Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Disability insurance

Retirement fund

Advanced training in drilling fluids

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein invites an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to lead and optimise drilling fluid programs across on-site operations and the technical centre. You will oversee fluid properties, troubleshoot issues, supervise solids control, and ensure environmental compliance while collaborating with drilling crews to enhance efficiency and reduce NPT.

The role requires 7+ years in drilling fluids with a chemical engineering or related degree, willingness to travel, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with senior-level exposure.
• Proven expertise in drilling fluid formulation, properties and application.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, wellbore stability and formation damage related to fluids.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based and synthetic-based drilling fluids.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage and supervise drilling fluid programs for various well types.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance on-site, making adjustments as needed.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid issues and recommend solutions.
• Ensure efficient solids control operations to minimize NPT.
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Conduct laboratory testing to evaluate fluid properties and compatibility.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well fluid reports, analyzing performance and costs.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and rig crews to optimize drilling parameters.
• Ensure environmental regulations for drilling waste handling and disposal are followed.
• Stay updated on new technologies in drilling fluids systems.

Skills

Drilling fluids formulation

Hydraulics

Wellbore stability

Problem-solving

Field operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related

Tools

Drilling fluids systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based)

Laboratory testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the energy exploration sector located in Bloemfontein , is looking for an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer. This role is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and cost-effectiveness of drilling operations by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. The successful candidate will possess a strong technical background in fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, coupled with practical field experience. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the efficiency and success of drilling campaigns in the Free State province. The position requires hands-on involvement at operational sites and within our Bloemfontein technical center.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and supervise drilling fluid programs for various well types.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance on-site, making necessary adjustments.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related issues and recommend solutions.
• Ensure efficient solids control operations to minimize non-productive time (NPT).
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Conduct laboratory testing to evaluate fluid properties and compatibility.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well fluid reports, analyzing performance and costs.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and rig crews to optimize drilling parameters related to fluids.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal and handling.
• Stay updated on new technologies and developments in drilling fluid systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with a significant portion at a senior level.
• Proven expertise in drilling fluid formulation, properties, and application.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, wellbore stability, and formation damage principles related to fluids.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with rig crews and engineers.
• Ability to work under pressure in challenging field environments.
• Willingness to travel to various rig locations as needed.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations concerning drilling waste management.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, field allowances, and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, disability insurance, and a robust retirement fund are provided.
• Opportunities for advanced training in drilling fluids technology and management are available.
• Career progression into broader operational management roles is possible.
• Join our dedicated team in Bloemfontein and play a vital role in the success of our drilling operations.