Senior Drilling Engineer

Placements24; Randfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance bonuses

Accommodation on site

Health and wellness programs

Career advancement

Diverse drilling projects

Retirement and life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is working with a major Oil & Gas operator to recruit a Senior Drilling Engineer for on-site field-based work in Rustenburg, North West. You will plan, execute and supervise drilling campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency and cost control across exploration to development wells.

You will lead drilling crews, liaise with service providers and regulators, optimize well trajectories, and deliver end-of-well reports.

Qualifications

• Degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years hands-on drilling engineering experience with supervisory roles.
• Experience planning and executing complex drilling operations.
• Knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, well control, and directional drilling.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation and reporting software.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling programs for exploration to development wells.
• Supervise on-site drilling operations and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Manage drilling rigs, equipment selection, personnel, and logistics.
• Oversee drilling fluids, casing, cementing, and directional services.
• Review daily operations data and implement efficiency improvements.
• Assess drilling risks and plan contingencies for well control or failures.
• Collaborate with geologists and engineers to meet well objectives.
• Prepare end-of-well reports with performance and cost analysis.
• Ensure adherence to industry best practices and company policies.
• Manage relationships with drilling contractors and service providers.

Skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Leadership

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to travel

Work under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

StressCheck

WellView

COMPASS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the Oil & Gas sector, is looking for an experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their operational team based in Rustenburg, North West. This is a field-based role requiring regular presence at operational sites and project locations. You will be responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations, ensuring they are conducted safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. The role involves deep engagement with drilling crews, service providers, and regulatory bodies. Your expertise will be crucial in managing complex drilling challenges, optimizing well trajectories, and ensuring the integrity of wells. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical drilling campaigns within a company committed to operational excellence and safety in the demanding Oil & Gas environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and procedures for various well types, including exploration, appraisal, and development wells.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety standards, operational procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Manage drilling rig operations, including equipment selection, personnel deployment, and logistics.
• Oversee the selection and management of drilling fluids, casing programs, cementing, and directional drilling services.
• Conduct daily drilling operations reviews, analyze performance data, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage drilling-related risks and develop contingency plans for potential well control events or equipment failures.
• Liaise with geologists, reservoir engineers, and production engineers to ensure well objectives are met.
• Prepare end-of-well reports, summarizing performance, lessons learned, and cost analysis.
• Ensure compliance with all industry best practices and company policies related to drilling operations.
• Manage relationships with drilling contractors and service companies, ensuring high performance and cost control.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion spent in supervisory roles on drilling rigs.
• Proven experience in planning and executing complex drilling operations.
• Strong understanding of drilling equipment, downhole tools, well control principles, and directional drilling techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant software for drilling simulation and reporting (e.g., StressCheck, WellView, COMPASS).
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding operational environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and influence teams.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to operational sites.
• Medical fitness for field operations.
• Experience in the Oil & Gas sector is mandatory.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your experience and responsibilities.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Company-provided accommodation and subsistence when on site.
• Comprehensive health, safety, and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading Oil & Gas company.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging drilling projects.
• Retirement fund and life insurance benefits.
• Regular rotational leave cycle.