Upstream Project Engineer

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous annual leave

Relocation assistance

Retirement savings plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Upstream Project Engineer for the Upington, Northern Cape hub to manage capital projects within exploration and production. You will plan, execute, and close-out projects on-site, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery in a challenging environment.

The role requires a strong background in project management, engineering fundamentals, and extensive coordination with engineers, contractors, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Minimum 8 years in project engineering or management in upstream oil and gas.
• Proven track record delivering capital projects on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of PMI/PRINCE2 methodologies and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and execution of upstream capital projects.
• Develop scope, budgets, schedules, and resource needs.
• Manage risks, issues, and changes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and vendors.
• Oversee procurement, construction, commissioning phases, and close-out.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, standards, and environmental rules.
• Monitor performance and report status to senior management.
• Facilitate final handovers and lessons learned.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelors in Petroleum Engineering

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors in Civil Engineering

Tools

PRINCE2

PMI

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic independent energy company, is seeking an experienced Upstream Project Engineer to manage and execute challenging capital projects within their exploration and production activities, specifically in the Northern Cape region. This role requires a strong background in project management, engineering principles, and a deep understanding of upstream oil and gas operations. You will be responsible for the planning, execution, and close-out of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards. This is a project-based, on-site role located in the Upington, Northern Cape operational hub, demanding full dedication to the successful delivery of critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of upstream oil and gas capital projects.
• Develop project scope, budgets, schedules, and resource requirements.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with internal engineering teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure project objectives are met.
• Oversee procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning phases of projects.
• Ensure all project activities comply with HSE regulations, company standards, and environmental requirements.
• Monitor project performance, track progress, and prepare regular status reports for senior management.
• Facilitate project close-out, including documentation, lessons learned, and final handovers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in project engineering or management within the upstream oil and gas sector.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering capital projects on time and within budget.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with relevant upstream technologies and operational challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Must be willing to travel and work extensively on-site in the Upington, Northern Cape area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and project completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Retirement savings plan with significant company contribution.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to the Upington, Northern Cape region.
• A challenging and rewarding role contributing to energy security.