Role: Lead Mechanical Engineer (static equipment)
Inside IR35 contract
Location: South East UK (office based)
Duration – one year renewable contract – (anticipated 2 year + duration)
Key experience – Client side / operator experience managing design scopes of engineering contractor
Start date: Immediate
We are recruiting for an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join a client-side Project Management Team (PMT) supporting a major integrated refining and petrochemical development of over $15bn.
Working within the PMT, you will provide mechanical engineering leadership across pre-FEED / FEED phases, with a strong focus on contractor oversight and technical assurance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the client focal point for mechanical engineering (static equipment)
- Overseeing EPC / engineering contractor deliverables to ensure compliance with company standards
- Driving value improvement and cost optimisation across design
- Reviewing and challenging contractor design to ensure mechanical integrity and operability
- Leading input into engineering standards, specifications, and philosophies
- Supporting technical bid evaluations (FEED/EPC) and contractor selection
- Ensuring effective risk identification and mitigation across mechanical scope
Requirements
Strong client-side / operator experience (essential)
Proven track record overseeing engineering contractors / EPC scopes of work
15+ years’ experience in downstream refining or petrochemical projects
Deep expertise in static equipment, including:
- pressure vessels
- heat exchangers
- piping systems
- fitness-for-service and integrity assessments
Experience in:
- high-pressure hydro processing / heavy oil upgrading / gas treatment / ethylene cracking (preferred)
- Demonstrable technical knowledge of onshore Downstream refining and/or Chemical process modular units, preferably with one or more of the following: heavy oil upgrading, high pressure hydro processing, sour gas treatment, saturated gas recovery, ethylene cracking, offsites/utilities
- Experience working on or with Middle East projects, with an understanding of regional culture and stakeholder dynamics (highly desirable)
- Ability to operate at PMT level, influencing both technical and commercial decisions
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