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Category
FPSO & Floating Production
Work Pattern
Onshore / Hybrid (with offshore visits)
Reports To
Lead Process Engineer / Engineering Manager
Position Overview
The FPSO Process Engineer is responsible for the process design, simulation, and optimisation of topsides processing systems on FPSO units, including oil separation, gas compression, water treatment, and utility systems. This role is critical for both greenfield FPSO design and operational debottlenecking of existing units. The unique constraints of FPSO process design—compact layouts, motion effects on separation, and marine interface requirements—demand specialist experience that is in short supply.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and specify FPSO topsides process systems, including separation, gas compression, gas dehydration, produced water treatment, and utility systems.
- Perform process simulation and modelling using HYSYS, PRO/II, or UniSim for steady-state and dynamic scenarios.
- Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and process data sheets.
- Perform equipment sizing for separators, heat exchangers, compressors, pumps, and columns considering FPSO-specific motion effects.
- Conduct debottlenecking and optimisation studies for existing FPSO process systems.
- Develop process design basis and specifications for FPSO FEED and detailed design.
- Perform flare and relief system design, including blowdown analysis for FPSO-specific scenarios.
- Evaluate process safety requirements and participate in HAZOP, HAZID, and LOPA studies.
- Coordinate with marine engineers on hull capacity, tank arrangements, and slop systems.
- Support FPSO operational troubleshooting and process performance monitoring.
Qualifications
Required
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical/Process Engineering
- Certifications: Chartered Engineer preferred; BOSIET/FOET for offshore visits
- Experience: 8–12 years in process engineering with significant FPSO topsides design experience
- Technical Skills: HYSYS/PRO/II/UniSim; process equipment sizing with motion effects; flare and relief system design; produced water treatment; gas compression and dehydration; PFD and P&ID development
Preferred
- Experience with FPSO debottlenecking and late-life process modifications
- Involvement in FLNG or FSRU process design
- Knowledge of dynamic simulation for FPSO process systems
- Familiarity with energy efficiency and decarbonisation options for FPSO topsides
Market Intelligence
$900–1,350/day
Shortage Level: High
Key Skills Gap: Process engineers with FPSO-specific experience (motion effects on separation); debottlenecking capability; gas compression expertise for FPSO applications
Regions in Highest Demand: Southeast Asia, Brazil, West Africa, Middle East
Demand Drivers: FPSO topsides design demand, operational debottlenecking of existing FPSOs, FLNG process design requirements