Senior Petroleum Engineer - Upstream Operations

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Petroleum Engineer for our client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead reservoir management, analyze well performance, and develop production strategies across the upstream lifecycle.

Experience in reservoir simulation and production forecasting is essential, with proficiency in PETREL/ECLIPSE. A strong team player who can mentor engineers and drive cross-disciplinary collaboration is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years in upstream oil and gas operations.
• Proven reservoir simulation, forecasting, and decline analysis expertise.
• Proficiency with PETREL and ECLIPSE; strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop reservoir management strategies to maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
• Analyze well performance and troubleshoot production issues.
• Design and oversee artificial lift and production optimization.
• Prepare technical reports and economic evaluations for projects.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists and drilling engineers on field plans.
• Monitor performance, track metrics, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Reservoir simulation

Production forecasting

Decline curve analysis

Well hydraulics

Fluid flow

Formation damage

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Petroleum Engineering

MSc or PhD preferred

Tools

PETREL

ECLIPSE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Petroleum Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role will focus on optimizing upstream oil and gas production operations, driving efficiency, and ensuring the safe and sustainable extraction of resources. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in reservoir management, well performance analysis, and the development of innovative production strategies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a leading energy company in a strategically important region. We are committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and rewards excellence. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of the entire upstream lifecycle. Join us in shaping the future of energy in South Africa and contributing to national energy security. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact in a challenging yet rewarding industry. The Pietermaritzburg office serves as a hub for our key operational decisions, offering excellent facilities and a supportive team atmosphere. We are looking for someone who can immediately add value and contribute to our ongoing success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive reservoir management strategies to maximize hydrocarbon recovery.
• Conduct detailed analyses of well performance, identifying opportunities for enhancement and troubleshooting production issues.
• Design and oversee artificial lift systems and production optimization techniques.
• Prepare technical reports, economic evaluations, and feasibility studies for new projects and existing asset developments.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and drilling engineers to ensure integrated field development plans.
• Monitor operational performance, track key metrics, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical development of the team.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry best practices in petroleum engineering.
• Contribute to the capital expenditure planning and budgeting process for upstream operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in upstream oil and gas operations.
• Proven expertise in reservoir simulation, production forecasting, and decline curve analysis.
• Strong understanding of wellbore hydraulics, fluid flow, and formation damage mechanisms.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software such as PETREL, ECLIPSE, or equivalent.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working in diverse geological settings is advantageous.
• Candidates with advanced degrees (MSc or PhD) will be given preference.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual bonus, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, including continuous training and support for relevant certifications, are provided.
• Employees benefit from a supportive work-life balance initiative and access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
• The Pietermaritzburg location offers a pleasant living environment with good amenities and access to beautiful natural landscapes.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization are significant.
• We believe in investing in our people and providing a platform for them to thrive and succeed in their careers within the Energy industry.
• This role comes with paid time off and other standard employment benefits.