Lead Mechanical Engineer (Rotating Equipment)

Our client, a major Oil & Gas operator based in Aberdeen, is recruiting for a Lead Mechanical Engineer for an initial 6-9 month contract. Agency Worker / PAYE contract.

Client offers Hybrid working arrangements and 34 days paid annual leave per annum.

RESPONSIBILITIES

SECE, Verification & Assurance

• Ensure work complies with approved procedures, performance standards, and Operational Integrity & Verification Scheme (OIAVS).
• Define and maintain assurance activities to meet safety-critical equipment performance standards throughout the asset lifecycle.
• Raise derogation justification requests against GS EP EXP 407 for TA review/approval where appropriate.
• Align with Verification Engineer to provide technical input to ICP verification scopes of work.
• Participate in safety studies: HAZOP, ORA, SARA, HAZID.
• Act as SECE Integrity Lead (per L2-TUK-00-005) if appointed, including technical input to ORA/DGS content.
• Provide governance over asset activities to ensure compliance with affiliate procedures and company referential.
• Review SECE assurance activity annually in SAP and analyze equipment performance data.

Budget

• Prepare annual discipline budget based on planned activities and historical emergent work.
• Manage cost control within discipline budget for routine/non-routine jobs and modifications.
• Justify exceptional activities breaking into the annual budget.
• Approve new material requisitions via company tools.
• Periodically review spares inventory with inventory team to:
  • Optimize critical spares requirements.
  • Ensure consumables meet usage rates.
  • Mitigate risks from single-point failures.

Personnel Management

• Build strong relationships with site personnel through communication and regular asset visits.
• Develop skills and knowledge of team members for optimal performance.
• Provide oversight and governance of Tier 1 activities for major rotating equipment.
• Manage appraisals, identify training needs, and contribute to succession planning.
• Share best practices with discipline engineers, technical authorities, and HQ métiers.
• Prioritize Tier 2 discipline resources to support asset needs and Tier 1 maintenance teams.

Contract Management

• Manage/facilitate contract tenders and negotiations for maintenance services.
• Lead SQM meetings and vendor/contractor audits as appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to improve contractor performance, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Raise purchase orders and contract release orders for core contractors and planned activities.
• Act as technical focal point for major rotating equipment contracts (turbines, compressors, diesel/gas engines).

Maintenance Engineering

• Develop strategies for maintenance, inspection, and operation of plant/equipment to ensure compliance and assurance.
• Apply LEAN processes to optimize maintenance per company guidelines.
• Issue/review PM master data changes to optimize preventive maintenance.
• Maintain accurate maintenance procedures and documentation.
• Report maintenance, integrity, and inspection KPIs to drive asset improvement.
• Raise derogation requests against GS EP EXP 213 where appropriate.
• Ensure effective use of condition monitoring equipment to minimize intrusive maintenance.

Technical

• Lead Tier 2 discipline engineers: set priorities, provide guidance, and monitor progress.
• Provide specialist technical advice to Tier 1 and offshore personnel for safe and efficient operations.
• Investigate incidents, support RCA processes, and implement preventive actions.
• Conduct technical surveys on-site/offshore and at vendor locations; produce detailed reports.
• Verify maintenance and inspection strategies for cost and reliability optimization.
• Ensure maintenance activities are prioritized within operational plans.
• Act as Proponent Engineer for facility modification projects: prepare/review scopes, economic justification, and ensure proper close-out.
• Take ownership of complex, high-risk, or high-cost maintenance activities.
• Review new materials for QC codes and MRP stock levels.
• Analyze equipment performance (failure rates, obsolescence, defect trends) and recommend long-term solutions.
• Lead multi-discipline teams for complex equipment problem resolution.
• Develop operating philosophy and duty/standby modes for rotating equipment.
• Serve as Emergency Response Team member as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Engineering/Technical Discipline.
• Minimum 10 years’ major rotating equipment experience in the oil & gas industry, offshore/site experience essential.
• Demonstrate strong experience planning and executing major overhauls on rotating equipment
• Detailed knowledge of legislation/regulations relevant to discipline.
• Strong experience in the maintenance and operation of Siemens and Rolls-Royce GT engine packages Demonstrate previous experience managing OEM contracts for major rotating equipment
• Significant knowledge of CMMS, RBA and document control