Principal Commissioning Engineer - Oil and Gas Projects

Mc Dermott; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth in commissioning and project execution

Involvement in high-value energy projects

Exposure to global infrastructure developments

Job summary

Mc Dermott is seeking a Principal Commissioning Engineer for oil and gas projects in Dubai. You will lead commissioning strategies, ensuring operational readiness and safety.

The ideal candidate will have 15–20 years of experience in oil and gas projects, strong expertise in project execution, and excellent leadership skills. Join us in driving critical energy infrastructure projects with a respected name in the industry.

Qualifications

• 15 to 20 years of experience in oil and gas projects with major EPC contractors or consultants.
• Strong expertise in commissioning, completions, start‑up, and operational readiness for major facilities.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in refinery, chemical, or oil and gas processing plants.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support safe and efficient execution of commissioning activities.
• Supervise the preparation of commissioning plans and deliverables.
• Coordinate closely with construction teams and client representatives.

Skills

Pre‑Commissioning and Commissioning Management

Start‑Up and Performance Testing

Mechanical Completion and System Handover

HAZOP, P&ID, and SIL Reviews

Operating Manuals and Technical Documentation

Commissioning Procedures Development

EPC Project Execution and Coordination

Vendor and Subcontractor Management

MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio

Team Leadership and Site Supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering

Job description

Overview

Principal Commissioning Engineer – Oil and Gas Projects. Location: Dubai, UAE. Industry: Oil and Energy. Function: Engineering. Experience: 15‑20 years. Job Type: Full‑time.

Context

The Principal Commissioning Engineer leads the execution of commissioning strategies that ensure systems, utilities, and process facilities are safely prepared for operational handover. This role bridges engineering, construction, completions, and operations by managing commissioning deliverables, supervising teams, and ensuring all systems achieve performance targets. It plays a vital role in reducing operational risk and delivering successful plant start‑up outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Report to the Commissioning Manager and support safe and efficient execution of pre‑commissioning, commissioning, start‑up, and performance testing activities.
• Supervise the preparation of commissioning home office deliverables and execution plans for major EPC projects.
• Participate in systemization development and system boundary mark‑ups for plant and facility readiness.
• Support engineering design reviews including HAZOP, P&ID reviews, SIL reviews, and 3D model assessments.
• Develop and manage commissioning schedules covering pre‑commissioning, commissioning, and operational start‑up phases.
• Supervise preparation of operating manuals and technical documentation for final handover.
• Lead development of commissioning procedures for utility systems and process systems.
• Manage planning for CSU spares, temporary equipment, vendor services, consumables, and subcontract requirements.
• Coordinate closely with completions teams, construction teams, and client representatives for inspections and testing.
• Supervise commissioning engineers, specialists, subcontractors, and client personnel during execution activities.
• Support mechanical completion inspections and accept systems for commissioning readiness.
• Participate in walk‑down inspections, punch‑list development, and close‑out of commissioning‑related actions.
• Contribute technical feedback and project improvements to lessons learned databases.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering.
• 15 to 20 years of experience in oil and gas projects with major EPC contractors or consultants.
• Strong expertise in commissioning, completions, start‑up, and operational readiness for major facilities.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in refinery, chemical, or oil and gas processing plants.
• Proven commissioning and start‑up experience on at least 3 major EPC projects.
• Strong knowledge of plant operations, construction interfaces, and maintenance systems.
• Excellent leadership and coordination skills across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong communication skills for technical discussions with engineers, operators, and client stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel internationally to project and construction sites.

Skills Set

• Pre‑Commissioning and Commissioning Management
• Start‑Up and Performance Testing
• Mechanical Completion and System Handover
• HAZOP, P&ID, and SIL Reviews
• Operating Manuals and Technical Documentation
• Commissioning Procedures Development
• EPC Project Execution and Coordination
• Vendor and Subcontractor Management
• MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio
• Team Leadership and Site Supervision

Why Join Us

• Lead commissioning activities for high‑value global energy and infrastructure projects.
• Work with one of the most respected engineering and construction organizations in the oil and gas sector.
• Gain strong leadership exposure across offshore, refinery, and petrochemical developments.
• Build long‑term career growth in commissioning, plant operations, and project execution.
• Support world‑class engineering teams delivering critical energy infrastructure.
• Be part of projects driving operational excellence and the future of sustainable energy delivery.