Senior Exploration Drilling Engineer - On-Site, Gauteng

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

International opportunities

On-site role in Tembisa

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead exploration drilling projects based in Tembisa, Gauteng. This on-site role requires strong planning, execution, and oversight to ensure safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness from well design through completion.

You will lead drilling plans, supervise rig operations, assess risks, optimize parameters, and mentor staff while collaborating with geology, reservoir engineering and HSE for compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years drilling engineering experience.
• Leadership experience in managing drilling ops.
• Knowledge of HSE management systems.
• Proficient in drilling fluid systems, cementing, well control, and directional drilling.
• Experience with offshore or challenging onshore exploration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage drilling plans for exploration/appraisal wells.
• Oversee drilling operations, ensuring safety and standards compliance.
• Manage rig selection, contracting and performance monitoring.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Optimize drilling parameters to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff.
• Coordinate with geology, reservoir engineering and HSE.
• Manage equipment, supplies and inventory for readiness.
• Prepare post-well reports and capture lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with SA and international drilling regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Decision making

HSE management

Education

Bachelor's in Petroleum or Mechanical Eng

Tools

Drilling software

Simulation tools

Job description

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Drilling Engineer to spearhead exploration drilling projects based in Tembisa, Gauteng. This on-site role requires strong planning, execution, and oversight to ensure safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness from well design through completion.

You will lead drilling plans, supervise rig operations, assess risks, optimize parameters, and mentor staff while collaborating with geology, reservoir engineering and HSE for compliant operations.