Senior Drilling Engineer - Oil & Gas

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Drilling Engineer to lead drilling operations in George. You will plan, supervise, and optimize drilling programs for oil and gas projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of drilling experience with well planning, MPD, and directional drilling, plus strong knowledge of equipment and HSE standards. Excellent leadership and communication skills are essential for coordinating contractors and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in drilling engineering, focused on oil and gas operations.
• Proven experience in well planning, directional drilling, and MPD.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, and completion techniques.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations and best practices in energy.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design drilling programs, including casing design, well control, and fluid selection.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site, ensuring safety and adherence to plans.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers, overseeing equipment performance and costs.
• Analyze drilling data, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Prepare detailed drilling reports, cost estimates, and performance analyses.
• Stay abreast of new drilling technologies to improve efficiency and safety.

Skills

Decision-making

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Drilling Engineer to contribute to their vital operations in George. This role is critical for the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations in the oil and gas sector. You will be responsible for ensuring that all drilling activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations. The successful candidate will leverage extensive technical expertise to manage drilling projects from conception to completion, driving operational success and innovation in a challenging environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design drilling programs, including casing design, well control, and fluid selection.
• Supervise drilling operations on-site, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational plans.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers, overseeing equipment performance and costs.
• Analyze drilling data, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Prepare detailed drilling reports, cost estimates, and performance analyses.
• Stay abreast of new drilling technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in drilling engineering, with a significant focus on oil and gas operations.
• Proven experience in well planning, directional drilling, and managed pressure drilling (MPD).
• In-depth knowledge of drilling equipment, downhole tools, and completion techniques.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations and best practices in the energy sector.
• Excellent decision‑making, project management, and communication abilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with annual performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Opportunities for international travel and project involvement.
• Robust training programs and career advancement pathways.