Specialist Rigging and Lifting Engineer
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KBR Abu Dhabi PMC Team is currently looking to fill a position of Specialist Rigging & Lifting Engineer for an offshore project to be based in UAE (Abu Dhabi) in office and offshore site role on 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation.
Job purpose
The Specialist Rigging & Lifting Engineer is responsible for planning, engineering, reviewing, and overseeing all lifting and rigging activities associated with the Offshore Water Injection Project. The role ensures that all heavy lifts, critical lifts, offshore installation activities, and material handling operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
The position provides technical expertise for lifting operations related to offshore platforms, topsides, modules, process equipment, pipelines, subsea equipment, water injection facilities, and commissioning activities.
Key responsibilities
Lifting engineering & planning
Develop and review lifting studies, lifting procedures, rigging plans, and method statements for offshore installation and construction activities.
Prepare detailed lift plans for routine, complex, and critical lifting operations.
Perform engineering calculations for lifting arrangements, load distribution, sling tensions, crane capacities, and lifting equipment selection.
Verify lifting points, padeyes, trunnions, spreader beams, lifting frames, and temporary lifting structures.
Develop lifting execution strategies for offshore construction, hook-up, commissioning, and maintenance activities.
Ensure all lifting activities comply with project specifications, company standards, and regulatory requirements.
Offshore installation support
Support offshore installation activities involving:
Water injection skids
Pumps and compressors
Process equipment
Piping modules
Structural modules
Pressure vessels
Electrical and instrument packages
Subsea components
Pipelines and risers
Coordinate heavy lift and critical lift operations using offshore cranes and lifting vessels.
Participate in load-out, sea fastening, transportation, installation, and hook-up activities.
Provide on-site technical support during complex lifting operations.
Rigging equipment management
Specify and select appropriate rigging and lifting equipment.
Review certifications and inspection records for cranes, slings, shackles, lifting beams, spreaders, and hoists.
Ensure lifting equipment is suitable for intended loads and operating conditions.
Coordinate periodic inspections and compliance verification of lifting equipment.
Monitor lifting gear utilization and maintenance requirements.
Safety & compliance
Ensure compliance with:
LEEA standards
LOLER requirements
API standards
ASME standards
OSHA regulations
Client lifting procedures
Offshore safety regulations
Participate in HAZID, HAZOP, constructability, SIMOPS, and risk assessment workshops.
Conduct lifting risk assessments and Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
Identify hazards associated with offshore lifting activities and implement mitigation measures.
Support incident investigations and corrective action implementation when required.
Construction & contractor coordination
Review contractor lifting studies and offshore lifting procedures.
Ensure contractor compliance with project lifting requirements.
Coordinate with:
Construction teams
Marine operations
Fabrication yards
Offshore installation contractors
Crane operators
Rigging supervisors
HSE teams
Participate in lifting readiness reviews and pre-lift meetings.
Verify lifting equipment mobilization and site readiness.
Engineering & technical assurance
Review lifting engineering deliverables from EPC contractors and vendors.
Verify load calculations and equipment weights.
Support transportation and installation engineering activities.
Ensure lifting interfaces are incorporated into project design reviews.
Participate in design reviews to ensure lifting and maintainability requirements are adequately addressed.
Provide technical recommendations for lifting and handling improvements.
Documentation & reporting
Prepare and maintain:
Lift plans
Rigging studies
Method statements
Engineering calculations
Risk assessments
Equipment registers
Inspection reports
Lift execution reports
Produce periodic reports on lifting activities and performance metrics.
Maintain project lifting documentation and audit records.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Professional engineering registration is preferred.
LEEA certification or equivalent lifting certification is highly desirable.
Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) certification is preferred.
Additional offshore certifications are advantageous.
Experience
Minimum 10–15 years of experience in rigging, lifting engineering, and offshore construction projects.
At least 5 years of experience on offshore oil & gas or offshore energy projects.
Proven experience supporting:
Offshore platforms
Water injection facilities
EPC projects
Brownfield modifications
Offshore hook-up & commissioning
Heavy lift installations
Experience working with offshore installation contractors and lifting vessels.
Previous Middle East offshore project experience is preferred.