providing access to specialized training, industry certifications, and opportunities for career advancement. This hybrid role based in Paarl allows for a flexible work arrangement while maintaining strong team collaboration. Join our innovative energy company and play a key role in our drilling operations.