Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical benefits

Retirement fund contributions

Training and development programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay currently seeks an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to design and manage drilling fluid programs for offshore campaigns. You will oversee technicians, monitor properties, and ensure environmental compliance while maintaining wellbore stability and drilling efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a chemical or petroleum engineering degree, 6+ years in drilling fluids, and hands-on offshore or challenging onshore experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related science field required.
• Minimum 6 years of Drilling Fluids Engineer experience offshore or challenging onshore.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and hydraulics.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with environmental regulations governing drilling waste.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs aligned with well objectives.
• Supervise drilling fluid technicians and service personnel on site.
• Monitor fluid properties and adjust to maintain optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid issues to minimize NPT.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Collaborate with engineers and geologists to address fluid challenges.
• Maintain inventory and supply of drilling fluid materials.

Skills

Drilling fluids chemistry

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork in field-based environments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling fluid software

Data logging tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading offshore exploration company, is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operations based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is critical for ensuring the effective and safe use of drilling fluids (muds) throughout the drilling process, optimizing wellbore stability, and maximizing drilling efficiency. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and management of drilling fluid programs, troubleshooting fluid-related issues, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and performance, combined with hands‑on experience in offshore or complex onshore drilling environments. This is an opportunity to work in a key operational area, contributing to the success of complex drilling campaigns in a challenging and rewarding setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of drilling fluid technicians and service personnel on location.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve drilling fluid-related problems to prevent non-productive time (NPT).
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal and management.
• Conduct laboratory testing of drilling fluid samples to evaluate properties and performance.
• Prepare detailed daily and end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to anticipate and address fluid challenges.
• Maintain inventory and manage the supply of drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Stay abreast of advancements in drilling fluid technology and recommend adoption of new products or techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with significant exposure to offshore or challenging onshore drilling operations.
• In‑depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and hydraulics.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with environmental regulations pertaining to drilling waste management.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a field‑based team.
• Proficiency in using drilling fluid software and data logging tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational demands.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., mud school completion) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including potential for performance‑based incentives, comprehensive medical benefits, and retirement fund contributions.
• This role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and hands‑on experience in a dynamic offshore environment.
• The successful candidate will be part of a professional and supportive team operating in the key location of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , contributing to significant energy projects.
• Training and development programs are available to ensure continuous skill enhancement.