Senior Drilling Engineer - Offshore Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Vision coverage

Training & international secondments

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer based in Cape Town to lead offshore drilling campaigns. The role emphasizes well design, execution, and optimization with a strong focus on safety and efficiency.

You will oversee rig selection, equipment, and personnel while driving performance improvements in challenging deepwater environments. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelors in Petroleum Engineering or related field, with 10+ years offshore drilling experience and expertise in MWD/LWD,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive drilling engineering experience, with substantial offshore exposure.
• Expertise in deepwater drilling operations and complex well construction.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, directional drilling, and MWD/LWD operations.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software and real-time data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive drilling programs and well plans.
• Manage drilling operations, including rig selection, equipment, and personnel.
• Oversee drilling activities, ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and cost control.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards.
• Optimize drilling performance through monitoring and analysis of key parameters.
• Manage wellbore integrity, cementing, and casing design.
• Provide technical support and guidance to drilling crews and field operations.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers.
• Prepare post-drill analyses and lessons learned reports.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Communication

Pressure handling

Mentorship

Drilling software

Real-time data analysis

Education

Bachelors in Petroleum Eng

Tools

Drilling software

Real-time data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international energy company, is seeking an accomplished Senior Drilling Engineer to oversee complex drilling operations. This critical role demands extensive expertise in well design, execution, and optimization, with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. Based in **Cape Town**, you will be responsible for managing drilling campaigns for offshore exploration and development projects, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards. Your contributions will be vital in navigating the technical challenges inherent in deepwater and challenging geological formations. This is an exceptional career opportunity within the **Oil & Gas** sector for an individual passionate about pushing the boundaries of drilling technology and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a demanding, results-oriented environment, contributing significantly to our strategic objectives in the region. You will be part of a high-performing team dedicated to responsible resource development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive drilling programs and well plans.
• Manage drilling operations, including rig selection, equipment, and personnel.
• Oversee the execution of drilling activities, ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and cost control.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies for drilling hazards.
• Optimize drilling performance through continuous monitoring and analysis of key parameters.
• Manage wellbore integrity, cementing, and casing design.
• Provide technical support and guidance to drilling crews and field operations.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling engineers.
• Prepare post-drill analysis and lessons learned reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with significant offshore experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in deepwater drilling operations and complex well construction.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, directional drilling, and MWD/LWD operations.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and real-time data analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage challenging operational situations.
• Valid IWCF Level 4 certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Extensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage is provided for employees and their dependents.
• The company invests in employee growth through continuous training programs and opportunities for international secondments.
• A robust retirement savings plan and generous annual leave are included.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to **Cape Town**.
• Our client fosters a culture of safety, innovation, and teamwork, with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
• This is an office-based role crucial for direct operational oversight.