Senior Drilling Engineer - Complex Well Operations

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer in Bloemfontein to lead challenging drilling campaigns in the Free State. You will plan and execute complex well programs, supervise on-site drilling operations, and manage cost estimates while ensuring strict HSE compliance and collaboration with geologists and production engineers.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of drilling engineering experience, with HPHT well design exposure, strong drilling fluids knowledge, and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in drilling engineering with onshore/offshore focus.
• Experience planning/executing complex well designs incl. HPHT.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluids, cement slurries, directional drilling, well control.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Strong HSE management systems & risk assessment understanding.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design complex well programs including casing and cementing designs.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site and provide technical support to rig crews.
• Develop drilling cost estimates and monitor expenditures.
• Conduct drilling risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and implement solutions.
• Ensure adherence to HSE regulations.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir, and production engineers.
• Manage procurement of drilling services and equipment.
• Prepare detailed drilling reports and post-well analyses.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and contribute to team development in Bloemfontein.

Skills

HPHT drilling

Drilling fluids

Well control

Data analysis

Leadership

Contractor management

On-site supervision

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to manage challenging drilling operations in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling campaigns. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of drilling engineering principles, advanced drilling techniques, and risk management. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing all drilling activities, ensuring compliance with industry best practices and regulatory standards. This is a hands‑on role that offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to key projects in the energy industry within the Free State province.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design complex well programs, including casing and cementing designs.


• Supervise drilling operations on-site and provide technical support to rig crews.


• Develop drilling cost estimates and monitor expenditures throughout the project lifecycle.


• Conduct drilling risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.


• Troubleshoot drilling problems and implement effective solutions.


• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.


• Work closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, and production engineers.


• Manage the procurement of drilling services and equipment.


• Prepare detailed drilling reports and post-well analyses.


• Mentor junior drilling engineers and contribute to team development in Bloemfontein.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with a focus on onshore or offshore operations.


• Proven experience in planning and executing complex well designs, including high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) wells.


• Strong knowledge of drilling fluids, cement slurries, directional drilling, and well control.


• Proficiency with drilling simulation software and data analysis tools.


• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.


• Strong understanding of HSE management systems and risk assessment techniques.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a demanding environment.


• Ability to manage contractors and service providers effectively.


• Must hold valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a strong base salary, annual bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits program. This includes health insurance, a generous retirement plan, and paid time off. We invest in our employees' professional growth through specialized training and development programs. Working in Bloemfontein provides a unique opportunity to be part of significant energy projects within the Free State, contributing to the nation's energy future.