Project Engineer (Process / Chemical)

SOBONO ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SOBONO ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED is seeking a Project Engineer (Process/Chemical) to lead front-end design, engineering coordination, and execution support for renewable energy plants across Southeast Asia. You will drive FEED, heat and mass balance work, and coordinate with EPC contractors and vendors while supporting construction and commissioning.

The role requires hands-on experience in thermal systems, process simulation, and interfacing with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is mandatory.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process engineering and thermal systems.
• Experience coordinating with EPC contractors and vendors is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead FEED and conceptual design for renewable energy plants (biomass/steam).
• Provide technical leadership for steam generation, boilers and heat recovery.
• Coordinate vendor packages and FAT/SAT activities.
• Support construction, commissioning, and handover to operations.
• Interface with EPC contractors, OEMs and regulators as needed.
• Mentor junior engineers and align multi-disciplinary interfaces.

Skills

Process simulation

Heat and mass balance

EPC/vendor management

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Role Purpose

The Project Engineer (Process/Chemical) will serve as a lead technical engineer within Sobono Energy's EPCM organization, responsible for front-end design, engineering coordination, and execution support for renewable energy plants across Southeast Asia. The role requires strong competence in thermal systems and process engineering, with hands-on involvement from concept and FEED through construction, commissioning, and handover to operations. The engineer will lead junior engineers, manage vendor interfaces, and support multi-disciplinary coordination across multiple concurrent projects.

1. Front-End Engineering & Design (High Emphasis)

Lead conceptual design and FEED activities for renewable energy plants, including biomass and steam-based systems. Develop and review:

• Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
• Heat & mass balance calculations
• Process design basis and technical narratives
• Evaluate technology configurations and design options with respect to performance, operability, and constructability.

2. Engineering & Technical Execution

Provide technical leadership for steam generation and thermal systems, including:

• Boilers and auxiliaries
• Steam and condensate systems
• Heat recovery and balance-of-plant interfaces
• Coordinate and review vendor package designs and datasheets.
• Vendor package engineering
• FAT / SAT activities
• Technical bid evaluations and clarifications
• Support process integration across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation disciplines.

3. EPC & Construction Support (High Emphasis)

Act as the technical interface between SEPL, EPC contractors, OEMs, and site teams.

• Review and resolve engineering queries, RFIs, and design deviations.
• Support site execution with practical, constructible engineering solutions.
• Ensure technical alignment with contract requirements and design intent.

4. Testing, Commissioning & Start-up (High Emphasis)

Support or lead process-related T&C activities, including:

• System walkdowns
• Pre-commissioning checks
• Performance testing support
• Assist in troubleshooting during start-up and early operations.
• Ensure systems are handed over in accordance with design specifications and operational readiness.

5. Interface & Stakeholder Management

Manage technical interfaces with:

• EPC contractors and OEMs
• Engineering consultants
• Regulatory authorities (as required)

Support technical discussions with regulators and technical advisors when needed. Participate in HAZOP / HAZID and other safety or design review workshops when applicable.

6. Team Leadership & Coordination

Provide technical guidance and supervision to junior engineers.

• Coordinate engineering inputs across multiple concurrent regional projects.
• Contribute to internal engineering standards, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Mandatory

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in:

• Process engineering
• Thermal or steam-based industrial plants

Strong competency in:

• Process simulation
• Heat & mass balance development
• Demonstrated experience managing interfaces with EPC contractors and vendors.

Desirable

Experience in:

• Renewable energy, biomass, or waste-to-energy projects
• EPC contractors or OEM environments

Exposure to:

• Power island systems (STG, BOP)
• Water treatment, flue gas treatment, ash handling, or CCUS systems
• HAZOP / HAZID and formal safety reviews
• Project management exposure (schedule, cost, variations)
• PMP or PRINCE2 certification.

Travel & Deployment

Expected overseas travel of approximately 20%. Project locations include Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other regional sites. Site assignments may include greenfield, brownfield, or remote industrial locations.

Key Attributes & Cultural Fit

Hands-on, site-oriented engineer with practical execution mindset. Comfortable operating in lean, fast-moving project teams. Strong technical ownership and accountability. Willingness to grow into a Technical Lead or Project Manager role over time. Clear communicator with the ability to manage complex technical interfaces.

Career Progression

This role is positioned as a core technical leadership pipeline within SEPL's EPCM organization, with potential progression into:

• Senior Project Engineer
• Technical Lead
• Project Manager
• Engineering Manager (Project or Discipline)