Senior Subsurface Engineer - Production Optimization

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Retirement plan with employer matching

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement opportunities

Access to advanced monitoring tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Subsurface Engineer with production optimization expertise to join the team in Polokwane. The role blends on-site engagement with remote flexibility to maximize hydrocarbon recovery and asset value.

You will analyze data, design optimization strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive performance improvements across mature fields. The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, 7+ years of petroleum engineering experience, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of petroleum engineering experience focused on production optimization and reservoir management.
• Proficiency with production analysis software and reservoir simulation tools.
• Ability to travel to the Polokwane office periodically.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production and reservoir data to diagnose performance issues and identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies for artificial lift, water management, and EOR.
• Conduct well performance reviews and recommend interventions such as stimulation, workovers, or recompletions.
• Model reservoir behavior and forecast production under various development scenarios.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to update reservoir models based on production performance.
• Work with operations teams to ensure successful implementation of optimization plans.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies to improve production efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on production performance and optimization initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the subsurface team's development.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Hybrid-work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Production analysis software

Reservoir simulation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the regional oil and gas landscape, is seeking a Senior Subsurface Engineer with expertise in Production Optimization to join their team in Polokwane . This role is critical for maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and improving operational efficiency from existing assets. You will analyze production data, identify reservoir performance issues, and implement strategic interventions to enhance production rates and ultimate recovery. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with reservoir engineers, geologists, and operations teams to develop and execute optimization plans. This hybrid position offers a blend of on-site engagement and remote flexibility, allowing for effective contribution and work-life balance. We are looking for an experienced engineer with a strong analytical mindset and a proven ability to drive performance improvements in mature fields. Join us to make a tangible impact on our client's production output and asset value.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production and reservoir data to diagnose performance issues and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Develop and implement strategies for artificial lift, water management, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
• Conduct well performance reviews and recommend interventions such as stimulation, workovers, or recompletions.
• Model reservoir behavior and forecast production under various development scenarios.
• Collaborate with geologists and reservoir engineers to update reservoir models based on production performance.
• Work closely with operations teams to ensure successful implementation of production optimization plans.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and techniques to improve production efficiency.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on production performance and optimization initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical development of the subsurface team.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage projects related to production optimization, ensuring adherence to budget and schedule.
• Participate in peer reviews and cross-functional team meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in petroleum engineering, with a strong focus on production optimization and reservoir management.
• Proven experience in analyzing production data and identifying optimization opportunities.
• Proficiency with production analysis software and reservoir simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of reservoir engineering principles, artificial lift systems, and EOR methods.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience with well integrity and completion design is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site and remote duties.
• Familiarity with the geology and production challenges of the region is beneficial.
• Must be able to travel to the Polokwane office periodically.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company-provided holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• Exposure to diverse production challenges and optimization projects.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Access to advanced production monitoring and analysis tools.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Employee assistance program.