Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical & dental insurance

Retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead drilling campaigns from our Polokwane operations centre. The role focuses on safe, efficient, and cost‑effective well construction and performance optimization.

You will plan and supervise drilling programs, select equipment, and manage on‑site operations while mentoring teams and collaborating with cross‑functional groups to drive exploration projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of drilling engineering experience with a strong track record in planning and execution.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, well control, and directional drilling techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and operational plans, including casing and cementing strategies.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and techniques to optimize performance and minimize costs.
• Manage drilling operations on-site, providing technical supervision and troubleshooting expertise.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards.
• Analyze drilling data to identify areas for performance improvement and cost reduction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is recruiting a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their upstream operations team based in Polokwane . This role is crucial for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling operations for oil and gas wells. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and supervising drilling campaigns, managing risks, and optimizing drilling performance. This is a significant opportunity to apply your expertise in a challenging environment and contribute to key energy exploration initiatives from our Polokwane operational center, fostering a culture of safety and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling programs and operational plans, including casing and cementing strategies.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and techniques to optimize performance and minimize costs.
• Manage drilling operations on-site, providing technical supervision and troubleshooting expertise.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards.
• Analyze drilling data to identify areas for performance improvement and cost reduction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling engineering , with a strong track record in planning and execution.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, well control, and directional drilling techniques.
• Familiarity with drilling software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and a robust performance bonus program.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to Polokwane .
• Access to advanced drilling technologies and professional development opportunities.
• Integral role in strategic energy exploration and production projects.