Senior Drilling Engineer - Subsurface Operations (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Executive-level salary

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Engineer for a fully remote role in the Oil & Gas sector. The candidate will plan, design, and manage drilling campaigns with a focus on safety, efficiency, and cost control from a virtual command center.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of hands-on drilling experience (offshore and onshore), strong well control knowledge, and proficiency with WellPlan/StressCheck.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on drilling engineering experience offshore and onshore.
• Proficiency with drilling simulation software such as WellPlan and StressCheck.
• Strong knowledge of well control principles; IWCF certification is a plus.
• Experience with directional drilling, complex well trajectories, and risk management.
• Ability to lead remote teams and collaborate across time zones.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and execution plans for various well types.
• Perform well design calculations, including casing design, cementing, and trajectory planning.
• Specify drilling equipment and services, and manage contractor performance.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and oversee daily drilling operations remotely.
• Implement and monitor real-time drilling data to optimize performance and mitigate risks.
• Ensure strict adherence to HSE policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage drilling budgets and control operational expenditures.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop effective solutions.
• Prepare post-drill analysis reports and recommend improvements for future operations.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Remote teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

WellPlan

StressCheck

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Drilling Engineer to join their remote operations team. This position is integral to our subsurface operations, focusing on the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling campaigns. The role is predominantly remote, allowing our client to access elite engineering talent globally. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and managing drilling operations, ensuring adherence to the highest safety and environmental standards. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence drilling strategies and contribute to the success of critical exploration and development projects from a virtual command center. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in complex well construction and a deep understanding of drilling fluid mechanics, well control, and directional drilling techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed drilling programs and execution plans for various well types.
• Perform well design calculations, including casing design, cementing, and trajectory planning.
• Specify drilling equipment and services, and manage contractor performance.
• Conduct pre-spud meetings and oversee daily drilling operations remotely.
• Implement and monitor real-time drilling data to optimize performance and mitigate risks.
• Ensure strict adherence to HSE policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage drilling budgets and control operational expenditures.
• Troubleshoot drilling problems and develop effective solutions.
• Prepare post-drill analysis reports and recommend improvements for future operations.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in drilling engineering, including offshore and onshore operations.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software (e.g., WellPlan, StressCheck) and relevant industry tools.
• Strong knowledge of well control principles (e.g., IWCF certification is a plus).
• Experience with directional drilling, horizontal wells, and complex well trajectories.
• Proven ability to manage drilling risks and develop contingency plans.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills, essential for remote team collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing drilling operations is advantageous.
• Must be eligible for remote work and comfortable managing operations across different time zones.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Our client offers a competitive executive‑level salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and certifications, are readily available.
• You will be part of a globally recognized leader in the Oil & Gas industry, contributing to high‑impact projects.
• The company values innovation and provides a supportive, collaborative virtual work environment.
• Relocation is not required, allowing you to work from your preferred location.