Senior Drilling Engineer - Complex Wells

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work model

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer for complex well design and execution based in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa. The role supports HPHT, deep wells and unconventional reservoirs, coordinating with geology, geophysics, and reservoir teams, while working in a hybrid model.

You will lead planning, design and cost estimation, oversee contractors, mentor junior engineers, and drive safety and efficiency across drilling programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• Minimum 8 years in drilling engineering with a focus on complex well design.
• Experience in HPHT, deepwater, or unconventional drilling operations.
• Proficiency with drilling software WellCAT, StressCheck, Compass.
• Experience in managing drilling contracts and service providers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and optimize drilling programs for complex wells, including casing design and fluid systems.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation planning for drilling hazards.
• Prepare drilling cost estimates and manage drilling budgets.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services.
• Oversee drilling operations and provide technical support.
• Ensure compliance with policies, industry practices and regulations.
• Collaborate with geology, geophysics, and reservoir teams to meet well objectives.
• Manage relationships with drilling contractors and service providers.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and share knowledge.
• Analyze drilling performance data and implement lessons learned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

WellCAT

StressCheck

Compass

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading independent producer in the Oil & Gas industry, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer with a specialization in complex well design and execution. This role, based in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA , operates on a hybrid model, offering flexibility while ensuring essential on-site presence and collaboration. The Senior Drilling Engineer will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing challenging drilling operations, including deep wells, unconventional reservoirs, and high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) environments. Your expertise in drilling technology, risk management, and cost optimization will be paramount. You will work within a dedicated team focused on achieving drilling efficiency, safety, and technical success, contributing significantly to the company's exploration and development objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and optimize drilling programs for complex wells, considering geological conditions, casing design, trajectory, and fluid systems.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for potential drilling hazards.
• Prepare drilling cost estimates and manage drilling budgets effectively.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services.
• Oversee drilling operations, providing technical support and troubleshooting as needed.
• Ensure all drilling activities comply with company policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with subsurface teams (geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering) to ensure well objectives are met.
• Manage relationships with drilling contractors and service providers.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Analyze drilling performance data and implement lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with a strong focus on complex well design and execution.
• Proven experience with HPHT, deepwater, or unconventional drilling operations.
• Proficiency in drilling engineering software (e.g., WellCAT, StressCheck, Compass).
• Solid understanding of well control principles, casing design, cementing, and completion practices.
• Experience in managing drilling contracts and service providers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balanced lifestyle, with the primary office located in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . Opportunities for advanced technical training and professional development are readily available. Join a respected company known for its commitment to innovation and operational excellence in the challenging Oil & Gas sector.