Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 461,000 - 1,292,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Contract extension potential

Based in Pretoria

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for our client in Pretoria, offering a challenging contract with potential extension. The role focuses on designing and optimizing drilling fluid systems, lab testing, on-site support, and technical leadership in varied geological settings across oil & gas operations.

The candidate will lead fluid design, monitor performance, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with geologists and drilling engineers to enhance efficiency and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas sector.
• Experience designing and managing drilling fluids (water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based).
• Knowledge of API standards and drilling fluid testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs for specific well objectives.
• Laboratory testing of drilling fluid properties to meet specs.
• Monitor fluid performance and troubleshoot during drilling operations.
• Provide on-site technical support to drilling crews and clients.

Skills

Drilling fluids design

Rheology & fluid chemistry

On-site technical support

Education

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

Tools

Fluid calculations software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major international oilfield services company, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operations team based in Pretoria, Gauteng . This critical role involves managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems for complex drilling operations, ensuring wellbore stability, efficient drilling rates, and effective formation evaluation. The successful candidate will be responsible for fluid design, property testing, performance monitoring, and providing on-site technical support to drilling crews. This position demands a deep understanding of fluid chemistry, rheology, and the challenges faced in diverse geological formations encountered in the Oil & Gas industry. You will be instrumental in ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations through expert fluid management. This is a challenging contract opportunity with potential for extension, offering significant scope for technical leadership and problem-solving in the Pretoria region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Conduct laboratory testing of drilling fluid properties and ensure they meet required specifications.
• Monitor fluid performance during drilling operations, troubleshoot issues, and recommend adjustments.
• Provide technical expertise and on-site support to drilling crews and clients.
• Manage inventory and logistics of drilling fluid products and equipment.
• Develop and maintain accurate fluid performance reports and end-of-well reports.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety regulations, and client requirements.
• Stay abreast of new drilling fluid technologies and best practices in the industry.
• Train and mentor junior fluids personnel.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize drilling fluid programs for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the drilling fluids department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas sector.
• Proven expertise in designing and managing various types of drilling fluids (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong knowledge of fluid rheology, chemistry, hydraulics, and solids control.
• Familiarity with API standards and drilling fluid testing procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in relevant software for fluid calculations and reporting.
• Experience working in challenging drilling environments is a plus.
• Must be eligible to work as a contractor in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a highly competitive daily rate, reflective of the seniority and specialized nature of the role.
• As a contractor, you will be responsible for your own medical and retirement planning, but our client provides support in navigating these arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development may be available through specific project training or certifications.
• This role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng , offering a chance to engage with significant projects within the South African energy landscape.
• While not a permanent role, the possibility of contract extension is based on project needs and performance.
• We seek dedicated professionals who can deliver exceptional results and contribute to successful drilling campaigns.