Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 646,000 - 1,199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily contractor rate

Hybrid work structure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to support operations in Benoni, Gauteng. The role focuses on the design, implementation and management of drilling fluid systems to optimise wellbore stability, drilling efficiency and cost control.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in fluid rheology, chemistry and testing, and will collaborate with on-site drilling teams while providing remote analysis and reporting. This hybrid position requires travel to rig sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years' experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in Oil & Gas.
• Experience designing/managing water- and oil-based drilling fluids.
• Strong knowledge of fluid rheology, hydraulics and downhole chemistry.
• Familiarity with drilling fluid testing equipment and procedures.
• Understanding environmental regulations for drilling fluids.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team; willing to travel for rig work.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems for specific well plans.
• Supervise on-site mixing and management of drilling fluids.
• Monitor fluid properties and adjust for optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid challenges and advise solutions.
• Conduct laboratory analysis of fluid samples.
• Prepare daily/end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Provide technical support and training to rig crews.
• Collaborate with geologists and drilling engineers to mitigate risks.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluids and equipment.

Skills

Drilling fluids design

Rheology & hydraulics

Laboratory testing

Environmental regulations

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering / Petroleum Engineering / Chemistry

Tools

Drilling fluid testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent service provider within the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to support operations in the Benoni, Gauteng area. This role focuses on the design, implementation, and management of drilling fluid systems to ensure optimal wellbore stability, drilling efficiency, and cost control. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fluid chemistry, rheology, and drilling fluid properties in various geological formations. You will work collaboratively with drilling teams on-site and support functions remotely, troubleshooting fluid-related challenges and recommending solutions. This hybrid position requires flexibility, blending on-site technical support with remote analysis and reporting. Join our client in Benoni and play a key role in the successful execution of drilling campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid systems tailored to specific well plans and geological conditions.
• Supervise the mixing and management of drilling fluids on-site.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid challenges, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of fluid samples.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations related to drilling fluid operations.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Provide technical support and training to rig crews and junior engineers.
• Collaborate with geologists and drilling engineers to anticipate and address fluid-related risks.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience in designing and managing various types of drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based).
• Strong understanding of fluid rheology, hydraulics, and downhole chemistry.
• Familiarity with drilling fluid testing equipment and procedures.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations pertaining to drilling fluids.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites as required and work in a hybrid capacity.
• Experience in the South African operational context is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive daily rate for this contractor position, commensurate with experience and expertise. They provide opportunities for professional growth and exposure to diverse drilling projects. While this role is primarily contractor-based, it offers a hybrid work structure, balancing field involvement with remote analytical tasks. You will be part of a dynamic team of industry professionals, contributing to the success of crucial energy infrastructure projects. This position offers a chance to apply your specialized skills in Benoni, Gauteng , and contribute significantly to operational efficiency and safety in the Oil & Gas sector.