Senior Principal Engineer, Digitalization & AI

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of the Wrench EMS platform with Group AI applications via Model Context Protocol (MCP)/AI API, ensuring data protection, auditability, and continuous improvement.
• Enable EMS data to be effectively leveraged for progress tracking, interface management, change management, informed decision-making, ENQ/BID benchmarking, lessons learned, and competency development
• Coordinate with the Wrench team, Group AI team, and PaxOcean IT steering committee to govern integration architecture and data standards.
• Ensure AI API integration is implemented in compliance with the Group data governance and cybersecurity policies.
• Drive the application of AI tools on 3D models for material library management, automated checks and constraint enforcement.
• Define and implement AI-assisted quality assurance workflows.
• Collaborate with the engineering design team and Group AI team to continuously expand the scope of AI functions applied to 3D modelling environments.
• Develop and deliver 4D simulations, progress visualization, and executive presentations, translating planning and execution data into tools that drive decision-making and stakeholder communication.
• Utilize 4D simulation and visualization software (e.g. Autodesk Navisworks, Bentley Synchro) to build construction sequencing, progress simulations, and executive-level reporting.
• Establish and maintain 4D planning standards — including WBS alignment, coding structures, model breakdown structure, and data governance — to ensure 4D outputs are grounded in sound planning methodology.
• Integrate and manage schedule and progress data from project management software (e.g. Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, and proprietary systems); develop custom plugins to automate workflows and streamline data integration.
• Deliver both schedule-driven construction sequencing and field-report-based progress monitoring, including status color-coding, and build executive dashboards linked to live project performance data.
• Apply a combined skill set of project planning, BIM/digital construction, and software development to select and implement the most effective 4D solution for each project's needs.
• Work alongside the engineering design team and Group AI team to apply AI for design calculations, structural and process analysis, drawing review, and engineering report generation.
• Develop or oversee the development of custom AI-powered tools and autonomous agents.
• Apply advanced data architecture techniques (SQL, ETL, schema mapping) to ensure clean, reliable data flows between engineering platforms and AI systems.
• Act as the primary technical liaison between PaxOcean's engineering team, Group AI, Wrench, 3D modelling platforms (e.g. SmartPlant suite, Smart3D), and other technical software.
• Translate engineering domain requirements into AI/digital system specifications and vice versa, ensuring both teams understand objectives, constraints, and deliverables.
• Prepare and present progress updates, integration roadmaps, and capability assessments to Management as required.
• Develop internal training materials and competency frameworks to upskill the engineering team on AI-assisted tools and digital platforms.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline); advanced degree or professional certifications in digital engineering, data science, or AI is a strong advantage.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in engineering digitalization and information management within EPC, EPCM, or marine/shipbuilding industries.
• Proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives spanning engineering data systems, 3D modelling environments, and AI application development.
• Hands-on experience with engineering software platforms such as SmartPlant suite (SPPID, SPI, SP3D/SM3D, SPI, SPEL), COMOS, PDMS, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in AI/ML application development, autonomous agents, and custom web application development bridging engineering data and end-users.
• Experience with EPC or shipyard engineering management systems (e.g. Wrench, Aveva, Aconex, or similar) and their data integration capabilities.
• Experience working within multicultural, cross-functional teams across multiple geographies.
• Advanced SQL Server expertise, ETL processes, complex schema mapping, and data warehouse development.
• Proficiency in Python and/or .NET-based scripting for engineering system automation.
• Familiarity with AI API integration, MCP frameworks, and LLM-based application development.
• Experience with Power BI, SSRS, SSIS and data visualisation dashboards for engineering progress monitoring.
• Working knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) as applied to engineering data pipelines.
• Understanding of 3D modelling workflows and quality assurance processes in shipbuilding or EPCM contexts.
• Strong communicator able to bridge technical and business audiences effectively.
• Self-driven, innovative problem-solver with a bias for practical implementation.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence without authority across engineering, IT, and executive stakeholders.
• High attention to data quality, system integrity, and engineering accuracy.