Senior Drilling Engineer - Remote Operations & Planning

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer for a fully remote role supporting operations that may be linked to sites near Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on planning, design, and oversight of drilling activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while coordinating with field teams and management.

The ideal candidate will have 9+ years in drilling engineering, strong well planning capabilities, and proficiency with Landmark and Schlumberger software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 9+ years of progressive drilling engineering experience.
• Experience with complex well designs (horizontal, directional, unconventional).
• Knowledge of drilling hydraulics, well control, cement evaluation, formation evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs including trajectory, casing, cementing, and mud plans.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and HAZID studies to mitigate risks.
• Oversee drilling operations remotely and monitor KPIs.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges to ensure safe progress.
• Manage drilling service contracts and contractors for compliance and performance.
• Aim to maximize rate of penetration and minimize NPT.

Skills

Well planning

Drilling hydraulics

Remote operations

IWCF certified

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Landmark

Schlumberger software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative player in the global oil and gas industry, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their esteemed team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. The role will focus on the meticulous planning, design, and execution oversight of drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You will collaborate with field teams, onshore support, and management to achieve operational excellence. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute their expertise to challenging projects while enjoying the benefits of a remote-first work environment, supporting operations that may include sites near **Vereeniging, Gauteng**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs, including trajectory design, casing, cementing, and mud plans.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and HAZID studies to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Oversee drilling operations remotely, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and provide timely technical support.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and provide solutions to ensure safe and efficient drilling progress.
• Manage drilling-related service contracts and contractors, ensuring compliance and performance.
• Optimize drilling parameters to maximize rate of penetration (ROP) and minimize non-productive time (NPT).
• Prepare comprehensive post-well reports, analyze performance data, and identify lessons learned.
• Evaluate and recommend new drilling technologies and methodologies.
• Ensure adherence to all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Maintain effective communication with field personnel, management, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering, with a strong focus on well planning and execution.
• Proven experience with complex well designs, including horizontal, directional, and unconventional wells.
• Solid understanding of drilling hydraulics, well control, cement evaluation, and formation evaluation principles.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software (e.g., Landmark, Schlumberger suites).
• Experience in remote operations management and effective communication across distributed teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal abilities.
• Valid IWCF certification is required.
• Experience with operations in **South Africa** or similar challenging basins is preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. As a fully remote position, it provides unparalleled flexibility and work‑life balance. This role supports operations potentially linked to the **Vereeniging** region, offering a chance to impact significant projects from your home office.