The Chief Equipment Engineer is a senior technical position dedicated to ensuring the seamless operation and maintenance of all critical equipment and production devices used in oil and gas extraction and processing. This role involves hands-on repair, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of various mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems to support uninterrupted production activities. The Chief Equipment Engineer will lead a team of maintenance technicians, implement best practices for equipment management, and continuously optimize performance to achieve high operational efficiency and safety standards. The position requires a deep technical understanding of oilfield production systems, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to respond quickly to technical challenges in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
- Oversee and execute the repair and maintenance of all production equipment, including pumps, compressors, separators, drilling equipment, rotating machinery, hydraulic systems, electrical panels, and control devices.
- Perform diagnostic tests and inspections to identify equipment malfunctions, inefficiencies, or potential failures. Utilize advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools to pinpoint root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
- Lead hands-on repairs for complex equipment issues, ensuring all work is conducted safely and complies with company standards and industry regulations. This includes disassembly, replacement of worn-out components, reassembly, and functional testing of equipment.
- Maintain and calibrate instrumentation and control devices to ensure accurate readings and stable operations, preventing deviations that could impact production efficiency or safety.
- Coordinate and supervise the installation, commissioning, and testing of new equipment. Verify that all equipment is installed according to design specifications and operational requirements.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance program tailored to the unique operational needs of the oilfield. This includes scheduling regular inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and adjustment activities.
- Utilize condition-based monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis to predict potential equipment failures and take preemptive measures.
- Regularly review equipment performance data and conduct trend analyses to identify opportunities for improving reliability, efficiency, and performance. Make recommendations for upgrading or retrofitting equipment as needed.
Emergency Response & Troubleshooting
- Serve as the primary point of contact for responding to equipment breakdowns or emergencies, ensuring rapid and effective response to minimize production downtime and financial losses.
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for equipment failures, documenting findings and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Create contingency plans and emergency response protocols for critical equipment failures, including spare parts availability, personnel mobilization, and third-party support arrangements.
Technical Leadership & Team Management
- Lead a team of maintenance technicians, providing guidance, training, and technical support to develop their skills and ensure adherence to high standards of workmanship and safety practices.
- Assign maintenance tasks and manage daily activities of the team, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and timely completion of all maintenance activities.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging the sharing of knowledge and best practices within the team. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to enhance team capabilities.
Equipment Performance Optimization & Innovation
- Identify and implement innovative solutions and technologies to optimize the performance, reliability, and longevity of production equipment. Evaluate new tools, techniques, and systems for potential adoption in maintenance activities.
- Collaborate with production engineers, process engineers, and operations teams to align equipment performance with production goals and objectives. Analyze production data and recommend equipment modifications or process changes to enhance efficiency and output.
Safety & Compliance Management
- Ensure all maintenance and repair activities comply with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations, as well as company policies and procedures. Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines for equipment maintenance. Provide training to maintenance personnel on safety best practices, hazard identification, and emergency response.
- Participate in HSE meetings and safety drills to maintain a high level of safety awareness and preparedness among the maintenance team.
Vendor & Contractor Management
- Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers for specialized equipment repairs, overhauls, or maintenance support. Ensure that all third-party work meets quality, safety, and contractual requirements.
- Negotiate service agreements and review technical specifications to ensure favorable terms and conditions for the company. Coordinate with procurement to source high-quality spare parts and materials at competitive prices.
- Monitor the performance of vendors and contractors, providing feedback and performance assessments to maintain high standards of service and support.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repair activities, including maintenance logs, work orders, equipment history, and spare parts usage. Use maintenance management software to track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment uptime, mean time between failures (MTBF), and mean time to repair (MTTR).
- Prepare technical reports and presentations for management, outlining equipment performance, maintenance activities, and recommendations for improvements. Present findings and progress updates in management meetings as required.
- Develop and maintain an inventory management system for spare parts, tools, and materials. Ensure the availability of critical components for timely repairs and replacements.