Lead Engineer, Process II

Job Title

Business Unit/Function

Grade

Talent Pipeline Layer

Job Purpose

Lead and optimize all process engineering activities for the Phosphoric Acid Plant (PAP) to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production. Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting, process improvement, debottlenecking, and technology development to support stable operations, cost optimization, and long‑term asset integrity. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and mentor junior engineers to strengthen technical capability within the Midstream organization.

Key Accountabilities

• Process Performance & Optimization:
  
   

  • Monitor and analyze plant performance KPIs (yield, conversion efficiency, steam/energy consumption, filtration rates, P₂O₅ recovery). 

  • Identify deviations and implement corrective actions to sustain optimal operating conditions.

• Troubleshooting & Technical Support:
  
   

  • Lead root‑cause analysis for process upsets, equipment failures, and quality deviations.

  • Provide on‑the‑spot technical guidance to operations to restore stable conditions.

• Process Design & Engineering Studies:
  
   

  •  Develop and review process design packages, mass and energy balances, PFDs, P&IDs, and process simulations for modifications, expansions, and debottlenecking projects.

• Safety & Compliance:
  
   

  •  Ensure all process engineering activities comply with Ma’aden safety standards, environmental regulations, and statutory requirements. Lead HAZOP, PHA, and risk assessments for new and existing systems.

• Technology & Best Practices: 
  
   

  •  Evaluate new technologies, catalysts, filtration systems, and process control strategies to enhance plant performance. Benchmark against global phosphoric acid producers.

• Project Support:
  
   

  •  Provide process engineering input for CAPEX projects, including scope definition, technical evaluation, commissioning, and performance testing.

• Documentation & Reporting:
  
   

  • Maintain accurate process documentation, operating manuals, SOPs, and engineering records.

  • Prepare technical reports and performance summaries for management.

• Operational Excellence:
  
   

  •  Drive continuous improvement initiatives such as energy optimization, waste minimization, gypsum stack management, and reliability improvements.

   

• Training & Mentoring:

   

  • Develop the technical capability of junior engineers and operators through structured coaching, training sessions, and knowledge‑sharing.

   

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration:

   

  •  Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Technical Services, EHS, and external technology licensors to ensure integrated and efficient plant performance.

     

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Engineering (chemical engineering or Process Engineering) + 4 years as Snr Engineer 

  • Masters of Engineering (chemical engineering or Process Engineering) + 2 years as Snr Engineer

  • Professional certification or membership in a recognized engineering body is an advantage.

   

Minimum Experience:

• 8–12 years of experience in process engineering within chemical, fertilizer, or phosphate industries.

  • Minimum 5 years specifically in phosphoric acid production (Dihydrate/Hemihydrate/Wet‑Process).

  • Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting, process optimization, and leading technical studies.

  • Experience with process simulation tools (Aspen Plus/HYSYS), statistical analysis, and advanced process control.

Skills:

• Expert in analysis and modelling of engineering components, systems, processes 

  • Effective leadership and management skills 

  • Operational improvement optimization, balancing technical, operational and financial requirements 

  • Advanced competence performing risk Management/Analysis 

  • Managing portfolios of projects 

  • Resilience 

  • Intercultural intelligence 

  • Conceptualizing engineering components, systems 

  • Able to independently manage own work planning and delivery according to targets; proven application 

  • Advanced knowledge of technical trends, interpretation and application of industry knowledge 

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills 

  • Expert analytical and problem-solving skills 

  • Results driven (meeting customer expectations) 

  • Research and development 

  • Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking 

  • Management skills 

  • Competency in managing projects 

  • Sound decision making skills 

  • Presentation and facilitation skills 

  • Advanced persuading and influencing skills 

  • Ability to think and interact globally 

  • Change agent 

  • Creating and innovating 

  • Design thinking 

  • Advanced presentation and negotiation skills

• Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge of relevant technical procedures, specifications and legal frameworks 

  • Advanced knowledge of applicable engineering technologies 

  • Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of the value chain and business drivers (own and stakeholders)

  • Advanced proficiency in the application of appropriate technologies 

  • Advanced technical analysis and problem-solving capability 

  • Advanced technical integration

  • Advanced capability implementing technical solutions

  • Advanced proficiency at conceptualizing engineering solutions

  • Advanced capability making professional technical recommendations

  • Advanced risk analysis and management

  • Advanced understanding of principles of total cost of ownership

  • Advanced knowledge of engineering design

  • Advanced ability to develop innovative technical solutions

  • Excellent understanding of business processes and value chain in order to defend own value addition

  • Advanced Ability to balance financial, operational and technical requirements

  • Advanced knowledge of company standards, procedures and methods