Lead Engineer Operation Support
OQ Muscat, Muscat Governorate, Oman
Oil and Gas · 5,001-10,000 employees
About the role
Provide operational and technical engineering support for upstream surface facilities during commissioning, start-up, and steady-state operations. Lead engineering teams to ensure safe, efficient plant performance while maintaining compliance with company standards and international regulations.
What they look for
Requirements
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Process, Chemical, or equivalent engineering fields with over 8 years of relevant experience. Candidates must possess strong technical judgment, troubleshooting skills, and the ability to interpret complex engineering documentation.
Full description
Job title
Lead Engineer, Operations Support
Grade
Stream
Operated Assets
Function
Subsurface & Operation 60&48 – Operation 60&48 COE– Production Operation Support COE
Location
Oman - Muscat
Budget control
*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*
Reporting to
Team Lead, Operation Support
Direct reports
-
Job purpose
Provide Operational Support at OQEP, Operated Assets Operations Support, under TL Operation Support scope’s by delivering of a best practice operational strategies and results; in order to ensure safe and efficient operations at the site.
The position will act in accordance with the OQEP’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, QHSE & Energy Management System requirements standards, Omani’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.
Main tasks and responsibilities
- Provide operational and technical engineering support across upstream surface facilities and associated systems, including on‑plot and off‑plot installations, during execution, commissioning, start‑up, and steady‑state operations.
- Support troubleshooting, technical assessments, and operational problem‑solving to ensure safe and efficient plant and field operations.
- Deliver assigned engineering and operational support tasks, including technical backup for hardware, process systems, utilities, and associated applications.
- Support pre‑commissioning, commissioning, start‑up, and readiness activities for projects, brownfield modifications, and operational improvements.
- Interface with Operations, Maintenance, Projects, HSE, Supply Chain and other Functions to support technical resolution of operational and execution issues.
- Support procurement and supply activities from a technical standpoint, including resolving operational and technical clarification matters.
- Monitor and support readiness‑to‑operate activities to ensure assets meet safety, operability, and reliability requirements.
- Participate in operational reviews, audits, studies, and assurance activities (e.g. ORA, PSSR), as required by project or asset lifecycle stage.
- Ensure compliance with company engineering standards, operating philosophies, applicable regulations, and best industry practices.
- Act as technical authority for operational support across on‑plot and off‑plot upstream facilities.
- Provide strategic technical direction and ensure consistent application of engineering principles across assets and teams.
- Lead and coordinate engineering and operational support teams during execution, commissioning, and readiness phases.
- Serve as focal point for ORA, PSSR, commissioning governance, and operational readiness assurance.
- Own technical risk evaluation, readiness endorsement, and final technical recommendations to management and stakeholders.
- Support capability development, succession planning, and continuous improvement within Operation Support.
Key interactions
Internal: Operated Assets functions.
External: Contractors, Vendors & Suppliers
Notable Working Conditions. Field Operations and office environment, Moderate to intensive computer screen use.
Education requirements
- Bachelors in Process, Chemical, or equivalent
Language requirements
Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required), Arabic - Native (desirable)
Background and experience
Competencies and skills
- 8+ years of relevant experience
- Adaptable and motivated engineering professional who thrives in complex operational and project environments.
- Experience in engineering design support and troubleshooting within upstream surface facilities.
- Exposure to project lifecycle activities including planning, installation, commissioning, start‑up, and operational support.
- Demonstrates sound technical judgment with knowledge of engineering standards, material specifications, and applicable international codes.
- Working knowledge of Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and HSE requirements.
- Ability to interpret Process diagrams (PFDs, P&IDs), engineering drawings, and OEM manuals.
Soft Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with strong multi‑cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with internal teams and contractors, with a strong focus on collaboration.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, time‑critical operational environment.
- Analytical and fact‑based approach to problem solving and decision‑making.
- Strong troubleshooting mindset and result‑oriented attitude.
Technical Skills
- Computer literate with working knowledge of standard office and engineering applications (e.g. MS Office).
- Sound technical judgment with practical understanding of upstream Oil & Gas engineering disciplines.
- Knowledge of resource coordination, interface management, and basic contract administration.
- Experience in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and structured problem‑solving techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and vendor documentation.
- Basic understanding of project execution and project management principles.
- Ability to support the development, review, and modification of technical and operational procedures.
- Capability to provide technical support, troubleshooting, backup, and operational assistance as required.