Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, SA, seeks a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to lead drilling fluid programs and ensure safe well construction. You will design fluids, perform lab tests, provide on-site support, and optimize formulations while mentoring juniors.

The hybrid role requires travel to rigs and close collaboration with drilling teams, with a strong petro-chemistry background preferred. Relocation assistance may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on drilling fluids engineering experience in Oil & Gas.
• Proven expertise in drilling fluid formulation, testing, and application.
• Strong understanding of rheology, fluid chemistry, and wellbore hydraulics.
• Experience with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex drilling fluid problems effectively.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites as required by a Hybrid model.
• Experience operating in or near Randburg is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs for various projects.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of drilling fluid properties.
• Provide on-site technical support and troubleshooting for drilling fluid issues.
• Develop recommendations for fluid formulations and additives to optimize performance.
• Monitor drilling fluid performance and report on key parameters and operational impacts.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to address formation challenges.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and technicians.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Rheology

Fluid chemistry

Wellbore hydraulics

Education

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

Tools

Solids control equipment

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly competent Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to enhance their technical capabilities in Randburg, Gauteng, ZA . This role is critical for managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective well construction operations. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and supervision of drilling fluid programs, troubleshooting downhole issues related to fluids, and providing expert technical support to drilling teams. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and applications in various geological environments. This position offers a Hybrid work model, combining essential site visits and operational oversight with office-based responsibilities. We pride ourselves on a culture of innovation and technical excellence in Randburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs for various drilling projects.
• Conduct laboratory testing and analysis of drilling fluid properties.
• Provide on-site technical support and troubleshooting for drilling fluid issues.
• Develop recommendations for fluid formulation and additives to optimize performance.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal.
• Monitor drilling fluid performance and report on key parameters and operational impacts.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to address formation challenges.
• Supervise and mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and technicians.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in drilling fluid technology and application.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in drilling fluids engineering within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven expertise in drilling fluid formulation, testing, and application.
• Strong understanding of rheology, fluid chemistry, and wellbore hydraulics.
• Experience with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex drilling fluid problems effectively.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites as required by the Hybrid model.
• Experience operating in or near Randburg is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Travel allowances for site visits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Dynamic work environment with exposure to diverse drilling challenges.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating to Randburg .