Principal Structural Engineer

McDermott International, Ltd; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International, Ltd in Kuala Lumpur seeks a Principal Structural Engineer to tackle unique and complex problems in Subsea Structural Engineering. In this pivotal role, you will lead engineering teams and ensure project delivery meets all specifications and standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering with 15–20 years of relevant experience. Strong problem-solving skills and fluency in English are essential.

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of experience in oil and gas with a major contractor or consultant.
• Preferably Registered Professional Engineer or member of a professional engineering society.
• Fluent in English, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed analyses and design according to project specifications.
• Direct medium or large engineering teams and ensure delivery within schedule.
• Prepare clear and accurate design calculations and reports.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Structural analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

Engineering design software

Job description

Job Overview

The Principal Structural Engineer is tasked with solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business. They proactively identify and solve the most complex problems that influence the management and direction of the business. As a specialist in Subsea Structural Engineering, they bring a broad base of knowledge about the Subsea Engineering function. The role impacts the direction and resource allocation of programs and projects and operates within general functional policies and industry guidelines. Conceptual and innovative thinking is required to develop creative solutions to Subsea Engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed analyses and design according to design basis, project specifications, design codes, and standards.
• Apply in‑depth skills and broad knowledge to address complex problems and nonstandard situations.
• Prepare clear and accurate detailed design calculations and analysis reports.
• Manage own time to meet objectives; as Lead Engineer, forecast and plan resource requirements.
• Clearly communicate and explain difficult concepts, persuading others to adopt viewpoints.
• Act as Lead Engineer: direct medium or large engineering teams and lead the Discipline engineering design of assigned work areas, ensuring delivery within schedule, budget, standards, and project‑specific procedures.
• Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of Discipline execution on assigned projects, including scope, deliverables, schedule, and manpower resources; agree allocations with the Discipline Manager.
• Ensure interfaces and deliverables are clearly identified; maintain responsibility for progress and productivity, identifying required corrective action.
• Act as project representative for the Discipline during meetings with the Project Team, discipline leads, and relevant agencies such as certifying authorities, auditors, and third parties.
• Train and mentor other employees in the department.
• Assist and monitor MOPEX offices on projects.
• Maintain excellent understanding of other engineering departments, construction/fabrication yard, and client requirements.
• Provide commercial insight and support engineering decisions.
• Prepare bids from sketch data and conduct technical bid evaluations.
• Supervise engineers and designers, define scopes of work for engineering and construction fabrication yards, and provide engineering support as required.
• Perform engineering checks of drafting and prepared work within the discipline.
• Conduct design verification through single‑discipline checks and assist with inter‑discipline checks (IDC).
• Prepare material take‑offs of structures, specifications, subcontract documentation, and review vendor data.
• Assist in furthering the department and provide relevant feedback.
• Coordinate with project management and manage (design) subcontracts.
• Identify and manage changes in scope of work; manage filing of engineering work.

Engineering Specialist Tasks

• Coordinate and check work of senior and junior engineers.
• Conduct peer reviews upon request and provide technical assistance.
• Prepare structural analyses and reports, including specialist tasks such as architectural designs, underground piping designs, complex structures, topsides, jackets, weight control reports, and centre of gravity reports.
• Specialize in multiple fields (geotechnical, steel, concrete, dynamic calculations, FEM, fatigue calculations, earthquake, jackets, FPSOs, blast, hydrodynamics, architectural).
• Apply knowledge of multiple design codes (EC, ACI/AISC/API, GOST).
• Check designs for operational requirements, constructability, and maintainability.
• Prepare project engineering guides.

Lead Engineer Tasks

• Work as Lead Engineer on medium to large‑size EPC projects and be responsible for all engineering and design work.
• Maintain full control of work hours, materials, and project progress.
• Collaborate in close liaison with the Design Coordinator and set up all engineering computer systems.
• Assist the Project Manager with deliverable control, schedule preparation, progress reports, and man‑hour and capital expenditure estimates.

Relationships and Reporting

Reports to: Project Lead Engineer, Project Engineering Manager, or Project Manager; Functional: Supervising Department Manager. Liaison with: all engineering disciplines, construction site/fabrication group, safety department, project management team, document control, project planner, project cost controller, QC and certification group, procurement group, subcontractors, vendors, and customers. Supervises: senior engineers, engineers and designers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• 15–20 years of experience in oil and gas with a major contractor or consultant, predominantly performing detail design.
• Preferably Registered Professional Engineer or member of a professional engineering society.
• Seasoned structural knowledge.
• Excellent organizer, motivator, and supervisor.
• Ability to solve problems independently.
• Strong focus on improving work effectiveness, HSE, TQM, and cost consciousness.
• Fluent in English, both oral and written.
• Understanding and supporting company goals and work processes.
• Flexible, ensuring proper hand‑over regarding reassignment to other departments, construction sites, fabrication yards, or offices, replacement during illness or holidays, assistance to colleagues with heavy workloads, and learning of future working methods and software applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of design techniques, analysis methods, and application of standards, codes, and guidelines.
• Knowledgeable in project coordination and execution skills.