Front End Development Engineer

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Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position leads the development of project conceptual design (FEL 1/FEL 2), justification, alternative analysis, and implementation to improve safety, environmental, reliability, margin, and energy performance, and/or profitability within the Refinery. In addition, this role may support special studies and provide supplemental process engineering support to the operations or project organizations when warranted.

ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute process studies or detailed engineering analysis for projects that include capacity expansions, improvements to safety, environmental and reliability performance, product changes, process optimization, and/or other types of design changes that occur in an operating facility.
• Integrate input and consultation obtained from customers/stakeholders, technical, and business organizations to ensure projects are fit-for-purpose.
• Coordinate process engineering interface with third-party engineering for relevant projects/studies.
• Ensure that the project scope is well defined and meets the business needs in a cost-effective manner.
• Develop the project scoping of an investment opportunity through concept selection (Identify/Assess/Select Phases) or a capital project to ensure a smooth transition to Define Phase.
• Provide an overview and technical assurance of contractors' process deliverables, with guidance from the Department Manager as needed.
• Support the Project Engineer in developing project scope, cost, schedule, and execution strategy (FEL3) as needed.
• Work in a seamless and integrated manner with Projects and Discipline Engineers.
• Participate in the Management of Change (MOC) activities for projects, providing technical assurance, and process knowledge. This includes safeguarding analysis, risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, PHA), alarms reviews, and Pre-Start Up Safety Review (PSSRs).
• Provide risk-based assurance on the quality of the safety barriers or controls, making prioritised observations and recommendations to the Project Team to act upon for further improvement.
• Develop technical and scope documents to support process engineering oversight of assigned projects.
• Serve as a Technical Authority (accountable to be knowledgeable of internal/external standards and best practices), reviewing and providing approval of project design from the process engineering perspective.
• Provide supplemental project technical support as necessary (e.g., turnaround support for projects, high-impact operations events).
• Coaching and guiding less experience staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) is required.
• At least 5 years of process engineering experience in refining or petrochemical operations, with a strong understanding of refinery processes, economic drivers, application of fundamental engineering, and operational practices.
• At least 3 years of relevant capital project development or process design experience in refining.
• Knowledge of process simulation software (e.g., PRO/II, UniSim, HYSYS/AspenPlus).
• Experience with process safety design, industry standards and best practices.

• Be knowledgeable in process engineering to serve as a Technical Authority for reviews and approvals of process designs completed by contractors and peer process engineers. A Technical Authority must have:

• a minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering (operations support and design),
• experience with the Management of Change (MOC) work process,
• knowledge of relevant codes/industry standards and best practices for process/design engineering.

• Effective communication skills - both verbal and written.
• Must possess model interpersonal and professional behaviors.
• Physical ability to work around and on industrial equipment, including frequent climbing of stairs and ladders.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas (e.g., hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe shoes/boots).
• Must have a legal authorization to work in the US on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

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