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.

Senior Commissioning & Start-up Specialist jobs

Senior Commissioning & Start-up Specialist