Principal Lead Process Engineer

About the job:

Kent is looking for a Principal/Lead Process Engineer to be based in Woking.

Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It's a diverse and inclusive work environment where world-class talent knows no distinctions. We are seeking to hire a high caliber Principal/Lead Process Engineer as the Process Department will be one of the key departments in our rapidly expanding UK Engineering Services business that provides Pre-FEED, FEED, Detailed Design and PMC services in Hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Waste to Fuels as well as traditional energy projects to international clients. 

We follow a hybrid working model that combines office and remote work, with a requirement to be in the Woking office four days a week. This approach supports the development of a strong and effective team dynamic within Engineering.

Skills & Responsibilities:

• Capable of performing general duties with no direct supervision and within agreed schedules and budgets. 
• May undertake discrete specialist studies/technology reviews under supervision.
• Liaises with other disciplines to achieve design consistency.
• Supports the Project Management Team in planning, identifies technical issues that could limit progress and impact project budgets, and interfaces with the client.
• Principal Engineer is typically accountable to the Lead Engineer or Project Engineering Manager, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
• Corporate reporting line is to respective Departmental/Group Manager.
• Either a Lead Engineer on a project or reporting to the Lead Engineer typically on larger projects, execute process engineering design for feasibility, concept, FEED, detailed design or EPC projects.
• Can be technically responsible for all process engineering work and allocating supervising and directing deliverables. Subject to project size, will delegate some level of supervision and specific checking activities to appropriate competent personnel.
• Capable of formulating resolutions to technically challenging and/or high-profile issues, with support from Consultant Process Engineer/ Lead Process Engineer or Project Engineering Manager, and effectively communicating with Clients and Senior Management.
• Reviews the ITB (Invitation to Bid) documents submitted in the proposals stage, prepares man-hour estimates and provides input to project execution plan. 
• Supervises, reviews and checks the process activities including Process Design Basis, Philosophies, Studies, Heat & Material Balances, PFDs & UFDs, PEDs, Process Systems including P&IDs, Flow Assurance, Relief and Flare Design, Process Datasheets & HAZOP Close Out. Identifies and resolves discrepancies and divergences from original proposal by raising technical queries with projects / client. 
• Capable of participating in Factory Acceptance Test’s.
• Participates in multi-discipline Engineering Design Reviews and provides all necessary process engineering input and support to close out of actions.
• Identifies a clear scope of work and supervises preparation of the Technical Document Register (TDR). Responsible for planning/scheduling the process engineering activities and manpower resource. Quantifies the total number of engineering deliverables, man-hour allocation and format of delivery, and other requirements for execution of the work. Provides necessary regular project controls/ reporting input to Project Management.
• Provides support to Procurement including long lead items enquiry: prepares Technical Requisitions, reviews vendor documentation and provides Technical Bid Evaluation support to ensure design conformance. 
• Ensures compatibility and conformance with client specifications and recommends cost effective improvements to equipment selection/specifications within the scope of client specifications and requirements.
• Participates in HAZOP meeting with the client and representatives of the other engineering disciplines.
• Consults Quality Assurance with any quality issues ensuring compliance with Kent’s ISO Quality procedures, Project Quality Plan and Design Integrity processes and procedures. Co-ordinates Internal and client audit requests and facilitates audit procedures of engineering systems within the department.
• Contributes to training and development of other staff including identifying employee strengths and weaknesses and recommends training and development requirements.
• Performs related duties as and when instructed by Direct Supervisor.
• Decisions limited to the scope of project requirement specifications. Consults with Supervisor on main issues of equipment specification and selection. May make recommendations on mobilization/demobilization of personnel. May perform recruitment tasks in identifying qualified engineers and designers.
• Supervise typically between two and ten engineers.
• Duties essentially performed in Main Office. Time spent in production of deliverables, supervision, planning, coordination and attending meetings. Required to travel to other Kent offices, Client’s offices, vendor workshops, and attend site visits as necessary, in accordance with corporate or project requirements

In addition to the responsibilities listed herein, the employee may be required to perform other ad-hoc tasks as needed or directed by the supervisor or management. These tasks will be within the reasonable scope of the employee's skills, capabilities, and role within the organization. The intent of this provision is to allow for flexibility and adaptability in meeting the dynamic needs of the organization, ensuring that operational requirements can be met efficiently. All such tasks will be assigned considering the employee's current workload and with respect to their professional development.

Your knowledge/skills, education, and experience: 

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering
• Chartered Status preferred. Significant related experience working for Engineering/Client organisations in the Oil and Gas Industry and/ or Low Carbon Energy Transition projects
• Extensive experience in onshore detailed design project
• Exposure to Consultancy, FEED & EPC projects
• Knowledge of international equipment specifications and codes
• In depth knowledge of standard international specifications and codes
• Knowledge of Safety and Quality procedures

Communication:

• Excellent command of the English language in both oral and written communication and skills.

Behaviour/ Core Competencies:

• Excellent coordination, monitoring and supervisory skills
• Tactful in resolving issues
• Cost awareness
• Proactive approach 
• Attention to detail
• Team player
• Activity Scheduling and discipline work priorities
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines
• Multi-tasking abilities
• Planning and forecasting ability
• Analytical and problem-solving mind
• Global work share experience

HSSEQ:

The Employee shall observe the Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment and Quality rules of the Company; it’s clients and the governing authorities of the host country. 

We are committed to our diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. From day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.

We’re a disability-friendly employer and can make adjustments to support you to perform at your best during the recruitment process. Please contact us confidentially at [email protected] to find out how we can support you.