Process Engineer - Fluid Catalytic Cracking

This position requires full relocation to Saudi Arabia. It is a permanent full time Expat position with an attractive relocation package.

Please note only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Downstream Process Engineer with extensive hands-on expertise in Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) processes to join the Downstream Operation Engineering Solutions Department (OESD).

OESD's technical team provides high-quality, multi-disciplinary support to Global Manufacturing operating facilities (Refineries, NGLF, and petrochemical plants) within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally.

Your primary role is to provide in-depth process engineering and operations expertise to monitor, optimize, and drive performance improvement programs for refineries' FCC, including both remote and on-site technical advisory support, benchmarking, and technology knowledge management.

Key Responsibilities:

As the successful candidate you will be required to perform the following:

• Conduct comprehensive performance reviews of existing FCC units, analyzing KPIs related to yield, operability, profitability, reliability, and process safety. Develop and present quarterly benchmarking reports with actionable improvement recommendations.
• Provide hands-on technical support in implementing performance improvement initiatives, demonstrating measurable results in closing identified gaps from quarterly benchmarking reports.
• Lead benchmarking and best practices exchange workshops among Global Manufacturing facilities (wholly-owned and affiliates), facilitating knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in FCC technologies.
• Deliver on-demand remote and field technical advisory support, including troubleshooting, optimization, debottlenecking, revamp, and upgrade activities for FCC units. Provide detailed service reports for each support activity.
• Drive performance improvement programs that enhance process safety, optimize manufacturing costs, and increase FCC unit reliability and yield.
• Develop and implement best practices and standards for FCC engineering and maintenance, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulations.
• Provide expert technical support to project teams and contractors for FCC engineering and procurement activities.
• Coordinate with other disciplines (mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical) to ensure optimal performance and integration of FCC equipment.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of FCC equipment to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality regulations and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and innovations for FCC improvement and optimization, including catalyst developments and advanced control strategies.
• Prepare and update technical documentation and reports for FCC engineering and operation.
• Participate in business plan development and coordinate with stakeholders for capital investments in FCC facilities.
• Facilitate technical knowledge exchange workshops with FCC process technology licensors and Global Manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and deliver in-house technical training programs on FCC operations and optimization to Global Manufacturing facilities as needed.
• Participate in incident investigation activities concerning FCC process technologies as required by operating facilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• You must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. An advanced degree is preferred.
• You should have a minimum of 15 years of experience in refinery operations, with at least 10 years of hands-on experience specifically in FCC operations and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize FCC operations, with specific examples of performance improvements achieved (e.g., yield improvements, energy savings, reliability enhancements).
• Comprehensive knowledge of FCC processes, equipment, and systems, including regenerator operations, catalyst management, and product fractionation.
• Deep understanding of FCC catalyst chemistry and selection criteria for various feedstocks.
• Expertise in FCC troubleshooting, including analysis of operational issues such as afterburn, catalyst circulation problems, and product quality deviations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software specific to FCC modeling (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, KBC Petro-SIM).
• Strong knowledge of refinery economics and the impact of FCC performance on overall refinery profitability.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., API, ASME) applicable to FCC units.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present technical reports to various audiences, including senior management.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in mentoring junior engineers and operators in FCC operations and optimization techniques.
• As the ideal candidate, you will have a proven track record of optimizing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) operations in refinery and petrochemical plant settings.