Lead Engineer, Electrical

Role Overview

Lead Engineer, Electrical at OQ, located in Muscat, Oman. This is a senior individual contributor role within the Engineering function, reporting to the Manager, Electrical, responsible for advanced technical expertise and leadership in electrical systems design, analysis, and integrity assurance.

Company Overview

OQ operates in accordance with the organization's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, supported by an IT Technology platform, QHSE & Energy Management System requirements standards, and alignment with Omani government and legal requirements and international best practices.

Role Purpose

The Lead Engineer, Electrical exists to provide advanced technical expertise and leadership in the design, analysis, and integrity assurance of electrical systems critical to safe, reliable, and efficient operations within the Engineering function. The role is accountable for delivering high-quality engineering solutions, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company specifications, while optimizing system performance and lifecycle value. Operating as a senior technical authority, the position drives the development and implementation of robust engineering practices, supports complex project execution, and mitigates technical risks that could impact asset integrity, operational continuity, or business performance.

Key Responsibilities

Design Review & Compliance

• Lead technical review and approval of electrical engineering designs, calculations, and specifications for oil and gas facilities, ensuring compliance with applicable international standards, company technical practices, and local regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain electrical engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with industry best practices across all engineering projects.
• Ensure all electrical engineering activities comply with relevant codes and standards such as IEC, IEEE, NEC/NFPA, API, and company-specific technical requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Technical Guidance & Mentoring

• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level electrical engineers on complex design challenges, including power systems, high and low voltage distribution, hazardous area classification, and electrical protection systems.
• Advise project management and engineering leadership on electrical engineering risks, technical deviations, and mitigation strategies to support informed decision-making throughout project phases.

Engineering Analysis & Studies

• Conduct and oversee power system studies including load flow analysis, short circuit analysis, motor starting studies, harmonic analysis, and protective relay coordination studies using industry-standard software tools.
• Participate in hazard identification studies, HAZOP reviews, SIL assessments, and other safety and risk evaluation activities to ensure electrical systems meet safety integrity and operational reliability requirements.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Review and validate electrical engineering deliverables produced by engineering contractors and third-party consultants, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and adherence to project scope and specifications.
• Support the evaluation and technical assessment of electrical equipment and vendor proposals, providing recommendations on equipment selection, specification compliance, and lifecycle cost considerations.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams including process, instrumentation, mechanical, and civil disciplines to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems within overall facility design.
• Collaborate with internal multidisciplinary engineering teams, engineering contractors, project management, asset operations and maintenance teams, and engineering leadership to ensure integrated electrical system design, resolve technical issues, and support informed decision-making across project phases.

Project Execution Support

• Contribute to the development of project execution strategies, engineering man-hour estimates, and resource planning for electrical engineering scope within capital and brownfield projects.
• Support construction, pre-commissioning, and commissioning activities by providing technical clarification, resolving field engineering issues, and reviewing as-built documentation for electrical systems.
• Ensure proper management of change processes are followed for any modifications to approved electrical engineering designs, maintaining full traceability and documentation integrity.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate with asset operations and maintenance teams to provide technical support for operational electrical issues, reliability improvement initiatives, and brownfield modification projects.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the electrical engineering discipline by identifying opportunities to enhance design efficiency, reduce costs, adopt new technologies, and improve engineering workflows.
• Monitor and assess emerging electrical technologies, digital solutions, and industry trends relevant to oil and gas operations, and recommend adoption where technically and commercially justified.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare and review technical reports, engineering studies, and technical queries, ensuring clear documentation and effective communication of engineering decisions and recommendations.

General

• Perform any other duties assigned by the Manager in line with the role's scope and organizational requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline and a relevant post-degree qualification.
• Professional registration or chartership with a recognized engineering institution (e.g., CEng, PE, or equivalent) is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering with a Bachelor's degree and a relevant post-degree professional qualification, preferably within the Oil & Gas or energy sector.
• Extensive experience in electrical engineering design, review, and assurance for upstream or downstream Oil & Gas facilities, including brownfield and greenfield projects.
• Proven track record of leading electrical engineering deliverables across multiple project phases, from concept and FEED through to detailed design, construction support, and commissioning.
• Experience mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior and mid-level electrical engineers, and coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Advanced power system analysis using simulation tools such as ETAP, SKM, or PSS/E.
• Expert knowledge of electrical codes and standards including IEC, IEEE, NEC/NFPA, and API.
• HV/MV/LV equipment specification and evaluation including switchgear, transformers, variable speed drives, and UPS systems.
• Hazardous area classification and compliance per IEC 60079 series standards.
• Protective relay coordination, load flow, short circuit, and harmonic study expertise.
• Proficiency in engineering document management and technical reporting practices.
• Working knowledge of asset integrity management and reliability-centered maintenance principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in electrical power systems analysis, including load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, motor starting, and harmonic studies using industry-standard tools.
• Strong familiarity with international and industry codes and standards applicable to hazardous area classifications and electrical installations.
• Solid exposure to electrical safety practices and compliance with HSE requirements in Oil & Gas operating environments.
• Familiarity with asset integrity management, reliability-centered maintenance principles, and lifecycle considerations for electrical systems in operating facilities.

Behavioural Competencies

• Technical Leadership & Influence Without Authority.
• Mentoring & Coaching.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Teamwork.
• Effective Written & Verbal Communication.
• Analytical Thinking & Complex Problem-Solving.
• Stakeholder Management.
• Decision-Making Under Uncertainty.
• Attention to Detail & Quality Orientation.
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning Mindset.
• Conflict Resolution & Negotiation.

Language Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required).

Additional Information

Working Conditions

• Office environment and visits to operational sites.
• Moderate to intensive computer screen use.
• Site access is subject to applicable medical, security, and HSE requirements.

Internal & External Interactions

• Internal: Multidisciplinary engineering teams (process, instrumentation, mechanical, civil), engineering contractors, project management, asset operations and maintenance teams, and engineering leadership.
• External: Engineering contractors, equipment vendors, third-party consultants, and regulatory authorities.