Engineering Job Descriptions

The oil & gas and process industries offer diverse career paths for engineers across multiple disciplines. Below are some of the most common engineering job titles along with job descriptions.

Engineering Job Roles | Your Company Name
Planning Engineer
Job Purpose:

To develop, maintain and monitor comprehensive project schedules, ensuring optimal resource allocation, timely project completion, and effective communication of project timelines to all stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop detailed baseline schedules using Primavera P6/MS Project incorporating all project phases, milestones, and critical paths
  • Conduct regular schedule updates (weekly/monthly) by collecting progress data from site teams and updating schedule accordingly
  • Perform critical path analysis and identify potential schedule risks with recommended mitigation strategies
  • Prepare comprehensive progress reports including Earned Value Analysis, Schedule Performance Index, and other KPIs
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and contractors to ensure schedule alignment with project objectives
  • Analyze the impact of design changes, variations, and delays on project timelines
  • Develop recovery schedules for delayed projects with actionable acceleration plans
  • Conduct schedule risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulation for complex projects
  • Maintain historical schedule data for future reference and benchmarking
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Expert-level proficiency in Primavera P6 (preferred) or Microsoft Project
    • Advanced knowledge of scheduling methodologies (CPM, PERT, Gantt charts)
    • Strong understanding of construction sequences and engineering workflows
    • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contracts
    • Proficiency in Earned Value Management techniques
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Industrial preferred)
    • Minimum 5 years experience in project planning for construction/engineering projects
    • Experience in oil & gas, power plants, or large infrastructure projects
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional) or equivalent
    • Oracle Primavera Certification
    • PMP certification
  • Soft Skills:
    • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities
    • Strong presentation skills for management reporting
    • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
    • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Project Engineer
Job Purpose:

To provide technical leadership and project coordination, ensuring engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet all technical specifications and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the technical execution of projects from conception through completion
  • Develop and manage project execution plans, budgets, and schedules
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
  • Review and approve engineering designs, drawings, and specifications
  • Manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies
  • Oversee procurement processes including technical bid evaluations
  • Conduct regular project progress meetings and report to senior management
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant codes, standards, and regulations
  • Manage change control processes and variation orders
  • Coordinate commissioning and handover activities
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Comprehensive understanding of engineering principles in relevant discipline
    • Proficiency in project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid)
    • Strong knowledge of engineering software relevant to the field
    • Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings
    • Experience with contract management and administration
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (discipline specific to project type)
    • Minimum 7 years engineering experience with 3+ years in project engineering
    • Proven track record of managing projects worth $5M+
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • PMP or PRINCE2 certification
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license
    • Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong leadership and team management capabilities
    • Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
    • Outstanding communication skills (technical reporting and presentations)
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environment
Construction Engineer
Job Purpose:

To provide technical engineering support to construction projects, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with design specifications and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Review and interpret construction drawings and specifications
  • Provide technical support to construction teams in the field
  • Develop method statements and work procedures for complex activities
  • Coordinate with design teams to resolve construction issues
  • Monitor work quality through inspections and testing protocols
  • Manage material approvals and non-conformance reports
  • Verify quantities and prepare progress measurements for payment
  • Implement and enforce safety programs and quality control plans
  • Supervise subcontractors and ensure compliance with project requirements
  • Maintain accurate daily reports and construction records
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Thorough knowledge of construction methods and best practices
    • Understanding of relevant building codes and regulations
    • Proficiency in construction management software (Procore, Bluebeam, etc.)
    • Ability to perform basic engineering calculations and analyses
    • Familiarity with surveying and layout techniques
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management
    • Minimum 4 years construction experience in relevant sector
    • Field experience with heavy civil or building construction
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Certification
    • LEED Accredited Professional
    • Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong problem-solving skills for field challenges
    • Ability to work effectively in harsh site conditions
    • Excellent organizational and documentation skills
    • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams
Commissioning Engineer
Job Purpose:

To plan, coordinate and execute commissioning activities ensuring that systems and equipment are installed correctly, operate as designed, and are ready for safe operation.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop comprehensive commissioning plans and procedures
  • Coordinate pre-commissioning checks and punch list management
  • Lead functional testing of mechanical, electrical, and control systems
  • Verify system performance against design parameters
  • Troubleshoot and resolve commissioning issues
  • Develop and implement safety procedures for commissioning activities
  • Coordinate with operations teams for system handover
  • Conduct operator training on new systems
  • Compile and maintain commissioning documentation
  • Participate in HAZOP and risk assessment reviews
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Deep understanding of system startup and commissioning processes
    • Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems
    • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control logic diagrams, and schematics
    • Familiarity with testing equipment and diagnostic tools
    • Understanding of process safety and functional safety standards
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering
    • 5+ years experience in commissioning or operations engineering
    • Industry-specific experience (oil & gas, power plants, etc.)
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP)
    • TÜV Functional Safety Certification
    • Equipment-specific manufacturer certifications
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
    • Ability to work under pressure during critical startup phases
    • Excellent documentation and report writing skills
    • Team leadership and coordination capabilities
Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Purpose:

