Senior / Lead Instrument Engineer

We are seeking a highly competent Senior / Lead Instrument Engineer to support strategic brownfield revamp, debottlenecking, and decarbonization initiatives across refining and petrochemical assets. The role requires strong expertise in field instrumentation, control systems engineering, FEED & detailed engineering, and the ability to translate process improvement concepts into executable engineering deliverables.
This position is based in Sohar, Oman.

Job Title: Senior / Lead Instrument Engineer
Function: Engineering - Technical Services Industry: Refining & Petrochemicals (Downstream)
Location: Sohar
Experience: 12–18+ years (Senior / Lead level)
 
Minimum requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation / Electronics / Control Engineering
10–18+ years of experience in refining / petrochemical / oil & gas industries
Proven experience in brownfield projects (FEED + Detailed Engineering)
Strong analytical capability to evaluate existing vs proposed system modifications
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
 
 Key Responsibilities
Instrument Engineering & Brownfield Modifications
Capability to perform field instrument sizing and selection including control valves, flow meters, pressure, temperature, and level instruments.

• Evaluate brownfield modification proposals by assessing: Existing system vs. proposed changes
• Impact on Field JBs / Cable Routing / IO Sizing / DCS / ESD / PLC configurations
• Wiring modifications, loop changes, and cabinet expansion requirements
• Spare availability, obsolescence risks, and system constraints
• Develop instrument engineering scope and deliverables aligned with end-user requirements.

 
FEED & Feasibility Engineering
Contribute to as an Instrument Engineering specialist for feasibility studies and FEED phases such as:
 
Revamp & debottlenecking projects
Energy optimization and decarbonization initiatives (e.g., flare gas recovery, CO/CO₂/H₂ recovery, furnace revamp & recovery etc.)
 
Translate process concepts into: Instrument index, IO list, Instrument datasheets, control philosophy inputs, F&G and Analyzer requirements
Preliminary control system architecture and sizing etc.
Prepare clear and structured Scope of Work (SOW) from Instrumentation and Control Systems engineering aspects for FEED/EPC contractors.
 
Hazardous Area & Compliance
Apply strong knowledge of hazardous area classification and compliance.

• Ensure proper selection and design of instruments based on: ATEX / IECEx requirements
• Intrinsic Safety (IS) philosoph
• Functional Safety design and engineering requirements including SIL classification & verification hands-on experience
• Support safe design practices in compliance with international standards.

 
Multidiscipline Interface Management

• Coordinate effectively with: Process Engineering (P&IDs, control narrative, control philosophy, cause & effect, process conditions data requirements for instrument selection & sizing etc.)
• Piping & Mechanical / Rotating Equipment (isometrics interfaces, rotating machinery instrumentation etc.)
• Electrical Engineering (power, earthing, hazardous area interfaces)

Identify and manage instrumentation & control interface boundaries early to prevent scope gaps and rework.
 
Control Systems & Instrumentation Deliverables
Hands-on experience with: DCS, ESD, PLC systems
Analyzers and package systems
CCTV and auxiliary systems (as applicable)
Field Instruments, F&F and Analyzers
Prepare/review key deliverables: Instrument datasheets
Instrument loop diagrams
Hook-ups and installation details
Wiring diagrams (power & signal)
Instrument layouts and location drawings
IO lists and controller sizing
Instrument air & power consumption calculations
Control system architecture and network diagrams
 
Communication Protocols
Working knowledge and application of: HART protocol
Foundation Fieldbus
Review and validate associated engineering deliverables and integration aspects.
 
Technical Bid Evaluation
Lead technical bid evaluations (TBE) for instrumentation and control systems.
Conduct technical clarifications with vendors/OEMs.
Ensure compliance with project specifications, standards, and lifecycle requirements.
 
Engineering Standards & Lifecycle Perspective
Strong familiarity with FEED and Detailed Engineering deliverables, including: Instrument Index & IO Lists
Cause & Effect inputs
Control narratives/philosophies
Cable schedules and routing
Junction box, marshalling, and cabinet design
FAT/SAT requirements and support
Ensure alignment with company engineering standards and lifecycle management practices.
Good experience in preparing clear scope of work document for Instrument & Control Systems engineering in consideration to both brownfield modifications as well as new proposed systems.
 
 
Preferred / Added Advantage
Experience in decarbonization and energy optimization projects
Exposure to large-scale revamp and debottlenecking programs
Prior experience working with leading EPC contractors and end-users
Familiarity with international standards and best practices (e.g., ISA / IEC frameworks)
 
Key Competencies
Individual Contributor in Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineering
Brownfield Engineering Judgment
Multidiscipline Coordination
FEED-to-Execution Continuity
Problem Solving & Decision Making


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