Senior Commissioning & Start-up Specialist
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Positions: Electrical | Process Control | Rotating Equipment
Experience: Minimum 15-20 years in relevant field
Contract Type: Project Hire (Full-time)
Start Date: Immediate
Position Summary:
We are seeking highly seasoned and results-driven Commissioning & Start-up Specialists to join a major project team in Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will be the subject matter expert responsible for the safe, efficient, and timely commissioning, start-up, and performance testing of complex systems. You will provide technical leadership, ensure all activities comply with international standards, and play a pivotal role in transitioning the project from construction to successful commercial operation.
Key Responsibilities:
Pre-Commissioning & Commissioning:
- Lead and execute pre-commissioning and commissioning activities for major systems within your discipline (Electrical Distribution, HV/MV/LV Systems, Process Control & Automation Systems, DCS/PLC/ESD, or Rotating Equipment such as Turbines, Compressors, Pumps, and Large Motors).
- Develop, review, and approve detailed commissioning procedures, method statements, test plans, and system handover dossiers.
- Oversite of contractor activities, ensuring all work is performed to required quality, safety, and schedule.
- Conduct and witness mechanical completions, loop checks, functional tests, and performance tests.
- Troubleshoot complex technical issues, providing expert-level solutions to ensure project milestones are met.
Start-Up & Operations Support:
- Play a lead role in the dynamic start-up of plant systems and units.
- Develop and implement start-up sequences and operating procedures.
- Provide real-time technical guidance and support to the Operations team during the initial start-up and stabilization phase.
- Monitor system performance, analyze data, and ensure equipment operates within design parameters.
Safety & Compliance:
- Champion a "Safety First" culture. Ensure all commissioning activities strictly adhere to company and international safety standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, IEC, API, etc.).
- Lead and participate in safety reviews, HAZOP, JSA, and PTW (Permit to Work) processes.
- Ensure all environmental and quality management system requirements are met.
Leadership & Coordination:
- Act as the primary technical authority for your discipline within the commissioning team.
- Coordinate effectively with Project Management, Engineering, Construction, and Client Operations teams.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior commissioning engineers and technicians.
- Manage interfaces with vendors, suppliers, and licensors for specialized equipment.
Reporting:
- Prepare daily progress reports, punch list management, and final commissioning reports.
- Track and report on system readiness, key performance indicators, and critical path activities.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a directly related field.
- Essential: A minimum of 15 to 20 years of hands-on experience in commissioning, start-up, and testing, specifically within the oil & gas, petrochemical, refining, or power generation industries.
- Essential: Proven track record on at least 2-3 major megaprojects (>$500MM CAPEX) in a similar senior specialist role.
- Essential: In-depth knowledge of international codes and standards relevant to the discipline.
- Essential: Exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Preferred: Middle East (especially KSA) project experience.
- Preferred: Familiarity with Saudi Aramco standards and procedures (e.g., SAES, SAEP, SAMSS).
Required Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a multicultural team environment.
- Proficiency in standard project and commissioning software tools.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
What We Offer:
- A highly competitive, tax-free salary.
- Comprehensive benefits package (typically including housing, transportation, medical insurance, flight allowances).
- Opportunity to work on a world-class, high-visibility project.
- A challenging and dynamic work environment with significant responsibility.
