LNG Process Design Lead Engineer

ConocoPhillips•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

ConocoPhillips is seeking an experienced LNG Process Design Lead Engineer to report to the LNG Process Engineering Manager. This role is responsible for leading and coordinating process design activities for LNG projects throughout all project development phases, including conceptual studies, Pre-FEED, FEED, and EPC execution. The position also involves active participation in plant commissioning, startup, and post-startup support, including on-site troubleshooting and performance optimization. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in LNG process design, EPC project execution, and hands-on experience supporting the commissioning and startup of major LNG facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, related field, or foreign equivalent
15 or more years of process design experience in gas processing plants, ethylene plants, and LNG facilities.
3 or more years of leadership experience, preferably serving as Process or Project Lead for EPC/Operating companies on major LNG projects, providing technical leadership in LNG Liquefaction design, commissioning support and operational excellence.
Proven experience supporting plant commissioning, operational excellence initiatives, and performance testing.
Demonstrated experience working within a technology licensor organization and supporting major capital projects across all phases, including Pre-FEED, FEED, and EPC.
Hands-on involvement in plant commissioning, startup, and post-startup operational support.
Strong foundation in process design fundamentals, including: Process simulation using tools such as Aspen HYSYS, Advanced knowledge of thermodynamics and equations of state, In-depth understanding of cryogenic hydrocarbon separation processes, Comprehensive knowledge of refrigeration processes and technologies, Strong understanding of nitrogen rejection and heavy hydrocarbon removal processes, Proven experience in refrigeration process selection and optimization, Demonstrated expertise in equipment selection for cryogenic services, Proven knowledge of distillation column design and optimization, Development of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and strong understanding of process control strategies, Development and review of Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Participation in and facilitation of process safety studies (HAZOPs).
Willingness to travel and work at project sites as required.
Demonstrated strong technical judgment and problem-solving capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Strong expertise in cryogenic separation process design and plant operations.
Proven team player with the ability to lead, influence, and drive results through multidisciplinary teams.
Strong knowledge of engineering and construction standards, materials, and vendor/contractor practices.
Solid understanding of engineering workflows and execution processes.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
Self-motivated and capable of working strategically with minimal supervision.
High attention to detail with strong analytical skills.
Ability to support the development and delivery of employee training programs.
Broad knowledge of equipment used in cryogenic processing facilities.
Strong capability to prepare technical reports and deliver effective presentations to management and key stakeholders.
Demonstrated success working in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.
Prior experience working with a technology licensor supporting gas plants, ethylene plants, and LNG facilities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Participate in the development and definition of overall LNG project and process design basis.
Provide technical guidance and process engineering support to EPC contractors and client teams.
Perform LNG liquefaction process concept selection studies and refrigeration compressor driver selections.
Develop process configuration according to process design basis.
Identify optimal LNG process configurations to improve efficiency, reliability, and operability.
Perform LNG plant design case and rating cases simulation.
Prepare technical reports and evaluations comparing alternative process schemes.
Support validation of project economics through process design inputs and performance analysis.
Develop licensor process design package (PDP), including: Process description with control philosophy, Block Flow Diagram (BFD), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Heat & Material balances, Material Selection Diagrams, Process equipment sizing and datasheet, Process Control Narratives, Preliminary Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
Review and approve technical specifications and datasheets for long lead-time process equipment.
Coordinate with the EPC contractor to establish accurate preliminary hydraulic models and line sizing.
Participate in refrigeration compressor optimization with the compressor vendors and EPC contractors.
Participate in P&ID line by line review.
Participate in process safety and risk assessments, including HAZID and HAZOP workshops.
Support cost estimating activities, project scheduling, and review/approval of engineering deliverables.
Maintain overall progress, technical integrity, quality, and accuracy of process engineering deliverables throughout FEED and EPC execution.
Ensure compliance with company and project-specific engineering standards and minimum requirements throughout the design process.
Update, review, and finalize detailed process design deliverables, including PFDs, UFDs, H&MBs, and P&IDs.
Prepare and/or verify process design and rated-case simulations using industry-standard tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS).
Prepare and/or check process equipment datasheets and specifications.
Develop and/or verify detailed distillation column hydraulic designs, including tray or packing ratings.
Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews, including: P&ID Reviews, HAZOP and SIL studies/workshops, 3D Model Reviews.
Coordinate with the EPC contractor to ensure accurate and appropriate line sizing, routing, and pressure drop profiles across process systems.
Review vendor and mechanical datasheets to verify compliance with process requirements.
Participate in manufactured equipment reviews, module check-outs, and P&ID walk-downs.
Provide direct support during commissioning, startup, and initial operations, including on-site assignments as required.
Troubleshoot and resolve process and operational issues during startup and post-startup phases.
Perform revamp and debottlenecking studies to improve plant capacity, availability, and operational performance.