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

Employment Type: Contract
Industry: Hard Commodities / Petrochemical & Refining
Location: UAE
Client: Reputable UAE-based Organization in the Hard Commodities Sector

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Engineer to join a leading organization in the petrochemical and refining sector, based in the UAE. This role offers the opportunity to participate in a world-class, grass-roots petrochemical and refining project from early engineering design through FEED (Front End Engineering Design) and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) phases. The ideal candidate will play a key role in the successful execution of large-scale petrochemical plant projects, ensuring optimal process design and technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Participation:
  Represent the client on a major petrochemical and refining project in the UAE, contributing from early engineering design through FEED and EPC phases.

• Scope and Documentation:
  Develop and define the project scope of work and Basis of Design. Prepare detailed process inputs and compile ITB (Invitation to Bid) packages for pre-FEED and FEED phases. Review and assess bidding proposals, supporting contractor selection.

• Technology and Licensing:
  Assess and qualify technology providers and process licensors. Review Preliminary Design Packages (PDPs), Basic Design Packages, and other technical study reports.

• Coordination and Communication:
  Maintain effective coordination with international engineering contractors and technology licensors throughout design phases. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and timely resolution of technical issues.

• Documentation Review:
  Review and approve process-related documentation such as BFDs/PFDs, process philosophies, design basis documents, specifications, drawings, and layout plans.

• Process Design and Analysis:
  Provide process design inputs for large-scale petrochemical plant projects, including plant configuration optimization, equipment/material specifications, and safety/environmental compliance analysis. Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen PIMS, Aspen Plus, HYSYS) for design calculations and simulations.

• Risk Management:
  Contribute to risk assessments and design mitigation strategies for potential process-related issues, working across various engineering disciplines.

• Project Execution:
  Collaborate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of engineering packages and services. Participate in project reviews and workshops, ensuring safe, high-quality design execution.

• Leadership and Reporting:
  Act as the process/technical lead in cross-functional teams, contributing to decision-making processes and aligning project deliverables with client goals. Prepare and present detailed technical reports to senior management and stakeholders.

• Additional Responsibilities:
  Demonstrate flexibility for international travel, manage communications across multiple time zones, and ensure effective collaboration with diverse teams. Utilize project management tools to track project progress and ensure timely deliverables.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree in Process or Chemical (Petrochemistry) Engineering.

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years in downstream process engineering, with a focus on large-scale petrochemical and refining projects (conceptual design to EPC).

• Technical Expertise:

  • Strong knowledge of petrochemical and refining technologies, including ISBL and OSBL facilities design.

  • Proficient in process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen PIMS, Aspen Plus, HYSYS).

  • Expertise in process design, optimization, and industrial engineering principles.

• Regulatory Knowledge:
  Familiarity with international standards, as well as UAE National regulatory requirements related to safety, environmental compliance, and quality.

• Problem-Solving:
  Proven ability to manage complex technical issues and develop innovative solutions.

• Communication & Leadership:

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

  • Proficiency in English; Arabic is a plus.

Additional Qualities:

• International experience with the flexibility for travel.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.

• Strong time management, coordination, and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.

Employment Type: Contract (Initial duration: 12+ months)

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-profile petrochemical and refining project in the UAE. If you meet the qualifications and have the required experience, we encourage you to apply and join our client’s team.