Drilling Engineer

Location: Mine/Exploration Site

Reports to: Head of Mining Operations

Job Overview

The Drilling Engineer designs and executes drilling programs for exploration, grade control, blasting and resource definition. Ensures drilling operations are safe, efficient, and aligned with geological objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare drilling programs for exploration, blast holes, RC/core drilling.
• Design hole patterns, depths, spacing and burden calculations.
• Supervise drilling crews and ensure proper drill rig operations.
• Coordinate with geologists on sampling, logging and core recovery.
• Manage drill rig efficiency, penetration rates, fuel use and consumables.
• Monitor drill performance and implement improvement strategies.
• Prepare cost estimates and monitor drilling budgets.
• Ensure compliance with drilling safety standards and environmental guidelines.
• Prepare daily drilling reports and KPI dashboards.
• Manage consumables – bits, rods, explosives, lubricants.

Experience Requirements

• 4–8 years drilling engineering experience (mine or exploration).
• Hands-on experience with RC, diamond or DTH drilling operations.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical and geological drilling techniques.

Technical Competencies

• Drilling engineering
• Drill/blast design
• Rig operations and maintenance basics
• Geological sampling techniques
• Cost management

Behavioral Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Team coordination
• Safety discipline

HSE Expectations

• Enforce drill-site safety
• Permit-to-work and lockout compliance
• Hazard identification and mitigation

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Drill penetration rate (m/hr)
• Cost per meter
• Recovery rate (%)
• Zero safety incidents

Competitive renumeration and compensation package

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• Do you have have experience with RC, Diamond or DTH Drilling operations?
• Do you have a strong understanding of geotechnical & geological drilling techniques?

Education:

• Undergraduate (Required)

Experience:

• Drilling Engineering (Mine/Exploration): 5 years (Required)

Location:

• Abuja (Required)