Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer - Mining & Exploration

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid leave

Training opportunities

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to lead the design, implementation and monitoring of drilling fluid programs in demanding underground environments.

You will analyze rheology, fluid chemistry and solids control, optimize formulations, mentor technicians and collaborate with geologists to reduce formation damage. The role offers a hybrid work setup and opportunities for professional development within a safety-focused team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mining) or related science.
• 6+ years of drilling fluids engineering experience, preferably in mining/oil & gas.
• Expertise in drilling fluid chemistry, rheology and additives.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and fluid systems.
• Experience with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and diagnostic skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and manage drilling fluid programs for various exploration and production drilling operations.
• Analyze drilling fluid properties (rheology, density, filtration, chemistry).
• Optimize fluid formulations to improve hole stability and reduce formation damage.
• Monitor fluid performance on-site; troubleshoot and advise corrective actions.
• Oversee procurement and inventory of drilling fluid additives and chemicals.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with engineers and geologists to understand geological formations.
• Train and mentor junior drilling fluids technicians and engineers.
• Maintain records of fluid properties, operational parameters and performance metrics.

Skills

Drilling fluids

Rheology

Fluid chemistry

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mining) or related science

Tools

Solids control equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent player in the mining and exploration sector, focused on extracting valuable resources safely and efficiently. We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join our operations in Welkom, Free State . This role is pivotal in ensuring the optimal performance and cost-effectiveness of our drilling operations by managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring of fluid programs tailored to specific geological conditions and drilling objectives, particularly in challenging underground mining environments. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, along with a strong track record in problem-solving related to drilling fluid performance. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in a critical support function that directly impacts drilling success and operational efficiency. We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in our operational support services.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs for various exploration and production drilling operations.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of drilling fluid properties, including rheology, density, filtration, and chemical composition.
• Optimize fluid formulations to enhance drilling performance, improve hole stability, and minimize formation damage.
• Monitor fluid performance on-site, troubleshoot issues, and recommend corrective actions in real-time.
• Oversee the selection, procurement, and inventory management of drilling fluid additives and chemicals.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and company policies regarding drilling fluid disposal and handling.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to understand geological formations and drilling challenges.
• Train and mentor junior drilling fluids technicians and engineers.
• Maintain detailed records of fluid properties, operational parameters, and performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Petroleum, Mining) or a related science degree.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience specifically in drilling fluids engineering, preferably within the mining or oil and gas industries.
• Proven expertise in drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and additives.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and their interaction with fluid systems.
• Experience with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate technical information clearly.
• Willingness to travel to various operational sites as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• A dynamic work environment with a focus on operational excellence in Welkom, Free State .
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.