Lead Process Engineer
Location: Oman – Residential
Contract: Permanent
Experience: 8–10 years in Oil & Gas / Refinery industry
Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent
Overview
A leading engineering organisation is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer to provide technical leadership and expertise across refinery process engineering operations. The role involves optimising process performance, guiding operational and engineering teams, and supporting projects from design through implementation to continuous improvement.
The position requires a strong focus on process optimisation, problem solving, and operational excellence across multiple refinery units and supporting facilities. The role will influence technical decisions, lead improvement initiatives, and ensure alignment with regulatory and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide technical leadership and guidance to operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to achieve operational and project targets.
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Lead the analysis of process data to identify optimisation opportunities and implement improvements.
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Support complex design work and review engineering solutions to ensure alignment with operational objectives.
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Resolve operational issues using advanced problem-solving techniques, balancing technical, economic, and operational considerations.
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Utilise and maintain process simulation tools, including developing heat and material balances and process flow diagrams.
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Conduct root cause analyses and recommend corrective actions for process performance improvement.
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Participate in HAZOP and other safety reviews for facility modifications.
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Prepare technical and commercial evaluations for chemical and catalyst selection.
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Develop technical procedures, validate designs, and support junior engineers’ development.
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Act as Technical Authority for functional reviews of management of change processes.
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Liaise with external engineering contractors and suppliers to improve unit performance and identify investment opportunities.
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Monitor and review performance reports and contribute to budget preparation and departmental process improvements.
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Support mentoring and technical development of engineering staff.
Scope of Process Expertise
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Refinery process units including distillation, hydrotreating, hydrocracking, catalytic cracking, and reforming.
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Offsite operations including tank farms, wastewater treatment, and utilities.
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Process control, product quality, and optimisation initiatives across multiple units.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
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8–10 years’ process engineering experience within the Oil & Gas or Refinery industry.
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Hands-on experience with refinery operations including hydrocracking, hydrotreating, crude distillation, catalytic cracking, hydrogen generation, sulphur recovery, and recovery facilities.
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Experience in field investigation, inspections, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and data analysis.
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Strong knowledge of process plant documentation, P&ID/PFD interpretation, and engineering drawings.
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Familiarity with process simulation tools and refinery operations software.
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Sound technical judgement, knowledge of international standards, and understanding of HSE and process safety principles.
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Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills.
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Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.
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Competence in planning, organising, and prioritising work effectively.