Mechanical Engineer (valve)

Overview of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer with a specialization in industrial valves to oversee maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and reliability of valve systems used in oil and gas operations. The role requires a deep understanding of various types of valves (control, safety, isolation, pressure relief, etc.), standards (API, ASME, ISO), and experience in upstream, midstream, or downstream facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Valve Asset Management:
  • Oversee the installation, routine maintenance, repair, and replacement of all mechanical valves used across the plant, ensuring operational readiness and safety.
  • Supervise valve overhauls during scheduled turnarounds and shutdowns, coordinating with maintenance teams and contractors to meet project timelines.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of critical valve spares, monitor stock levels, and recommend procurement to prevent operational delays.
• Maintenance & Reliability:
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance plans tailored for valve systems to enhance reliability and lifespan.
  • Conduct root cause analysis on valve failures, identify underlying issues, and implement corrective and preventive measures to mitigate recurrence.
  • Ensure all valve activities comply with relevant industry standards such as API 6D, API 598, API 607, and ASME B16.34, among others.
• Project & Team Management:
  • Lead and mentor a team of valve technicians and junior engineers, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage external contractors and OEM vendors during major overhauls, upgrades, and special projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Prepare comprehensive technical reports, maintenance budgets, and project timelines to support decision-making and resource planning.
• Compliance & Safety:
  • Ensure all valve systems and related activities meet HSE, quality, and regulatory standards, promoting a safety-first work environment.
  • Coordinate with inspection and QA/QC teams for pressure testing, certification, and documentation of valve systems.
  • Support safety assessments such as HAZOP, SIL, and other risk analyses involving valve operations to mitigate hazards.
• Technical Support:
  • Provide expert advice on valve selection, sizing, and specifications for new projects or system upgrades.
  • Assist procurement teams by preparing technical specifications and evaluating vendor proposals to ensure quality and compliance.
  • Review P&IDs, isometric drawings, and mechanical scope documents to validate design integrity and installation procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 to 12 years of professional experience in oil and gas mechanical systems, with a strong focus on industrial valves.
• Proven track record in troubleshooting, repairing, and analyzing valve failures and performance issues.
• Familiarity with valve automation components such as actuators and positioners is advantageous.
• Hands-on experience with ERP and CMMS systems like SAP, Maximo, or similar platforms.
• Strong leadership capabilities, strategic planning skills, and excellent communication abilities.

Certifications (Preferred)

• API 510 / 570 / 653 certifications for pressure equipment inspection and maintenance.
• Training in ASME and API mechanical standards.
• NEBOSH or IOSH certifications for health, safety, and environmental awareness.
• PMP certification for project management involvement.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure during shutdowns or emergency situations.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and external contractors.
• Excellent documentation, reporting, and communication skills to ensure clarity and compliance.