Senior Drilling Engineer - Oil & Gas Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to lead planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling activities. You will design drilling programs, manage rig operations, and troubleshoot complex challenges, ensuring safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The role requires 8+ years in drilling, strong knowledge of equipment and well control, and leadership to coordinate between offshore and onshore teams in a dynamic Oil & Gas environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of drilling engineering experience.
• Experience in onshore and offshore drilling operations.
• Knowledge of drilling equipment and industry standards.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling plans including well trajectory, casing design, cementing programs and fluid selection.
• Supervise rig site operations and ensure safety compliance.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers and monitor performance.
• Real-time monitoring of drilling parameters, identify hazards and mitigate.
• Analyze drilling performance and implement improvements to reduce costs.
• Prepare post-well reports documenting performance and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with rig crews, company personnel and external stakeholders.
• Oversee procurement of materials and services for drilling operations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Bachelors in Petroleum Eng

Tools

Drilling simulation

Well planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Oil & Gas sector, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their operations team based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role involves the planning, execution, and supervision of all drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing drilling programs, managing rig operations, and troubleshooting complex drilling challenges. This position requires a hands-on approach and a commitment to upholding the highest industry standards. The strategic location in Stellenbosch provides an excellent base for coordinating offshore and onshore drilling activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling plans, including well trajectory, casing design, cementing programs, and fluid selection.
• Supervise rig site operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, environmental policies, and operational procedures.
• Manage drilling contractors and service providers, overseeing performance and contract adherence.
• Conduct real-time monitoring of drilling parameters, identify potential hazards, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Analyze drilling performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices to optimize drilling efficiency and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot non-routine drilling problems, such as stuck pipe, lost circulation, and formation integrity issues.
• Prepare post-well drilling reports, documenting performance, lessons learned, and recommendations for future wells.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination among rig crews, company personnel, and external stakeholders.
• Manage the procurement of materials and services required for drilling operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of extensive experience in drilling engineering, with a significant portion spent in operational roles.
• Proven track record in planning and executing complex onshore and offshore drilling operations.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling equipment, techniques, and industry standards.
• Strong understanding of well control principles and procedures.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and well planning tools.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions in challenging field conditions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience working in or managing operations relevant to the Western Cape region is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package with performance-based incentives, reflecting the seniority and importance of this role. Comprehensive benefits include robust medical aid, a competitive provident fund, and extensive life and disability insurance. Significant opportunities for professional growth, specialized training, and advancement within the organization are available. The role is based in the vibrant city of Stellenbosch , offering a high quality of life. Join a forward-thinking company committed to operational excellence and safety in the dynamic Oil & Gas industry.