Senior Drilling Engineer - Upstream Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Advanced training

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Senior Drilling Engineer to lead drilling projects with focus on safety, efficiency, and cost control. You will design wells, oversee casing/cementing, and ensure compliance.

You will work with geologists and production teams, manage budgets, and mentor junior engineers while maintaining high environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of hands-on drilling engineering experience.
• Proven expertise in drilling operations, well planning and well control.
• Strong HSE knowledge and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans including well design, casing and cementing.
• Oversee daily drilling operations ensuring safety and policy compliance.
• Perform well control calculations and remedial procedures.
• Select equipment and services to meet operational needs.
• Monitor performance, analyze data and optimize drilling efficiency.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers and production teams.
• Manage drilling budgets and mentor junior engineers.
• Ensure environmental regulations and best practices are followed.

Skills

Drilling engineering

Well planning

Directional drilling

Well control

Data analysis

HSE compliance

Team leadership

Drilling software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Oil & Gas exploration and production sector, is seeking to appoint a highly skilled Senior Drilling Engineer to their operational team based in Rustenburg, North West . This critical role is responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of drilling operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in various drilling techniques, well control, and formation evaluation. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to challenging projects in a growth-oriented environment, where your expertise will be vital in achieving operational objectives and upholding the highest industry standards. You will be at the forefront of innovation in drilling technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive drilling plans and programs, including well design, casing design, and cementing strategies.
• Manage and oversee daily drilling operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
• Perform rigorous well control calculations and procedures to mitigate risks.
• Select appropriate drilling equipment, tools, and services to meet operational requirements.
• Monitor drilling performance, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to optimize drilling efficiency.
• Conduct post-drilling analysis and prepare detailed reports on well operations and performance.
• Collaborate effectively with geologists, reservoir engineers, and production teams to ensure well objectives are met.
• Manage drilling budgets and control costs associated with drilling operations.
• Mentor junior drilling engineers and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in drilling engineering, preferably within the upstream Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven expertise in drilling operations, well planning, directional drilling, and well control.
• Proficiency in drilling simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) regulations and best practices in drilling.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex operations.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with experience leading technical teams.
• Experience working in challenging geological conditions is a plus.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health insurance
• a retirement savings plan
• generous paid time off
• Opportunities for continuous professional development
• advanced training
• career progression within the company
• This role is based in Rustenburg, North West , providing access to a thriving community
• You will be joining a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and employee well-being.