Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Learning & development

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for a Durban-based hybrid role in the Oil & Gas sector. You will design, manage and optimize drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient operations and cost-effective results across diverse environments.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with drilling teams, and stay current with new fluids technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance and performance optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or related science discipline.
• 7+ years hands-on drilling fluids engineering experience.
• Solid understanding of drilling fluid chemistry and rheology.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based muds.
• Knowledge of wellbore hydraulics and drilling fluid design.
• Ability to balance office and remote responsibilities in a hybrid model.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in drilling fluids software and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs for specific well objectives and conditions.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on rigs; oversee mixing, testing, and application.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance; adjust to maintain efficiency and stability.
• Analyze fluid samples and lab tests; troubleshoot issues.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in handling and disposal of fluids.
• Provide technical support to drilling engineers and rig crews.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives.
• Prepare detailed reports on performance, costs, and recommendations.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and methods.
• Mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and share best practices.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Rheology analysis

Wellbore hydraulics

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc Chemical/Petroleum Eng

Tools

Drilling fluids software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Oil & Gas exploration and production domain, is looking for a seasoned Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team. This hybrid role will require your presence in our Durban office for critical planning and team collaboration, complemented by remote work flexibility. You will be responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations across various challenging environments. This is a vital role in supporting the company's drilling campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives, formations, and operating conditions.
• Supervise and manage drilling fluid operations on drilling rigs, ensuring proper mixing, testing, and application.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal drilling efficiency and wellbore stability.
• Analyze drilling fluid samples and conduct laboratory tests to evaluate performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations related to drilling fluid handling and disposal.
• Provide technical support and expertise to drilling engineers, rig crews, and other stakeholders.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives and chemicals.
• Prepare detailed reports on drilling fluid performance, costs, and recommendations for future wells.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and advancements in drilling fluid systems and additives.
• Mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and contribute to the development of best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in drilling fluids engineering, preferably with an oilfield service company or operator.
• Thorough understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and functions.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based muds).
• Knowledge of wellbore hydraulics and its impact on drilling fluid design.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing office and remote responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in relevant drilling fluids software and reporting tools.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment:
• Attractive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• Performance-based bonuses.