Lead Instrument Engineer

Kintec Global Recruitment; Dhahran Compound; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the oil and gas sector is looking for a Lead Instrument Engineer for a permanent expatriate role in the Middle East. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership across instrumentation systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations while mentoring junior engineers. This position offers a tax-free salary and comprehensive expatriate benefits.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Furnished housing

Annual flights

Schooling assistance

Transportation allowance

Long-term stability with career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of relevant instrumentation engineering experience in oil and gas.
• Professional/Chartered Engineer status preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support for instrumentation systems.
• Lead engineering studies to improve safety and efficiency.
• Mentor and train junior instrumentation engineers.

Skills

Process Safety Studies

Vendor Engagement

Instrumentation Communication Protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: Lead Instrument Engineer

Location: Middle East (Permanent Expat Assignment)

Industry: Energy / Oil & Gas

Interview Schedule: June–July (via Microsoft Teams)

Compensation: Tax-free salary + full expatriate benefits (housing, schooling, flights, transport, etc.)

Role Summary:

A major operator in the oil and gas industry is seeking a Lead Instrument Engineer to provide high-level technical leadership across all instrumentation systems. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations, while mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation in instrumentation strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert technical support for a range of instrumentation systems (e.g., pressure, flow, temperature, control valves, relief devices, safety systems).
• Lead or contribute to engineering studies to improve safety, performance, and cost-efficiency.
• Participate in task forces investigating incidents or complex instrumentation challenges.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, specifications, and procedures.
• Assess suppliers and service providers for technical competency.
• Act as a company representative in vendor and contractor technical discussions.
• Evaluate instrumentation bids and participate in procurement decisions.
• Support HAZOPs, SIL assessments, and process safety reviews.
• Monitor and implement emerging technologies and best practices.
• Conduct value engineering and cost-benefit analyses.
• Mentor and train junior instrumentation engineers.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 20 years of relevant instrumentation engineering experience in the oil and gas industry.
• Certifications: Professional/Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Strong proficiency in sizing/specifying field instruments and control systems; deep understanding of industry codes (API, IEC, ISA, ASME).
• Skills: Proficient in process safety studies (P&IDs, HAZOP, SIL), vendor engagement, and instrumentation communication protocols.

Benefits Package:

• Tax-free salary
• Furnished housing
• Family or single status contracts
• Annual flights
• Schooling assistance
• Transportation allowance
• Long-term stability with career progression opportunities