Senior Drilling Engineer - Richards Bay

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Energy sector leader

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Engineer based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will plan, design, and supervise drilling operations across onshore and offshore wells, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost control.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, interpret real-time data, and drive optimization initiatives while complying with SA regulations and company standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering.
• 7+ years of drilling engineering experience in Oil & Gas.
• Experience planning and executing wells (exploration, development, unconventional).
• Familiarity with drilling equipment and technologies.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of well control principles and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design onshore and offshore wells including trajectory, casing programs, and cementing strategies.
• Develop detailed drilling programs, cost estimates, and operational procedures.
• Supervise drilling rig operations ensuring safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor drilling progress, analyze real-time data, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage drilling fluid programs, equipment, and service providers.
• Prepare daily drilling reports and technical summaries.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and other disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Drilling software

Data analysis

Well control

Safety procedures

Drilling equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their operations based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This position is crucial for the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing well plans, managing drilling rig operations, and optimizing drilling performance. We are looking for a technically proficient engineer with a deep understanding of drilling technologies, potential hazards, and mitigation strategies. This role requires strong leadership and hands-on experience in managing complex drilling projects. Join our client's dedicated team and play a vital role in their ongoing success in the South African energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and design onshore and offshore drilling wells, including trajectory, casing programs, and cementing strategies.
• Develop detailed drilling programs, cost estimates, and operational procedures.
• Supervise drilling rig operations, ensuring adherence to safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor drilling progress, analyze real-time data, and implement corrective actions to overcome challenges.
• Manage drilling fluid programs, equipment, and service providers.
• Conduct post-drilling analysis to identify lessons learned and improve future operations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Work closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, and other disciplines to achieve drilling objectives.
• Manage drilling-related risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Prepare daily drilling reports and technical summaries.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience in planning and executing various types of wells (e.g., exploration, development, unconventional).
• Strong knowledge of drilling equipment, tools, and technologies.
• Familiarity with drilling simulation software and data analysis.
• Excellent understanding of well control principles and safety procedures.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex projects.
• Experience in the South African regulatory environment is advantageous.
• Must be available to work on-site in Richards Bay.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and international assignments.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Generous paid time off and other company benefits.
• Be part of a leading company in the energy sector.