Senior Drilling Engineer — On‑Site in Gauteng (Soweto)

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Bonus program

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to oversee drilling operations around Soweto, Gauteng. The role focuses on planning, execution, and optimization of drilling campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency, and budget adherence.

You will work closely with geologists and engineers on trajectory design, mud programs, cementing strategies, and well control; mentor junior staff; manage service contracts; and drive improvements in performance while on-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in drilling engineering with focus on operations.
• Extensive knowledge of drilling fluids, cementation, well control, and completions.
• Experience planning and executing complex drilling programs.
• Proficient in drilling simulation software and Microsoft Office.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations and best practices in oil and gas.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills; problem solving and decision making.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with directional drilling and complex well trajectories.
• Familiarity with Gauteng region operating conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans including trajectory, casing design, mud program, and cementing strategy.
• Supervise drilling operations for safety, efficiency and cost control.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and daily operational reviews with rig crews.
• Monitor drilling progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and provide real-time solutions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, standards and regulations.
• Manage drilling service contracts and procure equipment.
• Prepare end-of-well reports and analyze performance data.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to optimize strategies.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers with technical guidance.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Time management

Pressure handling

Education

BSc Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to oversee drilling operations around Soweto, Gauteng. The role focuses on planning, execution, and optimization of drilling campaigns, ensuring safety, efficiency, and budget adherence.

You will work closely with geologists and engineers on trajectory design, mud programs, cementing strategies, and well control; mentor junior staff; manage service contracts; and drive improvements in performance while on-site