Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Project bonuses

Medical aid

Life insurance

Living allowances

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 supports a leading drilling services provider in Polokwane, Limpopo by sourcing a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer. You will design and optimize drilling fluid systems, lead mud engineers in the field, and ensure fluid performance meets safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a chemical/petroleum engineering degree and 7+ years of drilling fluids experience, with expertise across water-based, oil-based or synthetic systems and strong client collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering.
• 7+ years of drilling fluids field experience.
• Knowledge of fluid chemistry, rheology and solids control.
• Ability to work under pressure in remote rig environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs for various well types and formations.
• Supervise mud engineers in field operations and fluid handling.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and adjust as needed.
• Troubleshoot issues like lost circulation and shale swelling.
• Ensure efficient operation of solids control equipment.
• Maintain records of fluid consumption, properties and performance.
• Liaise with clients and rig personnel on fluid program status.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid products and equipment.
• Provide technical support and training to junior personnel.

Skills

Fluid chemistry

Rheology

Solids control

Field operations

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading drilling services provider, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operational team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is essential for ensuring the successful and efficient execution 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, along with practical experience in field operations. You will be responsible for fluid system design, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. This hands-on role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to challenging drilling projects in the region. Being based in Polokwane places you at the heart of regional industrial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs for various well types and geological formations.
• Supervise and direct mud engineers in field operations, ensuring proper fluid handling and maintenance.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties (rheology, density, filtration, etc.) and make necessary adjustments.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and shale swelling.
• Ensure the efficient operation of solids control equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of fluid consumption, properties, and performance.
• Liaise with clients and rig personnel to communicate fluid program status and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to drilling fluids.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid products and equipment.
• Provide technical support and training to junior personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with substantial field experience.
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and formulation.
• Proficiency in solids control principles and equipment operation.
• Experience with various drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Excellent understanding of drilling mechanics and wellbore stability concepts.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a remote rig environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IADC WellSharp) are an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with project completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and life insurance.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging drilling projects.
• Field living allowances and travel support.
• Professional development and continuous training opportunities.
• A collaborative team environment in Polokwane .
• Exposure to cutting-edge drilling fluid technology.