Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical insurance

Professional development

Pension & life assurance

Generous leave benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for our client in Rustenburg, North West. You will design, implement and monitor drilling fluid programs to optimize performance and reduce costs in challenging geological formations.

The role requires a minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience, deep knowledge of fluid systems, and strong collaboration with drilling teams. On-site work in Rustenburg with a competitive package and safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering required.
• At least 7 years of hands-on Drilling Fluids experience in Oil & Gas.
• Knowledge of water-based, oil-based and synthetic-based fluids.
• Experience with solids control equipment and additives.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs for wells.
• Monitor fluid properties in real time and adjust parameters.
• Troubleshoot fluid-related issues like wellbore instability.
• Ensure safe handling and disposal of drilling fluids and chemicals.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluid reports.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers, geologists, and rig crews.
• Manage fluid material inventory and mixing operations.
• Provide training to junior fluid engineers.

Skills

Drilling fluids engineering

Real-time monitoring

Problem solving

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Drilling fluid software

Solids control equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the **Oil & Gas** industry, is seeking a highly skilled **Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer** to join their operational team in **Rustenburg, North West**. This role is essential for the safe and efficient execution of drilling operations by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, properties, and applications, ensuring optimal performance in diverse geological formations. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring drilling fluid programs to mitigate risks, enhance drilling rates, and minimize operational costs. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity within a dynamic and technically demanding sector of the **Oil & Gas** industry, based in **Rustenburg, North West**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and performance in real-time, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal parameters.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related issues, including wellbore instability, lost circulation, and formation damage.
• Ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of drilling fluids and associated chemicals in compliance with environmental regulations.
• 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, geologists, and rig personnel to ensure effective communication and problem-solving.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid materials and chemicals, and oversee fluid mixing and blending operations.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in drilling fluid engineering.
• Provide technical support and training to junior fluid engineers and rig crews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the **Oil & Gas** sector.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems (water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based) and their properties.
• Experience with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Familiarity with drilling fluid additives and their functions.
• Strong understanding of wellbore hydraulics and cementing principles.
• Proficiency in drilling fluid software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding field environment, often under pressure.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and reside in or be willing to relocate to **Rustenburg, North West**.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards, along with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical insurance, covering hospitalization, consultations, and medication, is provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and industry certifications, are available.
• A contributory pension fund and life assurance coverage are included.
• Generous leave benefits, encompassing annual leave, sick leave, and family responsibility leave, are standard.
• The role is based in **Rustenburg, North West**, a significant industrial hub.
• Our client fosters a strong safety culture and a collaborative team environment within the **Oil & Gas** sector.