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Lead Engineer Utilities & Production Quality

Job Id
OQ56532
Start Date
Jul 08, 2025
End Date
Jul 23, 2025
Compnay Name
OQ
Discipline
Engineering
No of Position
1
Position Type
Permanent
Job Type
Nationality Required
Education & Experience Required
Education
Experience

Job Description

Job title

Lead Engineer Utilities & Production Quality 

Grade

 

Stream

RPI

Function

Assets Development - Process Engineering - Utilities & Production Quality

Location

Oman - Sohar

Budget control

*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*

Reporting to

Team Lead Utilities & Production Quality

Direct reports

-

Job Purpose:

 

Provides robust support for the execution of the operational delivery of Process Engineering services & Product Quality (PQ) for RPI Assets, under Team Lead Utilities & Product Quality scope, acting as team player for  Product Quality (PQ) - Process Engineer and owner of its standards through (1)  Analyses and prepares optimization proposals  executing  the corresponding engineering actions,  task and activities  related to  opportunities of optimization  (2) Execute actions to ensure that Management process  Services meets Management strategy, tactics  and operational performance goals, and (3) Provides focused technical/engineering support on specific operations and the corresponding engineering, maintenance and operational teams in Utilities ’s  facilities, (4) Executes and delivering of Product Quality Technical Services & initiatives including actions, tasks and follow up of Product Quality technical activities, (5)  Delivery of effective Product Quality solutions and meet the technical requirements to ensure that products’ quality actions, tasks and targets are achieved efficiently with the highest engineering standards, and (7) Guide young engineers in related matters; in order to optimize operational and business performance, productivity and in turn profitability.

 

The position will act in accordance with the Group’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

 

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

 

Process Optimization

The systematic approach of analyzing data, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to optimize production (improving efficiency and effectiveness) of various processes including distillation, cracking, hydrotreating, reforming, and blending, among others, to improve their performance by minimizing energy consumption, reducing operating costs, and maximizing production.

Process Control

Real-time monitoring, simulation, modelling, and data analytics to enable the identification process inefficiencies, reduce waste and emissions, and optimize the use of raw materials, energy, and other resources.

Product Quality

Data analytics that aim to meet regulatory requirements for product quality in process installations, upgrades, and maintenance

 

Accountabilities: 

 

(Utilities):

 

Analysis:

Leads the analysis of plant data using Plant Information (PI) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), providing strategic recommendations and remedial actions for identified deviations.

Reviews and validates design work performed by internal/external engineering resources, offering expert input that supports process optimization.

Oversees the preparation and analysis of Heat and Material Balances, Process Flow Diagrams, and the design of minor plant modifications, ensuring successful execution through to project completion.

Monitors, assesses, and evaluates performance specifications of critical equipment such as reactors, drums, compressors, etc., driving data-informed decisions.

Guides the preparation and organization of preliminary technical documentation for tender submissions.

Reviews and approves technical procedures in alignment with plant modifications and new system implementations.

Provides technical leadership in developing design approaches and analysis for specialized equipment.

 

Utility System Optimization:

Leads the identification and implementation of optimization opportunities across designated plants and process units.

Directs the analysis and optimization of various utility systems including steam, water, compressed air, cooling water, nitrogen, and fuel gas, ensuring high efficiency, reliability, and compliance with applicable standards.

 

Process Design and Engineering:

Provides leadership in the design and modification of utility systems, overseeing the development of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and control strategies.

Coordinates with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of utility systems within overall refinery operations..

 

Troubleshooting and Problem Solving:

Leads troubleshooting initiatives by analysing operational data and conducting root cause analyses for utility system issues.

Identifies performance gaps, develops improvement strategies, and drives the implementation of corrective actions.

Leads and contributes expert input to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and HAZOP studies, particularly for facility and plant modifications.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation:

Leads the identification and implementation of energy efficiency opportunities within utility systems.

Oversees energy audits, monitors energy usage trends, identifies inefficiencies, and champions energy conservation measures to reduce costs and enhance sustainability

 

(Product Quality (PQ)):

Monitors the quality of all products produced in RPI assets and identifies deviations from OQ RPI product specifications, ensuring timely resolution of quality issues.

Conducts in-depth analysis of product quality issues that have direct operational impact, using advanced problem-solving tools and techniques, while considering economic, operational, maintenance, and technical factors.

Supports Process Engineers by providing key preliminary data to develop scenarios for handling off-specification and slops products through reprocessing, blending, or further treatment.

Advises Process Engineers on product quality requirements and upcoming specifications (e.g., EURO-5 standards for oil products such as maximum sulfur content of 10 ppm).

