Process Engineer, Heavy Oils - OQ8

OQ; Oman; On-site; OMR 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

OQ is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to support optimization initiatives for Heavy Oils CDU/VDU/DCU/KTU/LTU/SGP units and related facilities. The role emphasizes data-driven improvement, technical leadership, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to meet performance targets.

The candidate will lead engineering reviews, develop simulations, and provide technical guidance across projects, ensuring compliance with HSE standards and international best practices.

Qualifications

• - Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Operations Engineering or relevant field.
• - 5+ years of refining/process engineering experience in heavy oil operations.
• - Strong knowledge of debottlenecking and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Provides data analysis and optimization support using plant data and PI/LIMS systems.
• Leads design and process optimization, develops heat and material balances, and reviews complex design work.
• Leads engineering reviews for plant modifications and improvement projects.
• Performs RCA and implements corrective actions for equipment issues.
• Drives safety and compliance through HAZOP, PSSR, MOC reviews and process safety leadership.
• Mentors junior engineers and develops cross-functional teams.

Skills

Refining / process engineering

Heavy oil processes

Process improvement

Leadership & mentoring

Cross-functional teamwork

Data analytics / APC / PI systems

Education

Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Operations Engineering

Tools

HYSYS

PetroSIM

UniSim

PI systems

Job description

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Reporting to

Team Leader, Heavy Oils

Job purpose

Provides engineering support for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process optimization-based activities in Heavy Oil process (Heavy Oils CDU/VDU/DCU/KTU/LTU/SGP), under TL Process Engineering Heavy Oils (Heavy Oils CDU/VDU/DCU/KTU/LTU/SGP) scope’s, acting as team player for assigned units; through:

(1) Identifies opportunities of optimization, as well as investigates and supports optimization proposals from others executing & leading the corresponding engineering, maintenance and operational activities.

(2) Execute actions to ensure that Management process optimization Services meets Management strategy and performance goals; in order to ensure projects and service targets are achieved efficiently and to optimum standards

The position will act in accordance with the OQ8’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Oman’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Scope:

Unit

Purpose

Key Features

• Distils crude oil into various fractions based on boiling points.
• Atmospheric Distillation, Preheating, Fractionating Column.
• Processes heavier fractions from the CDU under vacuum to lower boiling points.
• Vacuum Pressure, Heavy Oil Processing, Complex Equipment.

Delayed Coker Unit (DCU)

• Converts heavy residues into lighter products and petroleum coke.
• Cooking Process, High Temperature, Coke Drums.
• Treats kerosene to remove impurities and improve product quality.

Light Naphtha Isomerization Unit (LTU)

• Converts light naphtha into high-octane gasoline components.
• Isomerization, Catalysts, Product Quality.

Sour Gas Processing Unit (SGP)

• Processes sour gas to remove sulfur compounds and recover valuable gases.
• Amine Treatment, Sulfur Recovery, Gas Purification

Main tasks and responsibilities

Data Analysis and Optimization

• Provides robust support while analyses plant’s data using PI and LIMS and provides remedial solutions for deviations.
• Identifies optimization opportunities.
• Identifies debottlenecking opportunities and improves unit efficiency.
• Provides technical recommendation in resolving complex process issues.

Design and Process Optimization

• Coordinates and reviews complex design work.
• Develops Heat and Material Balances, designs minor modifications.
• Prepares preliminary documents for tender submissions.
• Leads engineering reviews for plant modifications and improvement projects.
• Develops and validates process simulation and optimization studies.
• Provides technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams.

Equipment Monitoring and Troubleshooting

• Performs RCA and proposes corrective actions.

Safety and Compliance

• Develops technical procedures.
• Leads HAZOP, PSSR, and process safety reviews.
• Provides technical leadership for MOC and risk assessment activities.
• Promotes process safety best practices across the organization.

Process Engineering Support

• Provides support for the development of Key Documents.
• Provides technical assistance to other sections.
• Develops advanced simulation models and digital performance tools.
• Mentors and develops junior engineers.

Reviews and Approvals

• Provides technical approval of key process engineering deliverables.
• Performs independent technical reviews of engineering studies and proposals.
• Represents Process Engineering in technical committees and strategic initiatives.

Key interactions

Internal: Liaise with colleagues and stakeholders for day-to-day work.

Notable Working Conditions. Field O perations and office environment, Moderate to intensive computer screen use.

Education requirements

Minimum Qualifications for this position are an Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Operations Engineering or relevant Field.

Language requirements

Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required)

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

• 5 years of relevant refining/process engineering experience
• Extensive experience in Heavy Oils CDU/VDU/DCU/KTU/LTU/SGP operations and optimization or relevant field.
• Proven track record in leading process improvement and debottlenecking initiatives.
• Experience leading refinery commissioning, start-up, and troubleshooting activities.
• Strong experience in Process Safety Management (PSM), HAZOP, and MOC reviews.
• Demonstrated capability in mentoring and developing junior engineers.
• Advanced proficiency in process simulation and modeling tools (HYSYS, PetroSIM, UniSim).
• Experience supporting cross-functional projects and strategic business initiatives.

Soft:

• Strong Communication skill verbal and written.
• Personal and Team Accountability
• Effective planning and organizing skills.
• Proficient at interpreting Technical Drawings
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Result orientation
• Planning and Organizing
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate with and influence peers.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and technical workshops.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Effective stakeholder management and influencing skills across all organizational levels.
• Strong decision-making capability under operational and business pressures.

Technical:

• Computer literacy including MS Office
• SOP interpretation.
• Good knowledge of modern Operation technologies & Planning techniques for Heavy Oil processes.
• Knowledge of engineering best practices.
• Sound judgment in technical matters with good skills in the engineering field.
• Good knowledge of HSE / SCE equipment & plans.
• Knowledge in estimating, budgeting, and cost control.
• Advanced proficiency in process simulation tools such as HYSYS and Petro-SIM.
• Strong knowledge of refinery process optimization, energy efficiency, and debottlenecking techniques.
• Experience with Advanced Process Control (APC), PI systems, and data analytics applications.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM), HAZOP, SIL, MOC, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Strong understanding of refinery commissioning, start-up, shutdown, and turnaround activities.
• Ability to review and approve engineering studies, design packages, and technical deliverables.