Job Title: Process Control Engineer
Job Summary:
The Process Control Engineering Manager (Oil & Gas) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of process control systems, ensuring their optimal design, implementation, and operation to support safe and efficient oil and gas operations. This role involves managing a team of engineers, driving innovation in control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and aligning technical objectives with organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
- Manage and mentor a team of process control engineers and technicians, providing technical direction and fostering professional growth.
- Define team objectives, allocate responsibilities, and evaluate performance to ensure project success.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration within the team.
Strategic Planning and Operations:
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the maintenance, optimization, and upgrading of process control systems.
- Ensure process control systems align with organizational objectives, safety requirements, and production goals.
- Oversee the integration of advanced technologies, such as IoT, machine learning, and predictive analytics, into control systems.
Control System Oversight:
- Supervise the design, configuration, and commissioning of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Ensure the reliability and accuracy of process control systems through regular audits and performance evaluations.
- Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex control system issues.
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all control systems comply with international standards such as API, ISA, HAZOP, SIL, and IEC.
- Prepare for and lead internal and external audits related to process control systems.
- Develop and enforce procedures and documentation standards to maintain quality and regulatory compliance.
Budgeting and Resource Management:
- Manage budgets for process control projects, including system upgrades, equipment purchases, and personnel costs.
- Optimize resource allocation to achieve project milestones within budgetary constraints.
- Ensure timely procurement and maintenance of process control hardware and software.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project management teams to ensure control systems meet organizational needs.
- Communicate project updates, risks, and outcomes to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Represent the organization in industry forums, client discussions, and regulatory meetings.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
- Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency, safety, and reliability through control system enhancements.
- Drive the adoption of advanced technologies and methodologies to achieve operational excellence.
- Monitor industry trends and integrate best practices into process control operations.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Comprehensive knowledge of process control systems, including DCS, PLC, SCADA, and advanced control strategies.
- Expertise in control algorithms, such as PID tuning, model predictive control, and distributed control systems.
- Strong understanding of instrumentation, process equipment, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, HART, OPC).
- Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills for managing complex technical and operational challenges.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in process control or automation (e.g., ISA Certified Automation Professional, Functional Safety Certification) are highly desirable.
Key Focus Areas:
- Process Control in Drilling, Refining, and Extraction: Managing and overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process control strategies across drilling, refining, and extraction operations to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and performance.
- SCADA Systems for Pipeline Management: Leading the strategic integration, optimization, and monitoring of SCADA systems across pipeline management, ensuring high reliability, security, and operational efficiency while aligning with organizational objectives.
- Safety and Emergency Shutdown Systems: Managing teams responsible for the design, testing, and optimization of safety and emergency shutdown systems, ensuring they meet global safety standards and are continuously enhanced to address emerging risks.
- Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Leading and directing compliance programs for process control systems, ensuring the organization adheres to all relevant environmental and regulatory standards, conducting audits, and ensuring corrective actions are implemented across all systems.
- Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leading and mentoring teams of engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving initiatives to improve process control, efficiency, and safety across operations while meeting business objectives.
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in process control engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial role.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage large-scale projects, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Tools and Technologies:
- Proficiency with platforms such as Siemens PCS 7, Honeywell Experion, ABB 800xA, or Rockwell Automation.
- Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, MATLAB) and advanced analytics software.
- Experience with digital transformation technologies, such as IoT and predictive maintenance tools, is an advantage.
Other Requirements:
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills to engage with teams and stakeholders effectively.
- Commitment to maintaining safety, quality, and compliance in all control system activities.
- Strategic mindset to align process control operations with organizational objectives and industry trends.
- Willingness to travel for audits, client engagements, and technical meetings.