Job Overview & Organization Mission

Model CO2 plume migration, reservoir pressure containment, and injectivity for commercial-scale Carbon Capture & Storage projects.

Santos is recruiting a Lead Subsurface Reservoir Engineer in Adelaide to champion the reservoir modeling and subsurface storage integrity of the world-scale Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project and future offshore CO2 sequestration hubs.

As a key member of the team at Santos in Adelaide, SA, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Construct compositional: Construct compositional dynamic reservoir simulation models using Petrel RE and Eclipse.
• Model CO2: Model CO2 plume migration, capillary trapping, and structural seal containment over 100+ year horizons.
• Perform geomechanical: Perform geomechanical risk assessments for fault reactivation and caprock integrity during injection.
• Design CO2: Design CO2 injection wells, perforation intervals, and subsurface pressure monitoring gauges.
• Prepare technical: Prepare technical submissions for national carbon accounting and greenhouse gas injection licenses.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Santos, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Bachelor or Master of Petroleum, Chemical, or Geological Engineering.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Degree in Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or Geosciences.
• 8+ years reservoir engineering experience with significant exposure to gas or CO2 injection modeling.
• Advanced capability in Petrel, Eclipse, CMG GEM, or similar compositional simulators.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and peer-review presentation experience.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Santos, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$180,000 – AU$225,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Remuneration $180,000 – $225,000 + 11.5% super + company share grant.
• Lead pioneering technical decarbonization projects that establish global benchmarks.
• Adelaide CBD office location with comprehensive relocation assistance available.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Santos

Santos is a global energy pioneer producing natural gas and developing low-carbon fuels and commercial carbon capture and storage projects.

Santos is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Santos careers gateway.