Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer - Onshore Operations

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for onshore operations near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on designing, managing, and optimizing drilling fluid systems to ensure safe and efficient well construction.

You will lead in fluid program development, monitor properties, and troubleshoot challenges with rig teams and service companies. The ideal candidate has extensive expertise in rheology, chemistry, solids control, and wellbore hydraulics, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Petroleum/Chemical Engineering or Chemistry).
• 7+ years of onshore drilling fluids experience.
• Experience designing and managing water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based fluid systems.
• Proficiency with drilling fluid simulation software and hydraulic calculations.
• Willingness to travel to rig sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop drilling fluid programs tailored to well conditions.
• Oversee mixing, batching, and application of drilling fluids on location.
• Monitor fluid properties and performance; adjust to optimize conditions.
• Manage solids control equipment and techniques for solids removal.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems (lost circulation, stuck pipe, etc.).
• Provide technical guidance to rig personnel and engineers.
• Collaborate with service companies to ensure quality and efficiency of fluid services.
• Conduct post-well analysis of drilling fluid performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations on fluids disposal and management.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Technical support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry

Tools

Drilling fluid simulation software

Hydraulic calculation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the onshore oil and gas exploration sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer for their operations near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role is critical for the design, management, and optimization of drilling fluid systems to ensure safe and efficient well construction. The Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer will be responsible for developing customized drilling fluid programs, managing fluid properties, overseeing fluid services, and troubleshooting any challenges encountered during drilling operations. This position requires extensive knowledge of fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, as well as a strong understanding of wellbore hydraulics and formation interaction. You will work closely with drilling engineers, rig crews, and service companies to achieve optimal drilling performance while minimizing costs and environmental impact. The role demands strong analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to provide expert technical support in a demanding field environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead in ensuring drilling success through expert management of fluids technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well conditions and objectives.
• Oversee the mixing, batching, and application of drilling fluids on location.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Manage solids control equipment and techniques to ensure efficient removal of drill solids.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems, such as lost circulation, stuck pipe, and wellbore instability.
• Provide technical guidance and support to rig site personnel and drilling engineers.
• Collaborate with service companies to ensure quality and efficiency of fluid services.
• Conduct post-well analysis of drilling fluid performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to drilling fluid disposal and management.
• Stay updated on new drilling fluid technologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer, with a strong focus on onshore operations.
• Proven experience in designing and managing a wide range of drilling fluid systems (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Strong understanding of rheology, fluid chemistry, thermodynamics, and solids control principles.
• Proficiency with drilling fluid simulation software and hydraulic calculations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience with completion fluids is a plus.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations concerning drilling fluids.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various rig sites.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid, pension fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• The role provides opportunities for professional development and career progression within the company.
• The Nelspruit operations offer a dynamic work environment with exposure to various geological formations.
• Our client is committed to safety and environmental stewardship, providing the necessary resources and training.
• This position offers a challenging and rewarding career in the essential field of drilling fluids engineering, contributing to successful energy exploration.