Job Title: Senior Process Engineer – Petrochemical & Refining (Contract)

Job Description

Industry: Hard Commodities / Petrochemical & Refining

Recruitment: On behalf of our UAE-based client

About the Role:

We are hiring a Senior Process Engineer for a leading organization in the petrochemical and refining sector in the UAE. This role involves overseeing the entire project lifecycle from early engineering design to FEED and EPC, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Participation:

• Represent the company in a world-class, grassroots petrochemical and refining project from concept to execution.

• Contribute to project scope definition, Basis of Design, and ITB package development for FEED and EPC phases.

• Evaluate bidding proposals and assist in selecting engineering contractors and technology licensors.

Process Design & Optimization:

• Provide process inputs for large-scale petrochemical plant design, ensuring efficient plant configuration and compliance with environmental/safety standards.

• Utilize process simulation software (Aspen PIMS, Aspen Plus, HYSYS) for process selection, design calculations, and operational optimization.

• Review and approve process documentation, including BFDs, PFDs, philosophies, specifications, and layout plans.

Technology & Licensing:

• Assist in the pre-qualification and assessment of technology providers and licensors.

• Analyze Preliminary Design Packages (PDPs), Basic Design Packages, and study reports to ensure technical feasibility.

Coordination & Risk Management:

• Lead multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering contractors, licensors, and internal stakeholders.

• Participate in risk assessments and hazard studies, developing strategies for process safety and operational reliability.

• Provide technical leadership in vendor and contractor interactions to ensure timely project execution.

Leadership & Reporting:

• Act as the technical lead in cross-functional teams, contributing to high-level decision-making.

• Prepare and present technical reports and recommendations to senior management and project stakeholders.

• Stay updated with UAE national regulations and international standards for safety, environmental, and quality compliance.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Process or Chemical Engineering (Petrochemistry specialization preferred).

• 15+ years of experience in downstream process engineering, focusing on large-scale petrochemical and refining projects.

• Proven track record of managing engineering projects from conceptual design to EPC.

Technical Expertise:

• Extensive knowledge of petrochemical & refining technologies, including licensor PDPs and ISBL/OSBL facility design.

• Strong proficiency in process design, optimization, and industrial engineering principles.

• Hands-on experience with Aspen PIMS, Aspen Plus, HYSYS, or similar process simulation tools.

Soft Skills & Additional Qualifications:

• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to manage complex technical challenges.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

• Fluency in English (Arabic is a strong plus).

• Willingness to travel internationally and work across time zones.

• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.

Employment Type:

Contract – Initial Duration: 12+ Months