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Director of Mechanical Engineering – Valves and Pressure Systems

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

The Director of Mechanical Engineering – Valves and Pressure Systems is responsible for leading the engineering strategy, design governance, and lifecycle performance of all critical valves, pressure vessels, piping networks, and associated mechanical systems. This role combines advanced technical leadership with strategic oversight to ensure safety, reliability, compliance, and innovation in pressure boundary systems.


Key Responsibilities:

🔧 Engineering Leadership & Governance:

  • Define and lead engineering standards for valves, piping, and pressure systems across multiple facilities or projects

  • Ensure mechanical systems comply with global codes (ASME, API, ISO, PED) and internal specifications

  • Approve technical deviations, material substitutions, and engineering solutions for high-risk equipment

🏗️ Design, Analysis & Innovation:

  • Oversee design review of control valves, pressure vessels, relief devices, and associated pressure parts

  • Ensure use of robust design methodologies including FEA, CFD, pipe stress analysis, and fatigue life estimation

  • Drive adoption of new technologies in sealing, actuation, corrosion resistance, and additive manufacturing

📊 Asset Integrity & Performance Optimization:

  • Collaborate with asset integrity and reliability teams to monitor mechanical asset health

  • Approve fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments, repair strategies, and modification plans

  • Define valve/piping lifecycle extension strategies using RBI and condition monitoring data

📁 Documentation, Standards & Risk Management:

  • Own and update engineering specifications, datasheets, inspection protocols, and failure analysis templates

  • Lead HAZOP, MOC, and root cause investigations for mechanical system failures

  • Ensure pressure system risks are identified and mitigated in both design and operations

🤝 Cross-Functional & External Collaboration:

  • Act as SME and point of escalation for cross-functional teams during FEED, EPC, or operations phases

  • Interface with OEMs, certifying bodies, and third-party engineering firms to validate solutions

  • Support commercial teams with technical input during bid evaluation and vendor qualification

👨‍🏫 Team Leadership & Talent Development:

  • Lead a team of senior mechanical engineers, valve experts, and pressure system specialists

  • Build succession plans, technical training pathways, and cross-discipline collaboration frameworks

  • Foster a culture of design integrity, technical excellence, and continuous improvement


Key Focus Areas:

  • ✅ Engineering design and specification for valves, pressure vessels, and piping

  • ✅ Regulatory compliance (ASME, API, ISO, PED, TEMA, NACE)

  • ✅ FEA, thermal expansion, stress and vibration analysis

  • ✅ Risk-based engineering and lifecycle management

  • ✅ Innovation in valve and pressure system technologies


Technical Skills & Tools:

  • Design Software: AutoPIPE, ANSYS, Caesar II, PV Elite, SolidWorks, HTRI

  • Standards & Codes: ASME BPVC (Sec VIII, IX), API 6D/598/579, ISO 5208, TEMA, NACE MR0175

  • Advanced Knowledge of:

    • Severe service valves, cryogenic valves, high-pressure and high-temperature systems

    • Materials engineering (duplex SS, Inconel, Monel, etc.) for pressure systems

    • Corrosion analysis, pressure transients, flange design and gasket selection

  • Familiarity with CMMS/EAM and digital engineering documentation platforms


Leadership Competencies:

  • Strategic thinking with hands-on engineering expertise

  • Ability to manage complex technical and organizational challenges

  • Excellent stakeholder communication (operators, vendors, regulatory bodies)

  • Mentorship, knowledge transfer, and capability building in engineering teams


Work Environment & Travel:

  • Primarily office-based with regular visits to manufacturing facilities, project sites, or shutdown events

  • May involve travel to vendor sites for FATs, audits, and technical resolution

  • Participation in critical risk reviews, emergency response assessments, and design incident follow-ups

Job Detail
  • Work Type: Full Time
  • Languages to be known : English
  • Country: United Arab Emirates
  • City: Dubai
  • Job Category : Power Plants