Senior Drilling Engineer - Oil & Gas Operations

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer for its George, Western Cape operations. You will design well plans, manage rig operations, and troubleshoot drilling challenges, ensuring safety, efficiency and cost control.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 7 years of drilling experience in onshore and/or offshore environments. Strong leadership, communication, and HSE awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• 7+ years of hands-on drilling engineering experience.
• Experience in onshore and/or offshore drilling.
• Proficiency in well planning software and data analysis.
• Knowledge of drilling fluids, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions.
• Understanding of HSE regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and well designs.
• Plan and execute drilling operations with safety and policy compliance.
• Manage rig-site activities and supervise crews.
• Address issues like lost circulation, kicks, and stuck pipe.
• Prepare post-well analyses and drilling performance reports.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers for optimal well placement.
• Develop contingency plans for drilling risks.
• Oversee procurement of drilling services and equipment.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently and costs controlled.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Well planning software

Drilling data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading force in the Oil & Gas exploration and production industry, seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer for their operations in George, Western Cape. This pivotal role involves the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The Senior Drilling Engineer will be responsible for designing well plans, managing rig operations, and troubleshooting complex drilling challenges. We are looking for an experienced professional with a robust background in various drilling environments and a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards. This position offers a chance to contribute to significant projects and influence operational excellence within a globally recognized organization. The successful candidate will be instrumental in optimizing drilling performance and mitigating risks associated with well construction. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong leadership presence are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and well designs, including casing and cementing strategies.
• Plan and execute drilling operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Manage rig site activities, supervise drilling crews, and monitor operational performance.
• Identify and address drilling problems, such as lost circulation, kicks, and stuck pipe, and implement solutions.
• Conduct post-well analysis and prepare detailed drilling performance reports.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and other disciplines to ensure optimal well placement and reservoir interface.
• Manage drilling-related risks and develop contingency plans.
• Oversee the procurement of drilling services and equipment.
• Mentor and guide junior drilling engineers.
• Ensure efficient utilization of resources and cost control throughout drilling campaigns.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in drilling engineering within the Oil & Gas sector.
• Demonstrated experience in onshore and/or offshore drilling operations.
• Proficiency in well planning software and drilling data analysis.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluids, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make critical decisions.
• Proven track record of successful well delivery in complex environments.
• Understanding of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.
• Must possess valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, excellent health insurance coverage, and a contributory retirement fund.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth are abundant.
• This role offers the chance to be part of impactful projects in the Oil & Gas industry at our George location, with a flexible Hybrid work model balancing site and office responsibilities.