Project Engineer (with E-Fuel Specialization Considerations)
Job Title: Project Engineer
Location: Ireland
Reports To: Operations Director
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: [Competitive, based on experience]
Job Summary:
Our client a renewable engineering group, has an opening for an experienced Project Engineer within the e-fuel sector. The Project Engineer is responsible for the technical planning, execution, and closure of engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role bridges the gap between design, construction, and operations, providing critical technical support and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle. For projects involving e-fuels, the Project Engineer will also be instrumental in applying specialized knowledge of e-fuel production processes, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Planning & Design Support:
- Collaborate with design teams to review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents for accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
- Participate in feasibility studies, risk assessments, and front-end engineering design (FEED) activities.
- Assist in developing project schedules, resource plans, and budget estimates.
- Identify and evaluate potential technical challenges and propose innovative solutions.
- Technical Execution & Oversight:
- Provide technical guidance and support to construction teams, contractors, and vendors.
- Monitor project progress against technical specifications and quality standards.
- Conduct site inspections and audits to ensure compliance with design, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
- Manage and resolve technical queries (TQ) and requests for information (RFI) from site personnel.
- Oversee the commissioning and start-up phases of projects, ensuring systems operate as designed.
- Implement and manage change orders, ensuring all technical impacts are assessed and documented.
- Documentation & Reporting:
- Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including technical reports, progress updates, and close-out reports.
- Ensure all necessary permits, licenses, and certifications are obtained and maintained.
- Present technical information and project updates to stakeholders.
- Quality & Safety:
- Champion a culture of safety throughout all project phases, ensuring adherence to all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and regulations.
- Implement and enforce quality control measures to ensure the integrity and reliability of engineered systems.
- Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
- Stakeholder Management:
- Liaise effectively with internal teams (e.g., procurement, operations, R&D), external contractors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
- Communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes, particularly within the e-fuel sector.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, or related field). Master's degree or professional engineering license (PE/Chartered Engineer) is a plus.
- Experience: 8 years of experience in project engineering within a relevant industry (e.g., energy, oil & gas, chemical, renewables, heavy industrial).
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings (P&IDs, SLDs, layouts, etc.) and technical specifications.
- Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies.
- Experience with engineering software (e.g., CAD, simulation tools, project management software).
- Knowledge of relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations.
- Soft Skills:
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- High attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
E-Fuel Specific Considerations & Valued Experience:
For a Project Engineer with e-fuel experience, the following aspects would be highly emphasized and sought after:
- Understanding of E-Fuel Production Processes:
- Direct experience or strong theoretical knowledge of power-to-X technologies, including:
- Green Hydrogen Production: Electrolysis (PEM, Alkaline, SOEC), water treatment, gas purification.
- Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU): Direct air capture (DAC), point source capture, CO2 liquefaction and purification.
- Synthesis Processes: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (for synthetic hydrocarbons like synthetic diesel, jet fuel), methanol synthesis, ammonia synthesis.
- Catalyst technology and reactor design.
- Knowledge of the entire e-fuel value chain, from renewable energy input to final product distribution.
- Safety and Regulatory Compliance in E-Fuels:
- Familiarity with the unique safety considerations associated with handling hydrogen, CO2, and synthetic fuels (e.g., flammability, toxicity, high pressures).
- Understanding of evolving regulations, standards, and certification processes for e-fuels (e.g., EU Renewable Energy Directive, national hydrogen strategies).
- Experience with HAZOP, LOPA, and other safety review methodologies specifically applied to e-fuel processes.
- Integration with Renewable Energy Systems:
- Understanding of how e-fuel facilities interface with intermittent renewable power sources (solar, wind).
- Knowledge of grid connections, power electronics, and energy storage solutions relevant to e-fuel production.
- Materials Compatibility:
- Awareness of material selection challenges and requirements for components exposed to hydrogen, CO2, and synthetic fuels.
- Process Optimization and Efficiency:
- Focus on optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact in e-fuel production.
- Experience with process simulation tools for e-fuel pathways.
- Project Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in the design, construction, commissioning, or operation of pilot, demonstration, or commercial-scale e-fuel production facilities.
- Experience with FEED studies specifically for e-fuel projects.
If this role is of interest to you - please forward a copy of your updated CV to Sandra at Tech Skills Resources.