Senior Drilling Engineer - Hybrid Lead, Ops & Optimization

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Hybrid work

Professional development

Paid time off

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer to join its operations team in Tembisa, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to drive safe, efficient drilling operations and cost control.

You will plan, execute and supervise drilling campaigns, mentor engineers, coordinate with geoscientists and service providers, and ensure regulatory compliance. A strong track record in oil and gas, well control, and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in drilling engineering, including operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs, casing design, cementing and mud plans.
• Supervise operations on-site and remotely, ensuring safety and policy adherence.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for drilling hazards.
• Manage drilling contracts and service providers, controlling costs and performance.
• Analyze drilling data and metrics to identify improvements and best practices.
• Troubleshoot drilling issues (stuck pipe, lost circulation, wellbore instability).
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with geoscientists and reservoir engineers to optimize well trajectories.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and provide technical support.
• Participate in post-well reviews and lessons learned sessions.

Skills

Drilling operations

Well control

Leadership

Risk assessment

Contract management

Data analysis

Education

Petroleum Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer to join its operations team in Tembisa, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to drive safe, efficient drilling operations and cost control.

You will plan, execute and supervise drilling campaigns, mentor engineers, coordinate with geoscientists and service providers, and ensure regulatory compliance. A strong track record in oil and gas, well control, and leadership is essential.