Prepares technical data and evaluations for proposed modifications that may impact product quality and develops supporting evaluation reports.

Ensures the plant site’s integration into the global Fuels Product Management / Product Quality network is properly established and maintained.

Applies and follows up on analytical methods for product quality management, such as Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), feedstock characterization, and auto-sampling systems to support effective process control.

Carries out and follows up on product quality investigations, implements corrective actions for incidents occurring within the site, and shares technical learnings with other RPI locations.

Participates in product quality crisis management alongside external stakeholders such as Commercial Optimization, Asset Scheduling, and Marketing teams.

Implements product quality policies, procedures, and standards into site work processes and supports alignment with the site’s management systems.

Contributes to improvements in product quality management systems and procedures by identifying opportunities and supporting implementation.

Participates in critical reviews of local product quality practices and supports efforts to close gaps against OQ Commercial & Downstream Products Standards.

Maintains a strong focus on product quality principles and ensures these practices are upheld within the plant manufacturing environment.

Ensures the site carries out a risk-based sampling and testing effort, and maintains an up-to-date product quality risk register.

Identifies and documents final quality assurance barriers for each product and delivery mode.

Maintains awareness of emerging product quality issues through engagement with Fuels Product Management, Supply PQ Advisors, Global Solutions, and peers.

Acts as a subject matter resource for product quality topics within the site.

Supports knowledge transfer and contributes to the technical development of Omani employees on product quality matters.

 

(Process Safety and Compliance):

Verifies compliance with safety regulations and industry standards in the design, operation, and maintenance of utility systems.

Performs hazard assessments, contributes to safety reviews, and develops procedures to mitigate risks associated with utility systems

 

Data Analysis and Reporting:

Interprets and evaluates data related to utility system performance, efficiency, and reliability.

Prepares detailed reports, establishes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and formulates recommendations to drive continuous improvement

 

Optimization Projects and Initiatives:

Contributes to and steers optimization projects aimed at enhancing performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of utility systems.

Conducts feasibility studies, defines project scopes, develops technical documentation, and supports the execution of projects in line with operational objectives.

 

Collaboration and Communication:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, engineering, and environmental health and safety, to ensure effective communication, coordination, and implementation of utility system-related activities.

 

Internal: Process Engineering Services (PES) Team Leads & Engineers, Laboratory, AD Team Leaders and Engineers, Operations, Maintenance, Commercial Optimization & Asset Scheduling, Marketing and Procurement & Contracts.

External: Contractors, Vendors & Suppliers

Notable Working Conditions: Field Operations and office environment, moderate to intensive computer screen use.

Education Requirements: Minimum qualification required is bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or equivalent

Language Requirements: Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required) Arabic - Native (desirable)

 

Background and Experience:

 

8-10 years relevant experience

Good knowledge of Refinery & Petrochemical industry (downstream) product portfolio

Extensive experience in reporting, planning, scheduling of routine work.

Expertise for budgeting and cost control.

Familiar with techniques for ensuring data integrity with various integration of information/ reports.

 

Utility:

Relevant experience in process engineering, utilities optimization, or similar roles within a refinery or petrochemical industry.

Strong understanding of utility systems, including steam generation, water treatment, cooling systems, compressed air, fuel gas, and nitrogen systems.

Knowledge of relevant codes, standards, and regulatory requirements related to utility systems and process safety.

Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HYSYS, Aspen Plus) and engineering software tools.

Familiarity with reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles and techniques.

 

Production Quality:

Awareness of product quality impact on Refinery & Petrochemical business

Experience and well versed in Incident investigation, troubleshooting, performance checks, data compilation, product quality investigations, etc.

Good knowledge in Quality Assurance, Quality Control and HSE plans.

Understanding of Process Plant (P& ID / PFD) & Engineering drawings and OEM manuals.

Very good experience in software applications like PI, and LIMS. 

 

Competencies and Skills:

Soft:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and effectively convey technical information.

Attention to detail and a focus on safety, compliance, and environmental sustainability.

Strong Communication skill verbal and written

Personal and Team Accountability

Accurate Reporting skills

Effective planning and organizing skills

Proficient at interpreting Technical Drawings

Problem Solving Skills

Result orientation

Planning and Organizing

Decisiveness

Exercising influence  

Work Prioritization

 

Technical:

Computer Literacy including MS Office & SAP.

Knowledge of process engineering best practices

Refinery commissioning and start-up.

Sound judgment in technical matters with good skills in product specifications and international standards.

SOP interpretation

PQ investigations,

EURO-5

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR)

 

Skills Required

Other Job Details