Drilling Fluids Advisor – Petrofac, Abu Dhabi, UAE

October 2, 2025

Job Description

Summary

Petrofac is seeking an experienced Drilling Fluids Advisor to support onshore and offshore operations in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will provide technical guidance, operational oversight, and optimization of drilling fluids programs, ensuring compliance with HSE, operational, and environmental standards. This role plays a key part in enhancing well performance, reducing non-productive time (NPT), and improving cost efficiency while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.


Job Details at a Glance

TitleDrilling Fluids Advisor
CompanyPetrofac
LocationAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Experience5–10 years in drilling fluids / oil & gas operations
ShiftOnshore & Offshore / Hybrid working possible
DepartmentWell Engineering / Drilling Operations
Tools & PlatformsMud logging & testing equipment, API RPs, Drilling & Mud Programs

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management & Optimization

  • Implement and monitor drilling fluid programs to optimize well performance and hole cleaning efficiency.
  • Coordinate activities between fluid service companies, vendors, and operators to ensure smooth operations.
  • Monitor and maintain drilling fluid properties per the Drilling and Mud Program.
  • Conduct routine mud testing, reporting, and provide recommendations for improvements.
  • Track drilling fluid samples and ensure all tests comply with API Recommended Practices.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

  • Ensure full compliance with company, client, and regulatory HSE standards.
  • Conduct risk analyses (HARC, JSA) prior to each operation, identifying hazards and preventive measures.
  • Promote safe handling of chemicals and equipment, ensuring all personnel adhere to procedures.

Technical & Commercial Oversight

  • Maintain inventory of mud materials, barite, salt, and lab chemicals, ensuring levels remain above minimum thresholds.
  • Verify reporting, equipment calibration, and delivery tickets against inventory at wellsites.
  • Prepare recap reports for each hole section, including lessons learned and cost summaries.
  • Advise on drilling fluids optimization, including flow rates, viscosities, RPM, and rate of penetration (ROP).

Collaboration & Communication

  • Work closely with rig personnel, engineers, and office teams to support well operations.
  • Provide technical guidance for improvement processes, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
  • Demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills across onshore and offshore environments.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong knowledge of drilling mud properties, fluid chemistry, and solids control.
  • Familiarity with API standards for drilling fluids and wellsite testing procedures.
  • Ability to analyze operational data and recommend actionable optimizations.
  • Competence in inventory management and lab equipment calibration.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
  • Awareness of environmental regulations and safe chemical handling procedures.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in drilling fluids advisory or related oil & gas operations.
  • Experience working onshore and offshore, supporting drilling operations and well performance.
  • Knowledge of HSE practices, API RP standards, and drilling optimization techniques.

Apply Now

Join Petrofac as a Drilling Fluids Advisor in Abu Dhabi and drive operational excellence in upstream oil and gas activities. Apply directly via the official Petrofac careers portal:

Apply Here