Senior Production Operations Engineer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Production Operations Engineer for our client in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role focuses on optimizing upstream production facilities, overseeing daily operations, and driving safe, efficient performance.

You will work with field personnel, reservoir and facility engineers to maximize recovery, reduce costs, and maintain asset integrity in a hybrid work setup based in Bloemfontein.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in production operations engineering in oil and gas.
• Strong understanding of artificial lift technologies and surface facilities.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve production issues.
• Experience with production monitoring software and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations for wells and facilities.
• Monitor production data, identify deviations, and take corrective actions.
• Optimize artificial lift systems to maximize recovery and minimize downtime.
• Perform well performance analyses and recommend workovers or interventions.
• Troubleshoot operational problems and implement timely solutions.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate on production forecasting and development planning.
• Develop operating budgets and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Artificial lift systems

Well performance analysis

Data analysis

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Production monitoring software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent energy production company, is seeking a highly competent Senior Production Operations Engineer to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is essential for optimizing the performance and efficiency of upstream production facilities. You will be responsible for overseeing daily production operations, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing strategies to maximize hydrocarbon recovery while ensuring safety and environmental compliance. The Senior Production Operations Engineer will work closely with field personnel, reservoir engineers, and facility engineers to enhance production rates, reduce operating costs, and maintain asset integrity. This position requires a strong understanding of artificial lift systems, well performance, fluid flow, and surface facility operations. The role involves a hybrid work schedule, balancing essential on-site operational oversight with in-office and remote collaboration from Bloemfontein. Join a company dedicated to operational excellence and technological advancement in the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage daily production operations, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency of wells and facilities.
• Monitor well and facility production data, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize artificial lift systems (e.g., ESPs, rod pumps, gas lift) to maximize recovery and minimize downtime.
• Conduct well performance analysis and recommend workovers or interventions to improve productivity.
• Troubleshoot operational problems, diagnose issues, and implement timely solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers on production forecasting and development planning.
• Work with facility engineers to address surface equipment issues and improvements.
• Develop and manage operating budgets for production facilities.
• Mentor junior production engineers and field staff.
• Champion safety initiatives and promote a strong safety culture within the operations team.
• Prepare operational reports, performance analyses, and recommendations for management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in production operations engineering within the oil and gas industry.
• Strong understanding of artificial lift technologies, well completions, and surface facility operations.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve production-related issues effectively.
• Experience with production monitoring software and data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of reservoir engineering principles and their application to production optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with safety management systems and environmental regulations.
• Experience working in or supporting operations near Bloemfontein.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing field and office responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Exposure to diverse production challenges and innovative solutions.
• Supportive team culture focused on operational excellence.
• Modern office environment in Bloemfontein.
• Potential for field assignments and travel.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.