Drilling Fluids Superintendent

Job Title : Drilling Fluids Superintendent

Location & Work Type : Gabon - Rotational

Assala Energy is a dynamic Oil and Gas Exploration and Production company committed to the sustainable development of its assets in Gabon. We value a collaborative approach, promote diversity, and prioritize safety and integrity in all our operations.

We are seeking a Drilling Fluids Superintendent to oversee drilling and completion fluids, cementing, waste management, and related field operations. In this role, you will ensure safe and efficient execution of fluids programs, optimize drilling performance, supervise service providers, and provide technical leadership to the Fluids Engineer and wider Wells team.

You will work closely with Drilling Engineers, Completion Engineers, Drilling Superintendents, Logistics teams, and contractors to deliver high‑quality well construction activities aligned with Assala’s operational standards and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of drilling and completion fluids programs.
• Supervise fluids service contractors, including drilling fluids, completion fluids, solids control, and Liquid Mud Plant operations.
• Oversee cementing program design and supervise cementing contractors to ensure compliance and performance.
• Provide continuous technical and operational support to the Drilling Operations team.
• Resolve operational challenges promptly and advise on corrective actions.

HSE & Compliance

• Promote and uphold Assala’s safety culture; actively contribute to safe operations.
• Support Wells HSE in performing regular audits of fluids, cementing, and waste management service companies.
• Ensure all contractors under your supervision follow Assala’s safety rules and industry best practices.

Waste Management

• Manage cuttings and mud waste handling, treatment, and disposal in line with environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise waste management contractors and ensure cost‑effective, compliant operations.

Well Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to well design by developing fluids and cementing requirements.
• Gather offset data, review historical performance, and generate lessons learned.
• Introduce new technologies, systems, or chemicals to enhance well performance and efficiency.

Contract & Performance Management

• Supervise contractor performance to ensure quality, cost effectiveness, and adherence to contract terms.
• Participate in tendering activities, including technical and commercial bid evaluations and award recommendations.
• Maintain oversight of chemical inventories, stock levels, and deliveries to support uninterrupted operations.

Main Challenges

• Ensuring strict adherence to safety standards across all supervised contractors.
• Maintaining optimal levels of mud and cement chemicals, avoiding shortages or excess.
• Driving contractor performance to support efficient and cost‑effective well construction.
• Championing new technologies and improved techniques to enhance well quality and operational performance.

Requirements

• Engineering degree (Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum, or related discipline).
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in drilling fluids, including at least:
• 5 years of rig‑site operational experience as a Mud Engineer or Cementing Engineer.
• 3–5 years as a Fluids Superintendent for an Operator.
• Experience with onshore waste management systems using Water-Based Mud (WBM).
• Strong understanding of drilling operations, fluids rheology, solids control, and cementing engineering.
  

Training & Certifications

• IWCF Well Control – Supervisor Level 4 (must be able to pass).
• Medically fit for onshore operations and frequent field visits.

Skills, Behaviours & Attributes

• Fluent in English; proficiency in French is a plus
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and decision‑making skills.
• Results‑oriented, with a proactive and solution‑focused mindset.
• Effective communication abilities and confidence to work in a multicultural environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safety.