Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist at Shell

Abroadactivities; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Private medical insurance

Long-Term Incentives

Job summary

Shell in Aberdeen is seeking a Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist to act as the technical authority on reservoir performance and offshore delivery. Based in the Aberdeen office, you will lead cross-disciplinary teams, drive optimization of mature fields, and mentor junior engineers while coordinating with offshore installations.

The role requires extensive experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills, with regular offshore rotations and mandatory safety certifications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MSc or MEng) in Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10–15 years of progressive Petroleum Engineering experience.
• UKCS regulatory and safety knowledge; offshore certifications (HSE) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority on reservoir performance and operational delivery.
• Lead multi-disciplinary subsurface and well-delivery teams; mentor junior engineers.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for offshore installation managers.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Reservoir Engineering

Offshore Operations

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

The position of a Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist at a major energy company like Shell, based in the key North Sea hub of Aberdeen, UK, represents the pinnacle of an upstream engineering career. This role is crucial for optimizing reservoir performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving production efficiency from complex offshore assets. This specialized post details the advanced technical requirements, the highly competitive compensation structure, and the exact steps to navigate the application process for this expert position.

The Mandate of a Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer

The core responsibility of a Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist is to act as the technical authority on reservoir performance and operational delivery. The work balances maximizing recovery from mature fields with integrating new technologies and adhering to stringent UK regulatory and safety frameworks. Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist at Shell.

Advanced Technical Requirements

• Experience & Education: A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in Petroleum Engineering (Reservoir, Drilling, or Production), coupled with a Master’s degree (MSc or MEng) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering).
• Reservoir Management: Deep expertise in reservoir simulation, well test design/analysis, and implementing Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) strategies to boost production over the long term.
• Well Integrity: Specialization in well construction, integrity management, and downhole technologies, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of complex subsea and platform wells.
• Regulatory & Safety: Comprehensive knowledge of UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) regulations, particularly those concerning offshore safety (HSE), well examination schemes, and asset integrity standards.
• Leadership & Project Management: Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary subsurface and well-delivery teams, manage complex projects, and mentor junior engineers, often serving as the primary technical liaison for offshore installation managers.

The Aberdeen Hub

While the role is "offshore," the Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist is primarily based in the Aberdeen office, leading analysis and strategy. The role requires periodic offshore travel to Shell's North Sea assets (e.g., a 2-week on, 3-week off rotation may apply, depending on the asset), demanding mandatory BOSIET/HUET safety certifications and fitness for offshore work.

Salary & Benefits: Specialist Compensation and Offshore Uplift

Compensation for a specialist role at Shell in Aberdeen is designed to attract top-tier global talent, featuring a substantial base salary plus significant performance and offshore bonuses.

Total Compensation Range (Target): For a Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist, the base salary typically falls between £100,000 and £160,000 GBP. Total Annual Compensation (TAC), including annual performance bonuses (usually 15%-30% of base) and generous offshore day-rate uplifts (which can add another £20k-£40k annually), can push the total package well into the £180,000 to £240,000 range.

Comprehensive Global Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: An extremely competitive defined contribution pension plan with high employer matching rates, reflecting Shell's focus on long-term employee investment.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive private medical insurance (PMI) for the engineer and family, and extensive wellness programs tailored for the physical demands of offshore work.
• Stock & Incentives: Access to a generous share ownership program and Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) tied to company performance and the energy transition strategy.
• Professional Development: Significant budget allocated for professional registration (Chartered Engineer status), advanced technical training, and global internal assignments for career progression.

Conclusion

Join Shell in Aberdeen as a Lead Offshore Petroleum Engineer Specialist and take a key role in managing critical offshore energy operations. This senior-level position offers competitive compensation, leadership responsibilities, and the opportunity to work on world-class oil and gas projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

FAQ

Is relocation to Aberdeen mandatory?

Yes, the role is typically Aberdeen-based due to proximity to the North Sea assets, though flexible working models for onshore time are common.

What is the typical offshore rotation?

Rotations vary by asset, but common shifts are 2/3 (two weeks offshore, three weeks onshore) or 3/3, with work days being 12-hour shifts.

Are there opportunities for promotion?

Yes. Lead Specialists are on a path toward Chief Petroleum Engineer or Global Discipline Head roles within the technical career ladder, or to Asset Manager roles.

What is the key focus in interviews?

Interviews heavily focus on past safety leadership, asset integrity decisions, and depth of technical knowledge in reservoir or production optimization.