Position Overview
The Chief Electrical and Instrument Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of all electrical and instrumentation systems within the oilfield production facilities. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, safety, and reliability of all electrical equipment, control systems, and instrumentation devices used in the extraction, processing, and transportation of crude oil. The Chief Electrical and Instrument Engineer will lead a team of engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and expertise to resolve complex issues, implement best practices, and support the overall operational efficiency of the production department. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in managing electrical systems and instrumentation in the oil and gas industry, a solid understanding of industry standards, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.
Key Responsibilities
Electrical & Instrumentation System Management
- Design, develop, and maintain electrical systems, control panels, and instrumentation networks to support safe and efficient production operations. This includes power distribution systems, switchgear, transformers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor control centers (MCCs), and field instrumentation.
- Implement and manage the installation, testing, and commissioning of new electrical equipment, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, codes, and specifications. Oversee modifications and upgrades to existing systems as required to meet production needs.
- Ensure the integrity and functionality of all instrumentation and control systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and safety instrumented systems (SIS).
- Develop detailed engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics for electrical and control systems. Review and approve drawings submitted by contractors and vendors.
- Establish and maintain control loops and instrumentation calibration standards, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of all sensors, transmitters, and actuators.
Troubleshooting & Technical Support
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for electrical and instrumentation system failures, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Provide technical support and guidance to the operations and maintenance teams for diagnosing complex electrical and control issues. Coordinate with other engineering disciplines to resolve cross-functional problems affecting production.
- Perform risk assessments and safety evaluations of electrical and instrumentation systems to identify potential hazards and implement mitigation measures.
- Develop and implement emergency response procedures for electrical and instrumentation failures, ensuring rapid restoration of systems in case of breakdowns or malfunctions.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance program for all electrical and instrumentation systems. Schedule regular inspections, testing, calibration, and servicing of equipment to prevent unexpected failures and extend equipment life.
- Utilize condition-based monitoring techniques, such as thermal imaging, power quality analysis, and partial discharge testing, to assess the health of electrical equipment and identify potential issues before they lead to failure.
- Maintain and update maintenance logs, calibration records, and equipment history files for all electrical and instrumentation assets. Prepare maintenance reports and present findings to senior management.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and mentor a team of electrical and instrumentation engineers and technicians, providing training, technical support, and performance feedback to develop their skills and capabilities.
- Assign and prioritize tasks for the team, ensuring optimal resource allocation and timely completion of maintenance, repair, and project activities.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team members to share knowledge, participate in training, and contribute to problem-solving initiatives.
Project Management & Execution
- Manage electrical and instrumentation projects from concept to completion, including design, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning. Ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to source high-quality electrical and instrumentation components, spare parts, and materials. Evaluate and select contractors and vendors for specialized services and support.
- Prepare project schedules, cost estimates, and technical specifications. Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to the Production Manager and senior management.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all electrical and instrumentation work is conducted in accordance with industry standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., IEC, IEEE, API, NFPA). Conduct safety audits, inspections, and hazard assessments to identify and address potential risks.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for electrical and instrumentation activities. Ensure all work is performed in a manner that meets or exceeds HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) requirements.
- Participate in incident investigations and root cause analysis for any electrical or instrumentation-related accidents or failures. Develop and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Technical Documentation & Reporting
- Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, single-line diagrams, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and control logic diagrams.
- Maintain an up-to-date library of technical manuals, standards, and codes related to electrical and instrumentation systems. Ensure all documentation is accessible and properly controlled.
- Develop and present technical reports, project proposals, and feasibility studies to senior management. Provide regular updates on system performance, maintenance activities, and project status.