Process Engineer Fluid Catalytic Cracking

-; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global energy company is looking for an experienced Downstream Process Engineer specializing in Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) processes. This role focuses on providing in-depth engineering expertise to optimize refinery operations and improve performance. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience, including 10 years specifically in FCC operations. Responsibilities include conducting performance reviews, technical support, and collaboration with project teams, all aimed at enhancing refinery efficiency and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in refinery operations.
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in FCC operations.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize FCC operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive performance reviews of existing FCC units.
• Provide hands-on technical support for performance improvement initiatives.
• Lead benchmarking and best-practice exchange workshops.

Skills

Optimization of FCC operations

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

KBC Petro-SIM

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Downstream Process Engineer with extensive hands‑on expertise in Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) processes to join the Downstream Operation Engineering Solutions Department (OESD).

OESD’s technical team provides high‑quality, multi‑disciplinary support to Global Manufacturing operating facilities (Refineries, NGLFs, and petrochemical plants) within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally.

Your primary role is to provide in‑depth process engineering and operations expertise to monitor, optimise, and drive performance improvement programmes for refineries’ FCC, including both remote and on‑site technical advisory support, benchmarking, and technology knowledge management.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive performance reviews of existing FCC units, analysing KPIs related to yield, operability, profitability, reliability, and process safety. Develop and present quarterly benchmarking reports with actionable improvement recommendations.
• Provide hands‑on technical support in implementing performance improvement initiatives, demonstrating measurable results in closing identified gaps from quarterly benchmarking reports.
• Lead benchmarking and best‑practice exchange workshops among Global Manufacturing facilities (wholly‑owned and affiliates), facilitating knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in FCC technologies.
• Deliver on‑demand remote and field technical advisory support, including troubleshooting, optimisation, debottlenecking, revamp, and upgrade activities for FCC units. Provide detailed service reports for each support activity.
• Drive performance improvement programmes that enhance process safety, optimise manufacturing costs, and increase FCC unit reliability and yield.
• Develop and implement best practices and standards for FCC engineering and maintenance, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulations.
• Provide expert technical support to project teams and contractors for FCC engineering and procurement activities.
• Coordinate with other disciplines (mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical) to ensure optimal performance and integration of FCC equipment.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of FCC equipment to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality regulations and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and innovations for FCC improvement and optimisation, including catalyst developments and advanced control strategies.
• Prepare and update technical documentation and reports for FCC engineering and operation.
• Participate in business plan development and coordinate with stakeholders for capital investments in FCC facilities.
• Facilitate technical knowledge‑exchange workshops with FCC process technology licensors and Global Manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and deliver in‑house technical training programmes on FCC operations and optimisation to Global Manufacturing facilities as needed.
• Participate in incident investigation activities concerning FCC process technologies as required by operating facilities.

Minimum Requirements

• You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. An advanced degree is preferred.
• You should have a minimum of 15 years of experience in refinery operations, with at least 10 years of hands‑on experience specifically in FCC operations and optimisation.
• Demonstrated ability to optimise FCC operations, with specific examples of performance improvements achieved (e.g., yield improvements, energy savings, reliability enhancements).
• Comprehensive knowledge of FCC processes, equipment, and systems, including regenerator operations, catalyst management, and product fractionation.
• Deep understanding of FCC catalyst chemistry and selection criteria for various feedstocks.
• Expertise in FCC troubleshooting, including analysis of operational issues such as afterburn, catalyst circulation problems, and product quality deviations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software specific to FCC modelling (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, KBC Petro‑SIM).
• Strong knowledge of refinery economics and the impact of FCC performance on overall refinery profitability.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., API, ASME) applicable to FCC units.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present technical reports to various audiences, including senior management.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in mentoring junior engineers and operators in FCC operations and optimisation techniques.
• As the ideal candidate, you will have a proven track record of optimising Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) operations in refinery and petrochemical plant settings.

Work Location and Work Schedule

Work location: Within Saudi Arabia – To be specified in Job offer.

Work schedule: Full Time – To be specified in Job offer.

Working environment

Our high‑performing employees are drawn by the challenging and rewarding professional, technical and industrial opportunities we offer, and are remunerated accordingly.

At Aramco, our people work on truly world‑scale projects, supported by investment in capital and technology that is second to none. And because, as a global energy company, we are faced with addressing some of the world’s biggest technical, logistical and environmental challenges, we invest heavily in talent development.

We have a proud history of educating and training our workforce over many decades. Employees at all levels are encouraged to improve their sector‑specific knowledge and competencies through our workforce development programmes – one of the largest in the world.

Country/Region: SA