Lead Mechanical Engineer - Oil & Gas

Overview

The Lead Mechanical Engineer specializing in Oil & Gas will be responsible for the conceptualization, design development, and technical leadership of mechanical systems related to oil and gas facilities, equipment, and infrastructure projects. This role demands deep expertise in mechanical engineering—with a focus on rotating machinery and pressure vessels—coupled with leadership in engineering teams and management of design consultants. The key priority is to ensure the delivery of safe, dependable, and efficient mechanical solutions.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the design and specification process for mechanical components such as pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels, including performing detailed mechanical calculations and stress analyses.
• Engineer rotating equipment systems including pump/compressor stations and turbine setups, alongside HVAC system designs to meet process and environmental needs.
• Design pressure vessels like separators, accumulators, and storage tanks with full compliance to ASME codes; create piping layouts and select appropriate materials while conducting stress assessments.
• Define and enforce mechanical engineering design standards adhering to industry best practices; conduct audits and reviews to ensure quality and compliance.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary mechanical engineering team comprising engineers, designers, and technicians to optimize team performance and collaboration.
• Manage external engineering consultants and equipment suppliers by setting clear scopes, reviewing deliverables, and overseeing performance and schedules.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary design integration to minimize conflicts and maintain effective interface management.
• Provide in-field support during installation and commissioning phases to safeguard adherence to design and quality standards and assist in system testing and operational transitions.
• Incorporate reliability engineering principles to enhance equipment availability and participate actively in maintenance planning and failure investigations.
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge in the field and promote continuous improvement initiatives through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Required Experience and Skills

• At least 12 years of senior mechanical engineering experience within the oil and gas sector, focusing on mechanical systems, rotating machinery, or pressure vessels for infrastructure projects.
• Proven expertise in rotating equipment design and pressure vessel engineering with sound understanding of equipment selection, operation, and reliability principles.
• Demonstrable leadership in managing engineering teams and external consultants across complex multidisciplinary projects including field installation support.
• Advanced technical skills in mechanical design methodologies, pump/compressor/turbine systems, pressure vessel and piping design compliant with ASME standards.
• Extensive knowledge of oil and gas process operations and how mechanical systems integrate to support these functions.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is mandatory.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in Mechanical Engineering is required or strongly preferred.
• Master's degree or specialized certifications in mechanical engineering, particularly in areas such as rotating equipment and pressure vessels, are advantageous.