Process Engineer, Hydro-Processing - OQ8

OQ; Oman; On-site; OMR 12,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

OQ is seeking a Process Engineer for Hydro-Processing to support optimization in HPU, DHT, and HCU units. The role requires leading improvements, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with operations and maintenance teams to meet performance targets.

The incumbent will develop process simulations, review plant modifications, and drive debottlenecking efforts while ensuring compliance with HSE standards and company policies.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering or relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of refining/process engineering experience.
• Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with Hydro Processing (HPU, DHT, HCU) operations and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process optimization activities in HP units.
• Identify optimization opportunities and support proposals affecting engineering, maintenance, and operations.
• Lead engineering reviews for plant modifications and improvement projects.
• Develop and validate process simulations and optimization studies.
• Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional teamwork

Process optimization

Debottlenecking

PSM

Data analytics

Commissioning

Troubleshooting

Safety culture

Education

Engineering degree, Chemical Engineering

Tools

HYSYS

PetroSIM

UniSim

PI systems

Job description

Process Engineer, Hydro-Processing - OQ8

Job title

Process Engineer, Hydro-Processing

Company

OQ8

Function

TSD

Department

Process Engineering & Control

Section

Hydro-processing

Location

Budget control

*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*

Reporting to

Direct reports

-

Job purpose

Provides engineering support for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process optimization-based activities in Hydro Processing (HPU, DHT,HCU) units, under TL Process Engineering Hydro Processing (HPU, DHT, HCU) 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.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

Unit

Purpose

Key Features

HPU (Hydro-processing Unit)

General term for units that perform hydro-treating or hydrocracking.

Utilizes hydrogen to treat petroleum fractions.

Removes contaminants like sulfur, nitrogen, and metals.

Enhances product quality and ensures compliance with environmental standards.

Specifically designed to treat diesel fractions to produce ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).

Removes sulfur and nitrogen compounds from diesel feedstock.

Operates at high temperatures and pressures with hydrogen.

Catalysts are used to facilitate the reaction, improving the cetane number and stability of diesel.

HCU (Hydrocracking Unit)

Breaks down heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel

Uses hydrogen under high pressure and temperature.

Employs dual-function catalysts (acidic function for cracking and metallic function for hydrogenation).

Converts heavy feedstock into lighter, cleaner products.

Enhances the yield of high-value products.

Accountabilities:

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 preferably in Chemical Engineering or relevant field

Language requirements

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

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

• 5 years of of relevant refining/process engineering experience
• Extensive experience in Hydro Processing (HPU, DHT, HCU) 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 Hydro Processing (HPU, DHT, HCU) 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.