Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer – Global Ops

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

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.