About the Role
The Process Engineer in Hydro-Processing provides essential engineering support for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process optimization activities in Hydro Processing Units (HPU, DHT, HCU). Acting as a collaborative team player, the Engineer identifies and executes optimization opportunities while supporting management in meeting strategy and performance goals. This role aligns with organizational objectives, Oman’s regulations, and best international practices.
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Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Unit Purpose:
- HPU (Hydro-processing Unit): Performs hydro-treating or hydrocracking to treat petroleum fractions, removing contaminants like sulfur and nitrogen to enhance product quality.
- DHT (Diesel Hydrotreater): Treats diesel fractions to produce ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), working at high temperatures and pressures.
- HCU (Hydrocracking Unit): Converts heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable products using hydrogen and dual-function catalysts.
Key Responsibilities:
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Data Analysis and Optimization:
- Analyze plant data using PI and LIMS, providing remedial solutions for deviations and identifying optimization opportunities.
- Identify debottlenecking opportunities and improve unit efficiency.
- Provide technical recommendations for resolving complex process issues.
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Design and Process Optimization:
- Coordinate and review complex design work, developing Heat and Material Balances, and designing minor modifications.
- Prepare preliminary documents for tender submissions.
- Lead engineering reviews for plant modifications and improvement projects.
- Develop and validate process simulation and optimization studies while providing technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
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Equipment Monitoring and Troubleshooting:
- Monitor equipment such as reactors and compressors, perform root cause analysis (RCA), and propose corrective actions.
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Safety and Compliance:
- Develop technical procedures and lead HAZOP, PSSR, and process safety reviews.
- Provide technical leadership for Management of Change (MOC) and risk assessment activities while promoting process safety best practices across the organization.
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Process Engineering Support:
- Support the development of key documents and provide technical assistance to other sections.
- Develop advanced simulation models and digital performance tools while mentoring junior engineers.
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Reviews and Approvals:
- Provide technical approval for key process engineering deliverables and perform independent technical reviews of engineering studies and proposals.
- Represent Process Engineering in technical committees and strategic initiatives.
Key Interactions
- Internal: Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders for day-to-day operations.
- External: Engage with consultants, contractors, and vendors.
Notable Working Conditions
- The role involves both field operations and office environments, with moderate to intensive computer screen usage.
Education Requirements
- A minimum of an Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical Engineering or a relevant field.
Language Requirements
- Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English is required.
Background and Experience
Competencies and Skills
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant refining/process engineering experience.
- Extensive experience in Hydro Processing (HPU, DHT, HCU) operations and optimization, with a proven track record in leading process improvement and debottlenecking initiatives.
- Experience in leading refinery commissioning, start-up, and troubleshooting activities.
- Strong background in Process Safety Management (PSM), HAZOP, and MOC reviews.
- Demonstrated capability in mentoring and developing junior engineers, alongside advanced proficiency in process simulation and modeling tools (HYSYS, PetroSIM, UniSim).
- Experience in cross-functional projects and strategic business initiatives.
Soft Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Personal and team accountability with effective planning and organizing skills.
- Proficient in interpreting technical drawings and possess critical thinking skills.
- Result-oriented with strong decision-making capabilities under pressure and the ability to influence stakeholders across all organizational levels.
- Leadership skills and strategic thinking for problem-solving.
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in computer literacy including MS Office and SOP interpretation.
- Good knowledge of modern operation technologies and planning techniques for Hydro Processing processes.
- Strong judgment in technical matters and sound skills in the engineering field.
- Knowledge in estimating, budgeting, and cost control, along with advanced proficiency in process simulation tools (HYSYS and PetroSIM).
- Familiarity with refinery process optimization, energy efficiency, and debottlenecking techniques, as well as knowledge of safety management methodologies like PSM, HAZOP, SIL, MOC, and RCA.
- Understanding of refinery commissioning, start-up, shutdown, and turnaround activities, with the ability to review and approve engineering studies, design packages, and technical deliverables.
