Principal Engineer, Pre Commissioning

Ma’aden; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A major industrial firm in Saudi Arabia seeks a Principal Engineer for Pre-Commissioning to lead critical industrial projects. The successful candidate will manage pre-commissioning activities, ensuring quality and safety throughout the process. With 12-18 years of relevant experience, applicants should possess strong leadership and negotiation skills, particularly in the mining and heavy industry sectors. The role emphasizes teamwork and collaboration while providing technical direction for successful project execution.

Qualifications

• 12-18 years of experience in managing mega industrial projects, especially in pre-commissioning.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale construction activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical leadership on site management.
• Manage all aspects from systems preparation to equipment pre-commissioning.
• Resolve on-site pre-commissioning challenges effectively.

Skills

Project management tools expertise

Safety leadership skills

Risk and change management

Strong negotiation skills

Cultural adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical)

Master's degree in Project Management

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

BIM

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title

Principal Engineer, Pre-Commissioning

Reporting to

Director – Construction & Pre-commissioning

Business Unit/Function

PD&E

Department

Project Execution

Direct Reports

-

Budget/Size

Grade

Job Family

PD&E

Sub Family

Pre-commissioning

Position Type

Regular

Role Profile Number

27289

Job Purpose

The Principal Engineer – Pre‑commissioning will play a critical role in the successful execution of Maaden’s mega industrial projects, focusing on the construction and pre‑commissioning phases. The candidate will oversee and provide technical leadership on all aspects of site management, from systems preparation to equipment pre‑commissioning, ensuring the highest quality standards, adherence to schedule, and strict compliance with safety protocols. This position requires an in‑depth understanding of large‑scale industrial pre‑commissioning methodologies, contract management, and pre‑commissioning activities, ensuring that all project milestones are met according to Maaden’s standards. The candidate will serve as the technical leader in resolving on‑site pre‑commissioning challenges, managing contractor relationships, and ensuring effective project execution while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and safety excellence. Additionally, the candidate will provide mentorship to pre‑commissioning teams, collaborate with other functions such as engineering and procurement, and ensure seamless transitions between construction and commissioning phases.

Key Accountabilities

1. Project Scope Development
   • Assists in developing project proposal that includes defining project pre‑commissioning work scope and schedule requirements.
   • Establishes the work scope, prepares the budget and schedules, plans the work, provides technical direction, and reports the work status relative to Pre‑Commissioning.
2. Pre‑commissioning & Execution
   • Participate in construction activities, pre‑commissioning, commissioning, and functions test activities for the new projects.
   • Assists in the plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions, design changes, progress evaluations and reports.
   • Follows up and inspects the construction progress of assigned projects assuring conformance with design specifications, codes and standards, recommends or confirms design changes material and equipment substitutes.
3. Assessment & Evaluation
   • Managing overall pre‑commissioning activities required to bring the project from Construction Completion to Mechanical Completion.
   • Identification of manpower requirements, tools, systems and mobilization.
   • Procedures associated with Pre‑Commissioning activities are rolled out and adopted by the Pre‑Commissioning Team.
4. Planning and Scheduling
   • Plans, schedules, and provides work direction as required for preparation designs, possesses reports, correspondence and related data and assures the efficiency, adequacy and conformance of overall objectives of all phases of engineering problems.
5. Data Collection
   • Formulates the design basis by collecting, analyzing Process information and data related to operating requirements, process, economic considerations, and such other pertinent factors.
6. Digitalization
   • Knowledge about the latest digitalization tools and techniques in project management pre‑commissioning management as well as Turnover and Handover management.

Role Profile

2 Classification: Restricted

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical preferred). A Master’s degree in Project Management, or a related field is highly desirable.

Minimum Experience:

• 12‑18 years of experience in managing and executing mega industrial projects specifically in pre‑commissioning, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in leading large‑scale construction and pre‑commissioning activities within the mining, metals, oil & gas, or heavy industrial sectors.
• Strong understanding of contract management, claims management, and dispute resolution in construction contexts.

Ma’aden High Performance Competencies:

• Strong leadership characteristics preferably in a multicultural environment
• Achievement Drive
• Communication
• Developing others
• Teamwork & collaboration
• Analytical thinking
• Task‑and outcome‑focused behaviours
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Leadership and People Development
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Integrity and Compliance
• Innovation and Continuous Learning

Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Expert in project management tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, BIM, AutoCAD).
• Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.
• Safety Leadership: Strong understanding of HSE requirements and safety management systems (e.g., OSHA, NEBOSH certifications).
• Risk & Change Management: Experience in managing pre‑commissioning risks and leading change management processes on large‑scale projects.
• Change & Variations: Extensive experience in managing variations, change orders, and contractor negotiations, ensuring minimal disruption to project timelines and budgets.
• Contract & Claims Management: Proficiency in managing complex EPC and FIDIC contracts, with strong negotiation and claims resolution skills.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead high‑level discussions and negotiations.
• Cultural Adaptability: Experience working in multicultural environments, with specific familiarity with Middle Eastern project practices and regulations.
• Knowledge of reading and using project control tools (Primavera, MS Project, MS Office, etc.).