Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer - Hybrid, Growth & Impact

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Learning & development

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for a Durban-based hybrid role in the Oil & Gas sector. You will design, manage and optimize drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient operations and cost-effective results across diverse environments.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with drilling teams, and stay current with new fluids technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance and performance optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or related science discipline.
• 7+ years hands-on drilling fluids engineering experience.
• Solid understanding of drilling fluid chemistry and rheology.
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based muds.
• Knowledge of wellbore hydraulics and drilling fluid design.
• Ability to balance office and remote responsibilities in a hybrid model.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in drilling fluids software and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs for specific well objectives and conditions.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on rigs; oversee mixing, testing, and application.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance; adjust to maintain efficiency and stability.
• Analyze fluid samples and lab tests; troubleshoot issues.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in handling and disposal of fluids.
• Provide technical support to drilling engineers and rig crews.
• Manage inventory and procurement of drilling fluid additives.
• Prepare detailed reports on performance, costs, and recommendations.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and methods.
• Mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and share best practices.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Rheology analysis

Wellbore hydraulics

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc Chemical/Petroleum Eng

Tools

Drilling fluids software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for a Durban-based hybrid role in the Oil & Gas sector. You will design, manage and optimize drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient operations and cost-effective results across diverse environments.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with drilling teams, and stay current with new fluids technologies, ensuring regulatory compliance and performance optimization.