Lead Commissioning Engineer (Mechanical/Piping)
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Job overview
KBR is growing its Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team for an exciting, high-profile offshore development in Abu Dhabi. The ADNOC PMC project role would be based initially in the contractor's office or fabrication yard office in Abu Dhabi for some time and then will later move to the offshore site on a 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation.
Job purpose
The Lead Commissioning Engineer (Mechanical / Piping) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and leading all mechanical and piping commissioning activities for offshore and onshore oil and gas projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant system handover from construction to operations.
The role provides technical leadership during pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, performance testing, and handover phases, ensuring that mechanical and piping systems are tested, commissioned, and integrated in accordance with project specifications, operational requirements, HSE standards, and client expectations.
The position serves as the focal point between engineering, construction, commissioning, operations, vendors, and client representatives throughout project execution.
Key responsibilities
Commissioning leadership
Lead mechanical and piping commissioning activities from system completion through start-up and final handover.
Develop and implement commissioning strategies, execution plans, procedures, and schedules.
Coordinate multidisciplinary commissioning activities to ensure seamless system integration.
Manage commissioning engineers, supervisors, technicians, and contractor personnel.
Ensure commissioning targets and project milestones are achieved safely and efficiently.
Pre-commissioning management
Plan and supervise pre-commissioning activities including:
Mechanical completion verification
System walkdowns
Line checking
Flushing and cleaning
Air blowing
Water flushing
Hydrostatic testing
Pneumatic testing
Leak testing
Drying and preservation activities
Verify readiness for commissioning and start-up activities.
Ensure punch list identification and closure processes are effectively managed.
Mechanical & piping commissioning
Coordinate commissioning activities for:
Process piping systems
Utility piping systems
Wellhead facilities
Offshore platforms and topsides
Wellhead towers (WHTs)
Jackets and bridges
Subsea tie-in supports
Pressure vessels
Heat exchangers
Pumps
Compressors
Tanks
Filters and strainers
Pigging facilities
Mechanical packages
Safety relief systems
Produced water systems
Firewater systems
HVAC mechanical systems
Start-up & operational readiness
Lead system energization and start-up activities.
Develop commissioning sequences and start-up procedures.
Coordinate operational readiness reviews.
Support performance testing and system acceptance activities.
Ensure all systems meet design intent and operational requirements.
Facilitate smooth transfer of facilities to operations.
Interface & coordination
Coordinate with engineering, construction, QA/QC, operations, HSE, vendors, and client teams.
Participate in commissioning meetings, readiness reviews, and management progress sessions.
Interface with package vendors during testing, start-up, and troubleshooting activities.
Resolve technical issues impacting commissioning schedules and system performance.
Mechanical completion & handover
Manage mechanical completion (MC) activities and certification processes.
Review and verify system completion dossiers.
Ensure timely closure of punch items and deficiencies.
Coordinate turnover packages and handover documentation.
Facilitate final acceptance and project close-out activities.
HSE responsibilities
Ensure all commissioning activities comply with project HSE requirements and company procedures.
Lead commissioning risk assessments, SIMOPS reviews, and job safety analysis (JSA) activities.
Ensure proper implementation of permit-to-work (PTW) systems.
Promote a strong safety culture during commissioning and start-up phases.
Participate in incident investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
Quality assurance
Verify compliance with project specifications, commissioning procedures, and industry standards.
Review test records, commissioning reports, and completion documentation.
Ensure proper documentation of commissioning results and system performance.
Support quality audits and client inspections.
Ensure accurate as-built and turnover records are maintained.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline.
Preferred certifications
PMP certification
BOSIET / HUET (for offshore projects)
NEBOSH or equivalent HSE certification
Completions & commissioning management certification (preferred)
Experience
Minimum 18 to 22 years of experience in mechanical and piping commissioning within oil and gas, petrochemical, refining, LNG, or offshore EPC / EPCI projects.
Minimum 5 years in a lead commissioning engineer or senior commissioning role.
Proven experience in:
Offshore platforms and topsides
Wellhead towers (WHTs)
Jackets and bridges
Process facilities
Water injection systems
Utility systems
Mechanical packages
Brownfield modifications and tie-ins
Experience supporting pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, and operational handover phases.
Previous ADNOC, Saudi Aramco, QatarEnergy, or major operator project experience is preferred.