Senior Drilling Engineer - Deepwater Exploration

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 urgently seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer for offshore deepwater operations based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on planning, executing and supervising drilling campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency and cost control across offshore exploration programs.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years in drilling, strong well-control and risk management skills, and IWCF Level 4 certification. International travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive drilling engineering experience with deepwater/offshore focus.
• Strong well design, casing/cementing, mud program knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs for deepwater wells.
• Lead well design, casing/cementing, and mud programs.
• Conduct risk assessments and contingency planning.
• Oversee operations, safety compliance, and cost control.
• Manage drilling performance, costs, and schedules.
• Coordinate with rig contractors and service providers.
• Monitor wellbore stability and fluid properties.
• Ensure well control and hazard management.
• Prepare post-well reports and lessons learned.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Deepwater drilling

Drilling engineering

Well control

Risk management

Offshore operations

Leadership and communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Performance tracking tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major international energy company, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Drilling Engineer for its operations. This challenging role is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , providing strategic access to offshore exploration activities. The Senior Drilling Engineer will be responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations, focusing on deepwater exploration wells. This position requires extensive technical expertise in drilling engineering, well control, risk management, and offshore operations. You will work as part of a dedicated team, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling campaigns. Our client is committed to pushing the boundaries of offshore exploration, utilizing advanced technologies and adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned drilling professional to contribute to significant energy projects and advance their career in the dynamic oil and gas sector within South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and procedures for deepwater exploration wells.
• Perform well design and engineering, including casing design, cementing, and mud programs.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans for drilling operations.
• Oversee drilling operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage drilling performance, costs, and schedules, identifying opportunities for optimization.
• Liaise with rig contractors, service companies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor wellbore stability and fluid properties, making necessary adjustments.
• Ensure effective well control and manage any potential hazards.
• Prepare post-well reports and conduct lessons learned sessions to improve future operations.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with a significant focus on deepwater and offshore exploration .
• Proven expertise in well planning, casing/cementing design, and drilling fluid technology.
• Strong knowledge of well control principles and equipment (BOPs, etc.).
• Experience with offshore drilling rigs and marine operations.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and performance tracking tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage teams and stakeholders effectively.
• IWCF Level 4 certification or equivalent is mandatory.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, generous performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a robust retirement savings plan. Opportunities for international travel and career progression within a global organization are significant. Relocation assistance to Durban is available. The company fosters a strong safety culture and invests heavily in employee training and development, ensuring access to the latest technologies and methodologies in the challenging field of deepwater drilling.