Senior Drilling Engineer - Offshore Operations

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Training programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng (Tembisa area) is seeking a seasoned Senior Drilling Engineer to lead planning, execution and supervision of complex drilling programs. You will design casing/cementing programs, select fluids, coordinate rig operations, and mentor junior engineers in a hybrid role balancing on-site and remote work.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering, 7+ years in drilling, strong well-control knowledge, and proven delivery of HPHT projects in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in drilling engineering, with hands-on operational exposure.
• Experience with HPHT wells and well control principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans and programs for exploration and development wells.
• Design and execute casing and cementing programs to ensure well integrity.
• Select and manage drilling fluids, bit programs, and other drilling consumables.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site and provide remote technical support to rig crews.
• Conduct daily drilling performance reviews and implement corrective actions.
• Manage drilling risks and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Oversee equipment selection, mobilization, and demobilization.
• Prepare post-well reports and conduct lessons learned sessions.
• Liaise with contractors, vendors, and other service providers.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and contribute to team development.

Skills

Drilling engineering

HPHT wells

Well control

Directional drilling

MWD/LWD

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major integrated energy company, is looking for a seasoned Senior Drilling Engineer to join their operations team, primarily based in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA , with a hybrid work arrangement. This pivotal role involves the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations for complex wells, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will be responsible for developing drilling programs, managing casing and cementing designs, and overseeing rig operations. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical background in drilling engineering, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a proven track record of successful project delivery in challenging environments. This position requires a blend of on-site presence and remote coordination, offering a dynamic work experience within South Africa's burgeoning energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans and programs for exploration and development wells.
• Design and execute casing and cementing programs to ensure well integrity.
• Select and manage drilling fluids, bit programs, and other drilling consumables.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site and provide remote technical support to rig crews.
• Conduct daily drilling performance reviews and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage drilling risks and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Oversee equipment selection, mobilization, and demobilization.
• Prepare post-well reports and conduct lessons learned sessions.
• Liaise with contractors, vendors, and other service providers.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and contribute to team development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling engineering, with significant hands-on operational experience.
• Proven ability to design and manage complex drilling operations, including high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) wells.
• Solid understanding of well control principles and equipment.
• Experience with directional drilling and MWD/LWD operations.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and planning tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote duties with on-site requirements.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Experience in the South African energy sector is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, specialized training programs, and exposure to diverse drilling projects. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while ensuring operational effectiveness. This role based in Tembisa, Gauteng , offers significant career growth potential within a globally recognized energy organization.