Process Lead Engineer

Job Title:
Process Lead Engineer

Department:
Process / Engineering

Reports To:
Engineering Manager / Project Engineering Manager

Location:
[Specify – e.g., Onshore, Offshore, Office, Site, etc.]

Position Overview

The
Process Lead Engineer
is responsible for leading all process engineering activities within a project, ensuring that design deliverables meet technical requirements, industry standards, and client specifications. The role involves coordinating the process design team, interfacing with other engineering disciplines, and supporting all project phases from concept through detailed design, construction, and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Coordination

• Lead the process engineering team and allocate work based on project priorities and deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and supervision to junior and senior process engineers.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, piping, instrumentation, electrical, civil, safety, etc.) to ensure design consistency and integration.
• Act as the focal point for process engineering within the project and liaise with the client and vendors when required.

2. Process Design and Development

• Develop and review
  Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
  ,
  Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  , and process datasheets.
• Perform
  process simulations
  using tools such as
  Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II, or UniSim
  to validate design performance.
• Define and calculate process parameters: mass and energy balances, hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, and relief system design.
• Prepare and review key design documents such as:
• Basis of Design (BOD)
• Heat and Material Balance (H&MB)
• Equipment and Instrument Data Sheets
• Process Descriptions
• Control Narratives and Operating Philosophies

3. Technical Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with project specifications, international standards (API, ASME, ISO, IEC), and local regulatory requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, HAZOPs, SIL assessments, and risk studies to ensure operability and safety.
• Review vendor documentation for process equipment and provide technical clarifications and approvals.

4. Project Execution Support

• Provide process engineering input to procurement, construction, and commissioning teams.
• Support site activities, including pre-commissioning, commissioning, and performance testing.
• Resolve process-related technical issues during project execution and handover.
• Ensure all process deliverables are completed on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in
  Chemical Engineering
  or
  Process Engineering
  .
• Minimum
  10–15 years
  of experience in process engineering, with at least
  5 years in a lead or senior role
  in the
  oil and gas, LNG, or petrochemical industry
  .
• Experience in
  FEED, detailed engineering, and EPC
  project phases.
• Strong knowledge of international codes and standards (API, ASME, IEC, ISO, NFPA, etc.).
• Familiarity with design software such as
  Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II, FlareNet, Flaresim, PIPESIM, or OLGA
  .
• Proven leadership and team management skills.

Core Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in process design and simulation.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of safety engineering principles and HSE management.
• Ability to interpret and develop complex process documentation.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Typical Deliverables

• Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Heat and Material Balances
• Equipment Sizing Calculations and Datasheets
• Process and Utility Design Basis
• Control Philosophy and Process Narratives
• Relief and Flare System Design
• HAZOP and SIL Review Reports
• Process Design Reports and Operating Manuals