Senior Reservoir Engineer - Geothermal

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Reservoir Engineer for a geothermal energy company based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The role blends on-site reservoir assessment with remote data analysis and modeling to optimize energy extraction.

You will lead reservoir characterization, run simulation models (TOUGH2, ECLIPSE, CMG), analyze well tests, and collaborate with geoscientists and drilling engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on reservoir engineering.
• 7–9 years of relevant experience in reservoir engineering, preferably in geothermal or hydrocarbon exploration and production.
• Proficiency in reservoir simulation software (TOUGH2, ECLIPSE, CMG) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and multiphase flow in porous media.
• Experience with well test analysis and production data interpretation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed reservoir characterization studies using geological, geophysical, and well data.
• Develop and maintain reservoir simulation models to forecast production and injection performance.
• Analyze well test data and production/injection history to update reservoir models.
• Design and optimize well placement and production/injection strategies.
• Assess geothermal reservoir potential and estimate resource size.
• Monitor reservoir performance and identify opportunities for enhanced recovery or improved efficiency.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and drilling engineers to integrate subsurface data.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project development and management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable reservoir management practices.
• Stay abreast of advancements in reservoir engineering techniques and geothermal technologies.

Skills

Reservoir simulation

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Multiphase flow

Well test analysis

Data interpretation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Hybrid work capability

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Petroleum/Geological Engineering

Tools

TOUGH2

ECLIPSE

CMG

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist in geothermal energy exploration and development, is seeking an experienced Senior Reservoir Engineer to join their team based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This hybrid role combines essential on-site geological assessments and well site monitoring with remote data analysis and modeling. You will be instrumental in evaluating, developing, and managing geothermal reservoirs to optimize energy extraction. Your expertise will be crucial in reservoir characterization, performance forecasting, and ensuring the sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources. We are looking for a technically adept professional with a deep understanding of subsurface fluid flow and thermodynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed reservoir characterization studies using geological, geophysical, and well data.
• Develop and maintain reservoir simulation models to forecast production and injection performance.
• Analyze well test data and production/injection history to update reservoir models.
• Design and optimize well placement and production/injection strategies.
• Assess geothermal reservoir potential and estimate resource size.
• Monitor reservoir performance and identify opportunities for enhanced recovery or improved efficiency.
• Collaborate with geologists, geophysicists, and drilling engineers to integrate subsurface data.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for project development and management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable reservoir management practices.
• Stay abreast of advancements in reservoir engineering techniques and geothermal technologies.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on reservoir engineering.
• A minimum of 7-9 years of relevant experience in reservoir engineering, preferably in geothermal or hydrocarbon exploration and production.
• Proficiency in reservoir simulation software (e.g., TOUGH2, ECLIPSE, CMG) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and multiphase flow in porous media.
• Experience with well test analysis and production data interpretation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote analysis with on-site fieldwork.
• Familiarity with geothermal systems and technologies is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing technical teams or projects is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• Involvement in pioneering geothermal energy projects.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA.