Senior Onshore Drilling Fluids Engineer

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

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