Job title: Drilling Fluids & Cementing SME

Reporting to: Field Wells Superintendent

Job Family: Drilling & Completions

Location: Field Based working 28/28 schedule

Job Ref no. PD/DC/DFC/2026

Job Summary

Provide subject-matter expertise in drilling fluids and cementing to support safe, efficient and cost‑effective well construction. Lead fluid and cement program monitoring, contractor management and performance oversight, troubleshoot field issues, and ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide input into drilling fluid and cementing programs (mud systems, solids control, fluid properties, lab test matrices, cement slurries, centralization and placement strategies) for onshore wells in coordination with drilling and completions engineering and operations.
• Conduct technical risk assessments (HAZID/HAZOP, lost circulation, wellbore stability, cement bond/zonation risks) and define mitigation measures integrated into well plans.
• Oversee field mobilization and acceptance testing of mud/cement equipment, solids control, mixing systems, lab kits and personnel; verify contractor work systems and competence.
• Monitor real-time mud and cement performance during drilling, casing running and cementing operations; provide on-site and remote troubleshooting, adjustments and technical advice.
• Define testing programs (Fann, rheology, API/ISO tests, cement compressive strength, bond logs) and ensure accurate lab analysis, sample management and documentation.
• Manage fluid & cement inventory planning, supply logistics, and spare parts to support continuous operations in remote locations.
• Ensure contractors comply with contractual KPIs, HSE requirements and environmental regulations for waste handling, cuttings management and chemical use.
• Maintain detailed records: mud reports, cement job summaries, lab results, incident reports and lessons‑learned; present technical reports to management and stakeholders.
• Provide training and competency development for operations staff and contractors on mud/cement best practices, testing and safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement, new technology trials (lightweight/expanding cements, LCMs, synthetic muds) and value engineering to reduce NPT and costs.
  

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in drilling fluids and cementing roles with onshore drilling exposure; prior experience as Fluids/Cementing Engineer, Field Fluids Specialist or Technical Advisor preferred.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Deep technical knowledge of mud systems (water‑based, oil‑based, synthetic), rheology, solids control, hole cleaning, and environmental/chemical management.
• Strong cementing expertise: slurry design, additives, pumping practices, centralization, TOC, placement modelling and post-job evaluation techniques.
• Proficiency with lab testing and interpretation (rheology, MPFM, Fann, thickening times, compressive strengths, CBL/VDL interpretation).
• Familiarity with wellbore stability, lost circulation treatments (LCMs), and mitigation strategies for challenging formations.
• Competence with well planning tools, cement modelling software and wellsite reporting systems; MS Office proficiency.
• Understanding of onshore logistics and inventory management for fluids/cements supply, storage, and environmental handling in remote operations.
• Knowledge of relevant standards and regulations for chemical handling, disposal and HSE (local requirements and international best practice).

Behavioural & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills under operational pressure.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management across engineering, operations, procurement and contractors.
• Ability to coach and influence contractors and field teams to achieve technical and HSE standards.
• Adaptability to changing field conditions and cultural sensitivity in remote, multi‑national teams.

Experience & Conditions

• Proven track record supporting drilling and cementing operations in remote onshore environments.

Performance Indicators

• Quality of fluid and cementing program designs (incidence of cement failures, zonal isolation issues).
• Reduction in NPT attributable to fluid/cement issues and improved hole cleaning/rig efficiency.
• Contractor KPI compliance, lab test turnaround times and accuracy of mud/cement reporting.
• Inventory availability and logistics performance for fluids/cement supplies.
• Number and severity of HSE/environmental incidents related to fluids/cement operations.

Desirable

• Experience with advanced cement systems (expandables, foamed/lightweight cements), wellbore remediation and cement evaluation tools.
• Certification or formal training in cementing and drilling fluids technologies (industry courses or vendor certifications).
• Prior exposure to digital monitoring platforms, real‑time fluid surveillance and laboratory automation.