Lead Process Engineer at Oando Plc

Oando Plc is one of Africa’s largest integrated energy solutions provider with a proud heritage. It has a primary listing on the Nigeria Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. With shared values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Passion and Professionalism (TRIPP).

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Lead Process Engineer

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Engineering Manager

Job Summary

• To lead a team of process engineers, providing expert technical guidance and quality assurance for OERNL facilities, to deliver technically sound, safe and optimally designed facilities that ensures business continuity.

Key Responsibilities Areas (KRAs) and Initiatives
Process Design and Engineering Excellence:

• Lead the development and verification of the Heat & Material Balances by using process software such as Aspentech Hysys for accurate steady state and dynamic modelling of all equipment, piping and instrumentation.
• Lead the development and approve all PFDs, and P&Ids through rigorous reviews to develop clear standardized documentation that form the critical blueprints for the facilities.
• Lead the specification of process equipment by producing the detailed equipment datasheets, to produced technical specification ensuring procured equipment is fit-for-purpose.
• Lead the Hydraulic calculations and line sizing to determine optimum pipe size and materials minimizing energy opex cost and facilities capex cost.
• Lead the design and optimization of System design such as steam, cooling water, instrument air, fuel gas etc, thereby minimizing operational bottlenecks to ensure core process operates efficiently.

Operational Support and Optimization:

• Provide Day-to-Day Technical Troubleshooting as a technical expert for the operators diagnosing performance issues thus minimizing unplanned downtime that ensure consistent production and reduces revenue losses.
• Lead plant debottlenecking studies through model simulations to increase production volumes thereby maximizing profitability.
• Optimize Chemical Injection Programs for new and existing development to provide effective flow assurance and asset protection thus preventing costly pipeline blockages.
• Conduct Energy Efficiency assessment via pinch analysis to produce an energy cost saving which directly lowers the operating cost.
• Review and approve operational procedures by verifying the technical accuracy and safety implication to produce technically sound procedures thus preventing human errors and reduce risk.

Process Safety and Risk Management:

• Lead Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) Reviews by facilitating and coordinating structured hazard reviews during design and operational phases to proactively identify and mitigate process safety risks before incidents occur preventing catastrophic incidents.
• Specify and Validate Safety Systems (SIS/HIPPS by verifying the requirements for safety instrumented systems (SIS), pressure relief valves (PSVs), and high-integrity pressure protection systems (HIPPS) leading to a safety system that function reliably during emergency scenarios.
• Oversee MOC Technical Review and Approval acting as the primary technical approver for MOCs (Management of Change), guaranteeing that all facility modifications are vetted for safety and technical integrity before startup.
• Conduct Relief and Flare System Analysis via detailed hydraulic studies to ensure the flare and relief system has adequate capacity to handle all credible emergency scenarios to assure that plants have the ability to safely depressurize the plant during emergencies without exceeding environmental or safety limits.
• Participate in Incident Investigations by providing process expertise during accident or near-miss investigations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions thereby identifying root causes of incidents, and ensuring measures are put in place to prevent recurrence maintaining an overall safety culture and system integrity.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship:

• Mentor Junior Process Engineers through one-on-one coaching and provide technical review feedback to developing engineers for the development of a highly competent and capable future generation of process engineering talent ensuring long-term sustainability of engineering expertise and builds internal capability.
• Provide Formal Technical Training through internal workshops on core process engineering topics to improve technical skills and a standardized knowledge base across the engineering team ensuring best practices and deep technical understanding within the department.
• Establish and Maintain Engineering Standards championing the use of internal process engineering standards and best practices across the department. Thus, providing consistency and high quality in all engineering deliverables produced by the team.
• Manages resource allocation, defines career paths, and oversees performance reviews for the process engineering team to achieve a well-managed and motivated team that is aligned with company goals and effectively resourced ensuring the department can deliver all required projects and support functions efficiently.
• Foster Innovation and Technology Adoption through technologies, simulation software, or digitalization tools that can improve efficiency or safety to maintain a competitive engineering department that leverages modern tools and techniques.

Compliance and Standards Adherence:

• Ensure Adherence to Company Standards, Industry Codes (API, ASME) verifying that all designs comply with relevant API Recommended Practices, ASME codes, and other international standards to ensure that designs that are safe, reliable, and meet recognized engineering best practices guaranteeing equipment longevity, and provides assurance to regulators and insurance providers.
• Liaise with Regulatory Bodies: The engineer interfaces with environmental and safety regulators regarding process design elements, permits, and compliance matters, fostering a strong relationship with regulators and smooth permit approval processes and avoiding fines or operational shutdowns due to non-compliance.
• Verify Environmental Permit Compliance by ensuring all process designs and operating procedures align with the facility's environmental permits regarding emissions, flaring, and water discharge ensuring operations remain within environmental limits, and the company acts as a responsible operator.
• Manage As-Built Documentation by overseeing the process engineering close-out activities for projects, ensuring P&IDs and PFDs are updated to reflect the final "As-Built" condition enabling the facility documentation that reflects current physical reality to prevent errors in maintenance.
• Track and Report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by monitoring and reporting on metrics like incident rates and energy efficiency, enabling effective management oversight and ensuring the function is measurable and accountable for its performance.

Qualifications and Experience Required
Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or technology (Chemical Engineering o Mechanical Engineering).

Required Professional Certifications / Accreditations / Registrations

• Corporate Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
• Registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
• Corporate membership of a recognized Professional Institute of Engineering Management.

Minimum Years of Experience and Relevant Areas:

• At least 15 years of Oil & Gas industry experience, including onshore and offshore design exposure.
• Minimum of 5 years in a Lead role, with a proven track record in project management.

Proven experience in:

• Conceptual Engineering.
• Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Engineering.
• Project Lifecycle Management.
• Management of Change.
• Optimization and Debottlenecking

Any Additional Qualifications / Certifications or Experience (Desirable but not essential):

• Master’s degree or MBA (optional but advantageous for strategic and leadership roles).

Behavioral and Technical Competencies Required:
Behavioral Competencies:

• Leadership & People Management
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
• Communication & Technical Presentation Skills
• Project Management & Execution Oversight
• Decision Making & Accountability
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Attention to Detail & Quality Focus
• Results Orientation

Technical Competencies:

• Process Engineering Fundamentals & Application
• Process Simulation & Modeling (Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II)
• Process Safety Management (PSM) & Risk Analysis
• Flow Assurance & Hydrocarbon Phase Behavior
• Industry Codes & Standards (API, ASME, etc.)
• Data Analysis & Plant Performance Monitoring
• Engineering Documentation & Information Management
• Commissioning & Operational Handover Support

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online