Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer - On-site

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension / retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for an on-site role in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. You will design and supervise drilling fluid programs, analyze properties, and troubleshoot issues on active oil & gas projects. Strong field experience and solids control knowledge are essential.

The role emphasizes mentoring junior staff, maintaining safety and environmental standards, and delivering daily/end-of-well reports while collaborating with engineers and geologists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of drilling fluids engineering experience, with significant rig-site time.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, additives and applications.
• Laboratory testing proficiency and interpretation of results.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs for specific well conditions.
• Supervise on-site drilling fluid operations per program specifications.
• Analyze drilling fluid properties and adjust formulations as needed.
• Troubleshoot issues like lost circulation and wellbore instability.
• Mentor junior drilling fluids engineers and technicians.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluids reports.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Solids control equipment

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team based in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA . This full-time, on-site role is crucial for managing and optimizing drilling fluid systems to ensure efficient and safe drilling operations within the Oil & Gas sector. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and supervising drilling fluid programs, analyzing fluid properties, and troubleshooting any associated issues. This position requires a deep understanding of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, as well as extensive field experience. As a senior engineer, you will provide technical expertise, mentor junior personnel, and contribute to the development of innovative fluid solutions. This is a prime opportunity to apply your specialized skills in a challenging operational environment and contribute to the success of key projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well conditions and objectives.
• Supervise drilling fluid operations on location, ensuring adherence to program specifications.
• Conduct regular analysis of drilling fluid properties (e.g., density, viscosity, filtration, pH) and adjust formulations as needed.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid problems, such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid materials and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding drilling fluid disposal and management.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers and geologists to optimize wellbore hydraulics and formation integrity.
• Prepare daily and end-of-well drilling fluids reports.
• Mentor and train junior drilling fluids engineers and technicians.
• Stay abreast of new developments and technologies in drilling fluids and solids control.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related science field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling fluids engineering, with significant time spent on rig sites.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, additives, and their applications.
• Proficiency in laboratory testing of drilling fluids and interpretation of results.
• Strong understanding of drilling operations and wellbore hydraulics.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA .
• Experience with solids control equipment is essential.
• Commitment to safety and environmental standards.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. This on-site role provides consistent work and direct involvement in critical operational activities. You will benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, including specialized training and potential for advancement within the company. This position offers valuable experience in demanding drilling environments within the Oil & Gas sector and the chance to work with a team of seasoned professionals. We foster a strong safety culture and encourage technical excellence. The role is based in our facility in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA , offering a unique operational setting. Additional benefits include generous paid time off and opportunities for skill enhancement.