Senior Drilling Engineer: Lead, Optimize & Develop Wells

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company housing allowance

Transportation allowance

Health insurance

Performance bonus

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa, seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee drilling campaigns in the oil and gas sector. You will plan, execute, and supervise all drilling activities, manage risks, and optimize performance while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Lead the team of drilling engineers and rig crews, set programs, manage budgets, and coordinate with equipment vendors. A bachelor’s degree and 12+ years in drilling (3+ in leadership) plus strong HSE knowledge and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years drilling engineering experience, with at least 3 years in leadership in Oil & Gas.
• Deep knowledge of drilling techniques, well control, and formation evaluation.
• Experience with directional drilling, MPD, and automated drilling systems.
• Strong understanding of HSE standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling programs and procedures with safety and environmental compliance.
• Select drilling equipment and services; manage vendor relationships.
• Supervise on-site drilling operations providing technical support.
• Conduct daily performance reviews; identify and address issues.
• Manage budgets; track costs and optimize drilling efficiency.
• Mentor and develop junior drilling engineers and rig crews.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Leadership

HSE knowledge

Well control

Directional drilling

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MPD (Managed Pressure Dr drilling)

Automated drilling systems

Job description

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa, seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to oversee drilling campaigns in the oil and gas sector. You will plan, execute, and supervise all drilling activities, manage risks, and optimize performance while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Lead the team of drilling engineers and rig crews, set programs, manage budgets, and coordinate with equipment vendors. A bachelor’s degree and 12+ years in drilling (3+ in leadership) plus strong HSE knowledge and