To create innovative, functional, and cost-effective mechanical designs that meet performance requirements while considering manufacturability, reliability, and safety.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop 3D models and detailed engineering drawings using CAD software
  • Perform engineering calculations for stress, thermal, and fluid dynamics
  • Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes
  • Conduct design reviews and incorporate feedback from stakeholders
  • Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and specifications
  • Perform tolerance analysis and apply GD&T principles
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility
  • Conduct FEA analysis to validate designs
  • Develop prototypes and oversee testing programs
  • Stay current with industry standards and emerging technologies
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Expertise in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software
    • Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles
    • Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, casting, welding)
    • Experience with FEA software (ANSYS, SimScale, etc.)
    • Knowledge of industry standards (ASME, ISO, DIN)
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
    • 3+ years of mechanical design experience
    • Portfolio demonstrating successful design projects
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP)
    • ASME GD&T Certification
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Soft Skills:
    • Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking
    • Attention to detail and precision
    • Ability to work in cross-functional teams
    • Strong technical writing and documentation skills
Piping Engineer
Job Purpose:

To design, analyze, and specify piping systems that safely and efficiently transport fluids in industrial facilities while meeting all regulatory and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop piping layouts and equipment arrangements
  • Perform pipe stress analysis using CAESAR II or similar software
  • Specify piping materials, valves, and specialty items
  • Prepare piping specifications and material take-offs
  • Coordinate with other disciplines for space management
  • Review and approve vendor drawings and submittals
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes (ASME B31.3, API, etc.)
  • Participate in 3D model reviews and clash detection
  • Develop isometric drawings and support designs
  • Provide technical support during construction
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency in piping design software (AutoCAD Plant 3D, PDMS, SP3D)
    • Strong knowledge of piping materials and fabrication methods
    • Experience with stress analysis software (CAESAR II, AutoPIPE)
    • Understanding of process flow and P&ID development
    • Knowledge of pipe support design and installation
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
    • 5+ years experience in piping design/engineering
    • Industry-specific experience (oil & gas, chemical, power)
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • ASME B31.3 Process Piping Certification
    • CAESAR II Certification
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
    • Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
    • Attention to detail in design and documentation
    • Effective communication with vendors and contractors
Pipeline Engineer
Job Purpose:

To design, analyze, and maintain pipeline systems for the safe and efficient transportation of hydrocarbons, water, or other fluids over long distances.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform hydraulic analysis to determine pipeline sizing and pump requirements
  • Develop route selection studies considering environmental and geotechnical factors
  • Specify pipe materials, coatings, and cathodic protection systems
  • Design pipeline crossings (roads, rivers, railways)
  • Conduct stress analysis for pipeline expansion and support design
  • Develop pipeline integrity management programs
  • Coordinate with regulatory agencies for permitting
  • Analyze inline inspection (ILI) data and recommend repair strategies
  • Prepare construction specifications and oversight plans
  • Develop emergency response and leak detection systems
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Expertise in pipeline hydraulic modeling software (PIPESIM, AFT Fathom)
    • Knowledge of pipeline design codes (ASME B31.4, B31.8, API 1104)
    • Understanding of corrosion mechanisms and mitigation techniques
    • Experience with GIS software for route planning
    • Familiarity with pipeline integrity assessment methods
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Petroleum Engineering
    • 6+ years experience in pipeline engineering
    • Experience with both liquid and gas pipelines
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • API 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector
    • NACE Cathodic Protection Specialist
    • Pipeline Integrity Management Certification
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong project management capabilities
    • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
    • Excellent technical writing and documentation skills
    • Understanding of regulatory and environmental considerations
Instrumentation & Control Engineer
Job Purpose:

To design, implement, and maintain instrumentation and control systems that ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop control system architectures and network designs
  • Specify field instruments (flow meters, pressure transmitters, control valves)
  • Design and program PLC/DCS systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Yokogawa)
  • Develop HMI/SCADA applications and alarm management systems
  • Create loop diagrams, instrument indexes, and wiring schematics
  • Implement safety instrumented systems (SIS) per IEC 61511
  • Conduct control system FAT and SAT testing
  • Troubleshoot and optimize control loops
  • Develop control narratives and functional descriptions
  • Coordinate with process engineers for control strategy development
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Expertise in PLC/DCS programming (Ladder Logic, Function Block, SFC)
    • Knowledge of fieldbus protocols (Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, HART)
    • Understanding of process control theories (PID, cascade, feedforward)
    • Experience with SIL calculations and safety lifecycle
    • Familiarity with instrumentation calibration and maintenance
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Control Engineering
    • 5+ years experience in instrumentation and control systems
    • Industry-specific experience (oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical)
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
    • TÜV Functional Safety Engineer
    • Control system vendor certifications (Siemens, Rockwell, etc.)
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
    • Attention to detail in system documentation
    • Ability to work with operations and maintenance teams
    • Excellent communication skills for training and knowledge transfer
Electrical Engineer
Job Purpose:

To design, analyze, and maintain electrical power systems and components that provide safe, reliable, and efficient power distribution for industrial and commercial facilities.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Design electrical power distribution systems (LV/MV/HV)
  • Perform load flow, short circuit, and arc flash studies
  • Specify electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, MCCs)
  • Develop single line diagrams and protection schemes
  • Design lighting systems and perform illumination calculations
  • Coordinate with utilities for power supply and interconnection
  • Develop grounding systems and lightning protection
  • Prepare cable schedules and raceway designs
  • Review contractor submittals and shop drawings
  • Provide technical support during construction and commissioning
Requirements:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency in electrical design software (ETAP, SKM, EasyPower)
    • Strong knowledge of electrical codes (NEC, IEC, IEEE)
    • Understanding of power system protection and coordination
    • Experience with hazardous area classification
    • Knowledge of renewable energy systems integration
  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
    • 5+ years experience in electrical system design
    • Experience in industrial power systems
  • Certifications (Preferred):
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license
    • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
    • IEEE or IET membership
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong analytical and calculation abilities
    • Attention to detail in design and documentation
    • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams
    • Excellent communication skills for client interactions

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