Lead Subsea Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Subsea Engineer for our Upington hub in the Northern Cape. The role oversees design, specification, installation, and operation of subsea production systems, guiding a team of engineers and specialists in a high-stakes offshore environment.

You will manage subsea projects, ensure compliance with industry standards, and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery on time and within budget while driving innovation and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related offshore/marine field.
• 10+ years in subsea engineering with a strong focus on offshore oil and gas production systems.
• Proven leadership of subsea projects from concept to completion.
• Deep knowledge of subsea equipment, installation methods, and operational challenges.
• Strong project management, communication, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering and specification of subsea production systems (trees, manifolds, pipelines, control).
• Oversee procurement, fabrication, installation and commissioning of subsea hardware.
• Develop and execute subsea installation strategies and execution plans.
• Manage subsea field development projects within budget and schedule.
• Ensure compliance with API, ISO and regulatory requirements for subsea operations.
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments for subsea systems.
• Collaborate with offshore operations, drilling and integrity teams for integration.
• Provide guidance on subsea integrity, maintenance and interventions.
• Mentor junior subsea engineers and foster high performance.
• Stay abreast of new subsea tech and advocate adoption.

Skills

Subsea design

Flow assurance

ROV operations

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in offshore oil and gas exploration and production, is seeking an experienced Lead Subsea Engineer for their operations hub in Upington, Northern Cape . This senior role will be responsible for the design, specification, installation, and operation of subsea production systems. The Lead Subsea Engineer will manage subsea projects, ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, and provide technical leadership to a team of subsea engineers and specialists. The position requires extensive knowledge of subsea equipment, flow assurance, umbilical systems, and ROV operations. The Upington, Northern Cape location, while inland, serves as a strategic coordination point for offshore asset management and planning, connecting operational needs with engineering expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, and specification of subsea production systems, including trees, manifolds, pipelines, and control systems.
• Oversee the procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of subsea equipment and infrastructure.
• Develop and execute subsea installation strategies and execution plans.
• Manage subsea field development projects, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards (e.g., API, ISO) and regulatory requirements for subsea operations.
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments for subsea systems and operations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including offshore operations, drilling, and integrity engineers, to ensure seamless integration of subsea systems.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on subsea integrity, maintenance, and intervention activities.
• Mentor and develop junior subsea engineers, fostering a high-performance team environment.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and innovations in subsea engineering and recommend their adoption.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related offshore/marine engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in subsea engineering, with a strong focus on offshore oil and gas production systems.
• Proven experience in leading subsea engineering projects from concept to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of subsea equipment, installation methods, and operational challenges.
• Familiarity with flow assurance principles and challenges in subsea pipelines.
• Experience with ROV operations and intervention techniques.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and manage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in relevant subsea design and analysis software.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, and a generous annual leave policy. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within a leading international offshore energy company are readily available. Employees benefit from a challenging and rewarding work environment that fosters innovation and technical excellence. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , providing a key coordination hub for our expansive operations.