Senior Production Engineer - Optimization Specialist

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Performance-based bonuses

Potential for international assignment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Production Engineer in Rustenburg to optimize oil and gas production. The role focuses on data-driven improvements, artificial lift optimization, and boosting well performance with cross-disciplinary collaboration.

You will lead production optimization initiatives, troubleshoot issues, and implement safe, compliant solutions while guiding junior engineers and contributing to field development plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 7 years of experience in oil and gas production engineering.
• Proven expertise in production optimization and artificial lift systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize production operations to improve efficiency and output.
• Develop strategies for production optimization including artificial lift and well performance.
• Troubleshoot production issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, geologists, and maintenance teams.
• Oversee design and implementation of new or modified production facilities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations.
• Manage production data, reporting, and performance tracking.
• Evaluate new technologies or equipment to improve efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Contribute to field development plans and production forecasts.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Production simulation software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Production Engineer with a specialization in optimization to join their operational team in Rustenburg, North West. This pivotal role focuses on enhancing the efficiency and output of oil and gas production facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing production data, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing strategies to improve operational performance, reduce downtime, and optimize resource utilization. This position requires a deep understanding of production systems, artificial lift, and process optimization techniques within the context of the South African energy landscape. You will play a critical role in ensuring the profitability and sustainability of our client's production assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze production operations to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.
• Develop and implement strategies for production optimization, including artificial lift optimization and well performance enhancement.
• Troubleshoot production problems, conduct root cause analyses, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, geologists, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Oversee the design and implementation of new production facilities or modifications to existing ones.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Manage production data, reporting, and performance tracking.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or equipment to improve production efficiency.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior production engineers.
• Contribute to the development of field development plans and production forecasts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in production engineering within the Oil & Gas sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in production optimization techniques and artificial lift systems (e.g., ESPs, gas lift, rod pumps).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven track record of improving production efficiency.
• Proficiency in production simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Experience with process safety management and operational risk assessment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience within the South African energy market is a plus.
• Must hold valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a pension fund. Opportunities for professional development and continued learning are emphasized. Working in Rustenburg provides access to a vibrant community and a strategic location within the North West province. Performance-based bonuses and potential for international assignments are part of the attractive compensation structure. Our client is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment.