Job description

Position: Lead process engineer
Company: KBR
Project: Majnoon
Location: Basra. 28/28 rotation

Belong, connect, grow, with KBR! The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design and engineering capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.

Job purpose

The lead process engineer will own the technical integrity and successful delivery of process engineering scope across projects at different stages (conceptual studies, front-end design (FEED), and detailed engineering) for oil and gas field developments, including upstream offshore/onshore, gas treating, and downstream processing, in greenfield and brownfield environments. This role leads a team of engineers within a multidisciplinary project team, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project specifications, driving technical excellence, and fostering the development of Iraqi national staff.

Job responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and review of process simulations and optimization studies for select/appraise stage projects, and champion the development of process flow schemes with heat and mass balances, equipment sizing, layout, etc., for costing and option selection.
• Own the detailed process engineering deliverables across all design phases, including process flow diagrams, piping & instrumentation diagrams, equipment datasheets, study reports/manuals, etc., ensuring alignment with international standards and project requirements.
• Oversee the review of process design work by third parties (vendors) and other offices; champion participation in HAZIDs, HAZOPs, SIL, hazard analysis reviews, and audits; ensure timely issue resolution and closure.
• Act as the primary technical interface with clients, communicating complex concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats; manage client expectations and confirm technical commitments.
• Mentor and actively develop Iraqi national staff to fulfill process engineering roles, providing structured on-the-job training, performance feedback, and growth opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to office quality and safety systems; lead the implementation of quality assurance/quality control practices within the process discipline.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to drive on-time, efficient, and safe project delivery; lead technical risk management and issue resolution within the process scope.
• Lead the technical supervision of FEED and detailed engineering activities for offshore/onshore greenfield/brownfield projects, ensuring design integrity and constructability.
• Support procurement activities by providing authoritative technical input for equipment selection and vendor evaluation, including evaluation of bid technical clarifications.
• Participate in commissioning and start-up activities, providing seasoned technical support and facilitating smooth handover to operations.

Functional responsibilities

• Maintain and further develop process engineering standards, best practices, and technical governance within the project teams.
• Lead risk assessments and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies for process-related issues; own the risk register for the process discipline.
• Ensure timely delivery of all process engineering deliverables in accordance with project schedules; manage resource planning and workload distribution within the team.
• Provide technical leadership in design reviews, technical compliance, and governance for all process workstreams.
• Support and guide procurement activities with robust technical input for equipment specifications, vendor selection, and qualification.
• Lead commissioning and start-up activities from a process perspective, delivering technical support, commissioning procedures, and start-up readiness reviews.

Technical skills

• Extensive experience in FEED and detailed engineering design for offshore/onshore greenfield/brownfield projects.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Flare System Analyzer, ProMax, Pipesim, Pipenet, others).
• Strong knowledge of process safety management and hazard analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME, ISO).
• Experience with process control systems and instrumentation.

Soft skills

• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
• Adaptability to changing project requirements and priorities.

Qualifications

• Mandatory: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical, process, or related field).
• Preferred: Master’s degree in engineering (chemical, process, or related field) and/or membership of internationally accepted applicable professional institute.
• 10 years of experience in process engineering within engineering contractors, with a focus on FEED and EPC design for upstream onshore/offshore greenfield/brownfield projects.

Work environment

The role will be based in Iraq, requiring collaboration with local and international teams. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, necessitating flexibility and a proactive approach to challenges.