Senior Geothermal Energy Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Relocation package

Training opportunities

Dynamic team environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geothermal Energy Engineer for our client in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will lead exploration, development, and operations of geothermal projects, overseeing drilling, reservoir modelling, and power-plant integration.

Requirements include a master’s or PhD in a related field and 8+ years’ geothermal experience, with strong leadership, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance South Africa’s clean energy transition.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related geoscience field with a focus on geothermal energy.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in geothermal energy exploration, development, or production.
• Proven experience in well design, drilling operations, and completion techniques.
• Strong knowledge of reservoir engineering principles and modeling software (e.g., TOUGH2, EGS).
• Familiarity with geothermal power plant technologies (e.g., flash steam, binary cycle).
• Experience with subsurface data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical evaluation and feasibility studies for new geothermal exploration sites.
• Oversee the design, drilling, and completion of geothermal wells.
• Develop and manage reservoir models to optimize heat extraction and production.
• Design and specify geothermal power plant components and systems (e.g., turbines, heat exchangers).
• Manage the installation, commissioning, and operation of geothermal facilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices for geothermal development.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and drilling engineers.
• Analyze production data and implement strategies for reservoir performance improvement.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and project team members.
• Contribute to the development of geothermal technology and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Geothermal/Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Geoscience/Engineering (preferred)

Tools

TOUGH2

EGS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geothermal Energy Engineer to join their innovative team in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is central to the exploration, development, and operational management of geothermal energy projects, contributing to South Africa's clean energy transition. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of subsurface engineering, reservoir management, and power plant technology specific to geothermal resources. You will lead technical assessments, guide drilling operations, and optimize energy extraction processes. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a field with immense potential, requiring strong technical leadership and project execution skills. Join us in harnessing the Earth's natural heat for sustainable power generation in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical evaluation and feasibility studies for new geothermal exploration sites.
• Oversee the design, drilling, and completion of geothermal wells.
• Develop and manage reservoir models to optimize heat extraction and production.
• Design and specify geothermal power plant components and systems (e.g., turbines, heat exchangers).
• Manage the installation, commissioning, and operation of geothermal facilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices for geothermal development.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and drilling engineers.
• Analyze production data and implement strategies for reservoir performance improvement.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and project team members.
• Contribute to the development of geothermal technology and standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related geoscience field with a focus on geothermal energy.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in geothermal energy exploration, development, or production.
• Proven experience in well design, drilling operations, and completion techniques.
• Strong knowledge of reservoir engineering principles and modeling software (e.g., TOUGH2, EGS).
• Familiarity with geothermal power plant technologies (e.g., flash steam, binary cycle).
• Experience with subsurface data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and field-based teams.
• Understanding of environmental impact assessments for energy projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous relocation package if applicable.
• Opportunities for professional development and international training.
• Key role in pioneering sustainable geothermal energy projects.
• DYNAMIC AND COLLABORATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT.