Senior Drilling Engineer - Offshore Projects

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

International assignments

Professional growth

Advanced training and development

Job summary

Placements24 client seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead planning, execution and management of offshore drilling operations in challenging environments. You will develop drilling programs, select equipment, supervise on-site or remote operations, and contribute to deepwater exploration programs in the North West region.

The role demands 8+ years of drilling experience, strong MPD and BOP knowledge, and IWCF certification, with leadership and cross-disciplinary collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands‑on drilling engineering experience with offshore exposure.
• Demonstrated expertise in well planning software, directional drilling and MPD techniques.
• Strong understanding of subsea well construction, BOP systems and marine operations.
• Valid IWCF certification is required.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem‑solving skills in high‑pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans and programs, including well design and fluid selection.
• Manage procurement and coordination of rigs, equipment, and specialized services.
• Supervise drilling operations with adherence to safety and environmental rules.
• Conduct pre-job safety meetings, risk assessments and post-well reviews.
• Analyze drilling data in real‑time to optimize parameters and mitigate risks.
• Interface with geology, reservoir and completion teams for seamless handover.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer to join their prestigious team in Rustenburg , focusing on challenging offshore oil and gas projects . This role is critical for planning, executing, and managing all aspects of drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will be responsible for developing detailed drilling programs, selecting appropriate equipment and services, and providing on-site supervision or remote oversight as required. This is a prime opportunity for a seasoned drilling professional to contribute to significant deepwater exploration and development campaigns in the North West province .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans and programs, including well design, casing schemes, and fluid selection for complex offshore wells .
• Manage the procurement and coordination of drilling rigs, equipment, and specialized services to meet project timelines and budgets.
• Supervise drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations, environmental policies, and operational best practices.
• Conduct pre-job safety meetings, risk assessments, and post-well performance reviews.
• Analyze drilling data in real-time to optimize drilling parameters and mitigate potential risks, such as kicks or stuck pipe.
• Interface with geology, reservoir, and completion engineering teams to ensure seamless well construction and handover.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands‑on experience in drilling engineering, with significant exposure to offshore operations .
• Demonstrated expertise in well planning software, directional drilling, and managed pressure drilling (MPD) techniques.
• Strong understanding of subsea well construction, blowout preventer (BOP) systems, and marine operations.
• Valid IWCF certification is required.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills in high‑pressure environments.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Exposure to pioneering offshore drilling technologies and challenging projects.
• Opportunities for international assignments and professional growth.
• Relocation support available for qualified candidates moving to Rustenburg .
• Access to advanced training and development programs within the oil and gas sector.