(subsea) Pipeline Engineer

Subsea Engineer

Location: International / Offshore
Contract Type: Long-term Project Assignment

About the Project 
Our client is providing project management and engineering support to a major offshore development in North Africa involving the expansion and optimisation of an existing offshore production hub. The work includes new wellhead platforms, subsea tie‑backs, and upgrades to associated production infrastructure. The project scope spans FEED validation, detailed engineering assurance, construction oversight, and offshore installation management. They are acting as the technical interface between the development operator and multiple EPC contractors to ensure the safe, timely, and compliant delivery of all subsea and topside integration scopes.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Subsea Engineer to lead the design, coordination, and technical assurance of subsea systems supporting offshore wellhead platforms (WHPs) and subsea tie‑back pipelines. The role covers conceptual design, detailed engineering, fabrication follow‑up, offshore installation, commissioning, and handover, ensuring subsea systems meet the highest standards of reliability, safety, and operability.
This position is central to the design and delivery of wellhead systems, Christmas Trees, manifolds, jumpers, umbilicals, risers, and associated subsea control systems.

Key Responsibilities Engineering & Design Oversight

• Lead all subsea engineering activities linked to WHP tie‑ins, pipelines, manifolds, and Christmas Tree assemblies.
• Review and approve design deliverables, including P&IDs, SLDs, interface drawings, 3D models, and installation procedures.
• Develop and maintain specifications, datasheets, and MRs for trees, manifolds, jumpers, umbilicals, and control systems.
• Conduct and review flow assurance, structural, fatigue, and hydrodynamic calculations.

Technical Assurance & Interface Management

• Ensure compliance with API, ISO, and DNV standards and project-specific performance criteria.
• Participate in HYSYS reviews, HAZID/HAZOP workshops, FAT, SIT, and EFAT sessions.
• Oversee integration of subsea control systems with topside SCADA and control rooms via umbilical interfaces.
• Act as the primary technical liaison between the Operator/PMC and EPC contractors on subsea issues.

Fabrication, Installation & Commissioning Support

• Oversee FAT, SIT, and pre-deployment inspections of subsea hardware.
• Support offshore installation, hook‑up, and commissioning, including troubleshooting subsea systems.
• Coordinate subsea tie‑in, hydrotesting, and readiness activities with pipeline and installation teams.
• Ensure all subsea equipment meets HSE, reliability, and operability standards.

Documentation & Handover

• Lead preparation of as‑built documentation, close‑out dossiers, and final handover packages.
• Provide technical input to schedules, risk registers, and cost estimates.

Technical Competencies Required

• Deep knowledge of subsea wellhead systems and vertical/horizontal Christmas Trees.
• Strong understanding of manifolds, jumpers, PLETs, umbilicals, and subsea control modules.
• Experience in subsea–topside system integration and interface management.
• Proficiency in flow assurance, subsea hydraulics, and control logic analysis.
• Familiarity with subsea installation vessels, ROV ops, and subsea tooling.
• Experience in CP design, subsea coatings, and insulation systems.
• Advantageous software skills: PIPESIM, ANSYS, OrcaFlex or similar.
• Knowledge of subsea integrity management and leak detection philosophies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Subsea, Mechanical, Offshore, or Ocean Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Subsea design and engineering, including WHP and subsea tie‑back projects.
• Experience with tree systems, manifolds, umbilicals, and subsea control system integration.
• Prior offshore installation (SURF) and commissioning experience highly desirable.
• Familiarity with API 6A, 17D/F/H, ISO 13628, DNV‑ST‑F101/F119.
• Valid offshore medical and survival certification (BOSIET/FOET) preferred.

HSE Responsibilities

• Ensure subsea designs comply with HSE and risk management frameworks.
• Participate in HAZID/HAZOP and ensure reliability, redundancy, and operability in all subsea designs.
• Promote a proactive safety culture during design and offshore execution.

Reporting & Interfaces Reports to: Subsea Engineering Manager / PMC Engineering Lead
Key interfaces:

• Drilling & Completions
• Subsea Equipment Vendors
• Topside Facilities
• Pipeline & Installation Contractors
• HSE & QA/QC
• Client Operations & Maintenance Representatives

Key Deliverables

• Subsea system design basis and specifications
• Datasheets, MRs, and technical documentation
• Interface matrices and 3D models
• Installation & commissioning procedures
• FAT/SIT reports and close‑out documentation
• As‑built packages

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