Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer - Global Operations Support

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 277,000 - 646,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Travel and accommodation support

Professional development opportunities

Autonomy from Rustenburg base

International project exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer based in Rustenburg to provide expert technical support and oversight for drilling fluid programs across diverse projects.

You will design fluid systems, monitor performance, troubleshoot real-time issues, mentor field crews, and ensure HSE compliance while coordinating with clients and project teams on international assignments from our North West operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of hands-on Drilling Fluids Engineer experience.
• Deep knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, hydraulics, and additives.
• Experience designing and managing WBM, OBM, SBM drilling fluid systems.
• Proficiency with drilling fluid modeling software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent troubleshooting and under-pressure decision making.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; ability to mentor staff.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work from the Rustenburg base.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to well objectives and geological conditions.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support to drilling crews, troubleshooting fluid-related issues in real-time.
• Monitor and analyze drilling fluid properties and performance, making recommendations for optimization.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and logistics for drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Conduct post-well analysis to evaluate fluid performance, identify lessons learned, and propose improvements.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards in all drilling fluid operations.
• Train and mentor junior drilling fluids personnel and field operators.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, project managers, and rig crews.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, products, and techniques in the drilling fluids industry.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standard operating procedures for drilling fluid management from the Rustenburg location.

Skills

Drilling fluids design

Field supervision

Wellbore integrity

Hydraulics analysis

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Drilling fluid modeling software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in drilling services, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to provide expert technical support and oversight to drilling operations, with a primary base in Rustenburg, North West. This role is crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of drilling fluid systems across diverse drilling projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing fluid programs, troubleshooting operational challenges, and optimizing fluid performance to enhance drilling efficiency and wellbore integrity. This position requires extensive experience in managing complex drilling fluid challenges in various geological formations and well types. We are looking for an individual who can provide cutting-edge solutions and technical guidance from our North West operational center. The role involves significant interaction with field personnel and clients, demanding strong communication and problem-solving capabilities. Based in Rustenburg, this is a critical role supporting our international drilling endeavors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support to drilling crews, troubleshooting fluid-related issues in real-time.
• Monitor and analyze drilling fluid properties and performance, making recommendations for optimization.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and logistics for drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Conduct post-well analysis to evaluate fluid performance, identify lessons learned, and propose improvements.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards in all drilling fluid operations.
• Train and mentor junior drilling fluids personnel and field operators.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, project managers, and rig crews.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, products, and techniques in the drilling fluids industry.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standard operating procedures for drilling fluid management from the Rustenburg location.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with a strong track record in complex drilling environments.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, hydraulics, and additives.
• Proven ability to design and manage various types of drilling fluid systems (e.g., WBM, OBM, SBM).
• Experience with drilling fluid modeling software and data analysis tools.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to react quickly under pressure.
• Strong understanding of wellbore stability, formation damage, and fluid-related drilling hazards.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally to support various projects as needed.
• Familiarity with the geological and operational context of the North West region is a plus.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., IWCF) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• This contractor position offers a competitive daily rate, with potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.
• Our client provides support for necessary travel and accommodation.
• Opportunities for professional development and exposure to diverse global drilling projects are significant.
• The role provides autonomy and the chance to significantly impact operational success from our Rustenburg base, supporting international operations in the North West province.
• This role allows for flexible working arrangements, complementing field assignments.