Principal Process Engineer

Job Overview:

The Principal Process Engineer is responsible for interpreting internal or external business issues and recommending best practices. They will be tasked with solving complex process engineering-related problems and will work independently with minimal guidance. The Principal Process Engineer may be responsible for leading functional teams or projects and is regarded as a specialist in the field of process engineering. As such, they must have in-depth expertise in process engineering as well as broad knowledge of the process engineering discipline within the engineering function.

Essential Qualifications and Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Engineering
• 15-20 years of experience in oil and gas with a major contractor or consultant predominantly performing detail design
• Preferably Registered Professional Engineer or member of professional engineering society as applicable
• Detailed knowledge of design techniques and analysis methods and detailed knowledge of the theory, content, and application of standards, codes, and guidelines as applicable
• Knowledgeable in project coordination and execution skills

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed analyses and design as per design basis, project specifications, design codes, and standards
• Apply in-depth skills and broad knowledge of the business to address complex problems and nonstandard situations
• Prepare clear and accurate detailed design calculations and analyses including design reports and procedures
• Manage own time to meet objectives and (as Lead Engineer) forecast and plan resource requirements
• Clearly communicate and explain difficult concepts and persuade others to adopt a point of view
• When acting as Lead Engineer, in addition:
• Direct medium or large Engineering teams
• Lead the Discipline engineering design of the assigned work area and ensure completion within the planned schedule and budget, in accordance with standards, MDR, and project-specific procedures
• Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of Discipline execution on the assigned project including scope, deliverables, schedule, and manpower resources
• Ensure interfaces and deliverables are clearly identified
• Maintain responsibility for progress and productivity, identifying any required corrective action
• Act as project representative for Discipline during meetings with the Project Team, Customer discipline lead, and relevant agencies
• Become fully familiar with the project scope of work, specifications, schedule, and all inter-discipline requirements
• Interpret contractual requirements as they relate to engineering execution
• Identify changes to scope and promptly raise change notifications
• Provide support for Variation Orders
• Interface with all disciplines to develop clash-free designs
• Maintain close coordination with other engineering disciplines, Planning, and Project Management Teams
• Document substantive communications and forward copies to the Discipline Lead Engineer and Discipline Manager
• Prepare estimates for bid proposals, including technical query reviews, execution statements, and work-hour estimates
• Prepare bids and project’s Discipline engineering budget and execution plans
• Raise technical queries to obtain missing information, clarify work scope, and maintain preferred procedures, specifications, standards, practices, and operational requirements
• Prepare, review and approve Discipline engineering design basis, philosophies, and technical specifications
• Participate in finalizing deliverables lists and ensuring compliance with specifications
• Review project schedule and fabrication schedule regarding construction sequence, milestones, and engineering scope
• Attend project kickoff and review meetings, vendor meetings, engineering meetings, and offshore site surveys
• Provide technical direction and review of Designers producing products related to Process Engineering
• Prepare, review, and approve design reports and procedures
• Assist in providing necessary design inputs to other disciplines
• Review and approve vendor and subcontractor submittals
• Present issues and problems to Customers promptly
• Guide less experienced engineers on procedures, standards, worksheets, design calculations, and software
• Supervise and guide assigned engineers and coordinate with project Lead Designers
• Monitor costs of own work processes
• Responsible for the engineering integrity of the assigned work area
• Develop communication and presentation skills
• Responsible for checking key deliverables as per the Project scope:
• Process simulations / Heat and material balances
• Process flow diagrams (PFD)
• Piping and instrument diagrams (P&ID)
• Equipment and instrument process datasheets
• Process specifications
• Operating philosophy and startup manuals
• Equipment list (process data)
• Line list (process data)
• Equipment and line sizing calculations
• Flare radiation and dispersion calculations
• Depressurization and flare network studies
• Process studies
• Provide process assistance to other disciplines
• Participate in HAZAN, HAZID, HAZOP, and other safety studies
• Assist in closing out HAZOP action items
• Lead the Discipline team during project audits and Design Reviews
• When acting as Lead Engineer, in addition:
• Act as project-based Discipline point of contact
• Ensure substantive communications are documented
• Identify project staff needs and provide requests to the Discipline manager
• Plan, organize, and assign tasks to the discipline team
• Prepare working forecasts identifying change management plans
• Provide Discipline inputs for progress reports
• Alert the project team of any deviation from the scope
• Monitor KPI measurement results
• Coordinate with other Discipline Lead Engineers and Designers
• Review and approve requisitions and technical quotation evaluations
• Assist the Discipline manager in the preparation of quarterly forecasts
• Anticipate project engineering needs and plan accordingly
• Coordinate with vendor for discipline-managed items
• Assist in the Performance Evaluation of project team members

Reports to:
Project: Lead Engineer, Project Engineering Manager or Project Manager
Functional: Supervising Department Manager
Liaise with: All Engineering disciplines, Fabrication Group, Safety Department, Project Management Team, Document Control, Project Planner, Project Cost Controller, QC, Certification Group, Procurement Group, Subcontractors, Vendors, and Customers
Supervises: Senior Engineers and Engineers