Senior Drilling Engineer - Offshore Operations Focus

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead offshore and complex onshore drilling programs from Centurion, Gauteng. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and cost control, partnering with geologists, geophysicists, and production engineers to deliver robust drilling plans.

You will oversee planning, execution, and optimization, supervise rig operations, perform wellbore stability assessments, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations while traveling to

Qualifications

• • Bachelor's degree in Petroleum, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• • 7+ years drilling engineering experience, offshore focus.
• • Experience developing and executing drilling plans for complex wells.

Responsibilities

• Develop drilling programs for offshore and complex wells.
• Plan and supervise drilling operations ensuring safety and policies.
• Select drilling equipment and techniques for projects.
• Design mud programs and analyze wellbore stability.
• Manage drilling fluids systems and hydraulics calculations.
• Supervise rig operations and troubleshoot issues.
• Prepare drilling performance reports and optimize costs.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and production engineers.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Drilling expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading force in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer to join their operational team. This demanding role is based in Centurion, Gauteng, ZA , and will involve significant oversight of complex drilling projects, primarily focused on offshore operations and potential exploration ventures. The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, execution, and optimization of drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This position requires extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of drilling technologies and best practices. You will be a key contributor to project success, working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence in challenging environments. The role requires a commitment to on-site presence for critical operational phases and project coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and operational plans for offshore and complex onshore wells.
• Plan and supervise drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and techniques.
• Perform wellbore stability analysis and mud program design.
• Manage drilling fluid systems and hydraulics calculations.
• Supervise rig operations, troubleshoot drilling problems, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct post-drilling analysis and prepare comprehensive drilling performance reports.
• Manage drilling-related costs and optimize drilling efficiency.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and production engineers to achieve drilling objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion focused on offshore operations.
• Proven experience in developing and executing drilling plans for complex wells.
• Strong understanding of drilling fluid technology, wellbore stability, and directional drilling.
• Familiarity with various drilling rig types and associated equipment.
• Experience with drilling simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make critical decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of South African drilling regulations and operational considerations is a plus.
• Must be willing to travel and spend time on operational sites as required by the project.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package. This includes comprehensive medical coverage, a provident fund, and opportunities for advanced training and professional development. The role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects within the Oil & Gas industry and contribute to significant energy developments in South Africa. A structured career progression path is available for high performers. This position requires a dedicated individual committed to operational excellence and safety.