Senior Production Engineer - Artificial Lift Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Advanced production tech

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, is seeking a Senior Production Engineer with extensive expertise in artificial lift systems to optimize hydrocarbon production across multiple wells.

You will design, install and monitor ESPs, rod pumps, gas lift, and PCPs; perform nodal and wellbore analysis; and collaborate with reservoir, drilling and field teams. The role includes budgeting, reporting, mentoring juniors and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in production engineering with emphasis on artificial lift design and application.
• In-depth knowledge of artificial lift systems (ESP, rod lift, gas lift, PCP) and their operating characteristics.
• Proficiency with production engineering software including wellbore simulation and nodal analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate well performance and recommend artificial lift methods (ESP, rod pumps, gas lift, PCP).
• Design, install and optimize artificial lift systems to maximize production and minimize costs.
• Monitor lift equipment performance and diagnose operation problems.
• Conduct production system analysis including nodal analysis to identify constraints and opportunities.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers and field teams for integrated strategies.
• Develop and manage budgets for artificial lift projects and Opex.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on production operations and lift effectiveness.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on lift technologies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations in Bloemfontein.

Skills

Artificial lift design

ESP systems

Rod lift

Gas lift

PCP

Wellbore simulation

Nodal analysis

Reservoir performance

Analysis and problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Wellbore simulation software

Nodal analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading operator in the South African energy landscape, is seeking an experienced Senior Production Engineer with specialized knowledge in Artificial Lift systems to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is vital for optimizing hydrocarbon production from various wells by selecting, implementing, and managing the most effective artificial lift techniques. You will be responsible for diagnosing production issues, recommending solutions, and ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of production facilities. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer to contribute significantly to operational success, work on diverse field challenges, and advance their career within a supportive and innovative company. We pride ourselves on our commitment to operational excellence and employee development.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate well performance and recommend appropriate artificial lift methods, including ESPs, rod pumps, gas lift, and progressing cavity pumps.
• Design, install, and optimize artificial lift systems to maximize production rates and minimize operating costs.
• Monitor the performance of artificial lift equipment and diagnose operational problems, leading to timely and effective solutions.
• Conduct production system analysis, including nodal analysis, to identify constraints and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and field operations teams to ensure integrated production strategies.
• Develop and manage budgets for artificial lift projects and operational expenditures.
• Prepare technical reports, performance reviews, and presentations on production operations and artificial lift effectiveness.
• Mentor junior production engineers and provide technical guidance on artificial lift technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to production operations in Bloemfontein .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in production engineering, with a strong emphasis on artificial lift design and application.
• In-depth knowledge of various artificial lift systems (ESP, rod lift, gas lift, PCP, etc.) and their operational characteristics.
• Proficiency in production engineering software, including wellbore simulation and nodal analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of reservoir performance and its impact on production systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in field operations and troubleshooting is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting extensive experience in production engineering.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and specialized training.
• Involvement in key projects optimizing production efficiency.
• A collaborative work environment that values innovation and safety.
• Access to advanced production technologies and methodologies.