Lead Process Engineer - Upstream Oil & Gas

Our client, a prominent player in the energy sector, is seeking an accomplished Lead Process Engineer to manage and optimize upstream oil and gas operations. This critical role is based at their headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, US . The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in process design, simulation, and optimization within the upstream oil and gas domain, with a strong emphasis on reservoir engineering, production optimization, and facility design. You will lead a team of process engineers, providing technical guidance, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving innovation to enhance safety and environmental performance. This position demands a deep understanding of hydrocarbon processing and E&P challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the design, development, and optimization of upstream oil and gas processes, including separation, dehydration, and gas processing. Conduct process simulations and modeling to predict performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements using software like HYSYS, Aspen Plus, or similar. Oversee the design and modification of production facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Provide technical expertise and leadership to a team of process engineers, mentoring junior staff and guiding technical decisions. Develop and implement best practices for operational efficiency, cost reduction, and yield enhancement. Collaborate with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and operations personnel to integrate process considerations into field development plans. Perform technical reviews of engineering designs, proposals, and project deliverables. Manage process-related projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Investigate process upsets and equipment failures, recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes impacting upstream operations.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree is preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the upstream oil and gas industry. Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects. Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., HYSYS, Aspen Plus, Pro/II) and familiarity with reservoir simulation concepts. Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer principles relevant to oil and gas production. Knowledge of safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, API) and environmental compliance standards. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. Experience with project management principles and tools is a plus. Ability to work effectively in a demanding, fast-paced operational environment.

This role requires a strong presence in our client's Chicago, Illinois, US office to foster team collaboration and direct engagement with operations. Our client is a leader in energy innovation and seeks a skilled engineer to drive operational excellence.