The Chief Technical Officer (CTO – Mechanical Systems) is responsible for leading the company’s mechanical engineering function, driving innovation, improving operational reliability, and ensuring excellence in all mechanical systems, especially related to rotating and static equipment such as turbines, compressors, heat exchangers, piping, and structural systems. The CTO will provide strategic direction, mentor engineering teams, and ensure that all technical operations align with the company’s business goals and regulatory standards.
Strategic Leadership
Define and implement long-term strategies for mechanical systems development, asset integrity, and technology upgrades.
Provide expert guidance on mechanical design, system optimization, and lifecycle asset management.
Engineering Governance
Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and codes (API, ASME, ISO, etc.).
Ensure design and execution compliance across all projects (greenfield, brownfield, revamps).
Project Oversight
Lead high-value CAPEX/OPEX mechanical projects – from conceptualization to commissioning.
Monitor engineering deliverables, resource planning, risk mitigation, and stakeholder alignment.
Innovation & Technology
Drive the adoption of emerging technologies in mechanical systems, such as digital twins, AI in maintenance, advanced materials, and condition monitoring.
Identify R&D opportunities and guide the implementation of innovative mechanical solutions.
Asset Performance & Reliability
Define KPIs and ensure continuous improvement in reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) of critical mechanical assets.
Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and risk-based inspections.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate with HSE, operations, procurement, and finance teams to align mechanical strategy with organizational objectives.
Represent the technical function in board meetings, investor discussions, and regulatory audits.
Talent Development
Mentor senior engineers, build technical capability, and lead succession planning for key roles.
Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous technical learning.
Mechanical Integrity Management: Implementation of RBI, FFS assessments, and lifecycle integrity plans.
Turbomachinery Excellence: Technical oversight on turbines, compressors, pumps – design, performance, and reliability.
Digital Transformation: Integration of advanced diagnostics, IIoT, AI/ML for predictive maintenance and system optimization.
Sustainability & Efficiency: Lead mechanical solutions to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support decarbonization efforts.
Engineering Risk Management: Technical risk analysis, failure prevention strategies, and compliance with global mechanical standards.
OEM and Vendor Strategy: Engage with OEMs for technical partnerships, value engineering, and long-term support strategies.
Operational Excellence: Ensure uptime of mechanical systems via lean methodologies and Six Sigma practices.
Education: Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; Ph.D. preferred for research-intensive roles.
Experience: 20+ years in mechanical engineering roles, with at least 10 years in a leadership or executive role in oil & gas, energy, or process industries.
Certifications (Preferred): CMRP, API 571/580/653, PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, Chartered Engineer.
Leadership Skills: Visionary leadership, decision-making under complexity, and stakeholder management.
Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of mechanical systems engineering, failure modes, design software (ANSYS, AutoPIPE, etc.), and international standards.