Project Engineer (Process / Chemical)

Role Purpose

The Project Engineer (Process/Chemical) will serve as a lead technical engineer within Sobono Energy's EPCM organization, responsible for front-end design, engineering coordination, and execution support for renewable energy plants across Southeast Asia.

The role requires strong competence in thermal systems and process engineering, with hands-on involvement from concept and FEED through construction, commissioning, and handover to operations. The engineer will lead junior engineers, manage vendor interfaces, and support multi-disciplinary coordination across multiple concurrent projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Front-End Engineering & Design (High Emphasis)

• Lead conceptual design and FEED activities for renewable energy plants, including biomass and steam-based systems.

• Develop and review:

• Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)

• Heat & mass balance calculations

• Process design basis and technical narratives

• Evaluate technology configurations and design options with respect to performance, operability, and constructability.

2. Engineering & Technical Execution

• Provide technical leadership for steam generation and thermal systems, including:

• Boilers and auxiliaries

• Steam and condensate systems

• Heat recovery and balance-of-plant interfaces

• Coordinate and review vendor package designs and datasheets.

• Lead or support:

• Vendor package engineering

• FAT / SAT activities

• Technical bid evaluations and clarifications

• Support process integration across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation disciplines.

3. EPC & Construction Support (High Emphasis)

• Act as the technical interface between SEPL, EPC contractors, OEMs, and site teams.

• Review and resolve engineering queries, RFIs, and design deviations.

• Support site execution with practical, constructible engineering solutions.

• Ensure technical alignment with contract requirements and design intent.

4. Testing, Commissioning & Start-Up (High Emphasis)

• Support or lead process-related T&C activities, including:

• System walkdowns

• Pre-commissioning checks

• Performance testing support

• Assist in troubleshooting during start-up and early operations.

• Ensure systems are handed over in accordance with design specifications and operational readiness.

5. Interface & Stakeholder Management

• Manage technical interfaces with:

• EPC contractors and OEMs

• Engineering consultants

• Regulatory authorities (as required)

• Support technical discussions with regulators and technical advisors when needed.

• Participate in HAZOP / HAZID and other safety or design review workshops when applicable.

6. Team Leadership & Coordination

• Provide technical guidance and supervision to junior engineers.

• Coordinate engineering inputs across multiple concurrent regional projects.

• Contribute to internal engineering standards, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Mandatory

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in:

• Process engineering

• Thermal or steam-based industrial plants

• Strong competency in:

• Process simulation

• Heat & mass balance development

• Demonstrated experience managing interfaces with EPC contractors and vendors.

Desirable

• Experience in:

• Renewable energy, biomass, or waste-to-energy projects

• EPC contractors or OEM environments

• Exposure to:

• Power island systems (STG, BOP)

• Water treatment, flue gas treatment, ash handling, or CCUS systems

• HAZOP / HAZID and formal safety reviews

• Project management exposure (schedule, cost, variations).

• PMP or PRINCE2 certification.

Travel & Deployment

• Expected overseas travel of approximately 20%.

• Project locations include Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other regional sites.

• Site assignments may include greenfield, brownfield, or remote industrial locations.

Key Attributes & Cultural Fit

• Hands-on, site-oriented engineer with practical execution mindset.

• Comfortable operating in lean, fast-moving project teams.

• Strong technical ownership and accountability.

• Willingness to grow into a Technical Lead or Project Manager role over time.

• Clear communicator with the ability to manage complex technical interfaces.

Career Progression

This role is positioned as a core technical leadership pipeline within SEPL's EPCM organization, with potential progression into:

• Senior Project Engineer

• Technical Lead

• Project Manager

• Engineering Manager (Project or Discipline)