Principal Commissioning Engineer - Oil and Gas Projects
Posted date [2026-04-25]
(ID: 44444)
McDermott is a global engineering and construction company delivering advanced solutions for the energy sector. The company focuses on transforming energy resources into essential products through innovative, technology-driven approaches across the full project lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning. With operations in more than 30 countries, McDermott combines a skilled workforce, specialized marine assets, and international fabrication capabilities to support large-scale energy projects. The organization plays a key role in developing efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy infrastructure worldwide.... |
Job Snapshot
Role: Principal Commissioning Engineer - Oil and Gas Projects
Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Oil and Energy
Function: Engineering
Experience: 15-20 years
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Principal Commissioning Engineer hiring in Dubai, UAE within the Oil and Energy industry for major EPC and plant start-up projects across refinery, chemical, and oil and gas facilities. This leadership role is ideal for experienced commissioning professionals who can drive safe pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, and performance testing while ensuring plant readiness, operational reliability, and successful project handover.
Job Details
Country: UAE
City: Dubai
Industry: Oil and Energy
Function: Engineering
Salary: 28000-40000
Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in Dubai; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
The Principal Commissioning Engineer leads the execution of commissioning strategies that ensure systems, utilities, and process facilities are safely prepared for operational handover. This role bridges engineering, construction, completions, and operations by managing commissioning deliverables, supervising teams, and ensuring all systems achieve performance targets. The position plays a vital role in reducing operational risk and delivering successful plant start-up outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
* Report to the Commissioning Manager and support safe and efficient execution of pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, and performance testing activities
* Supervise the preparation of commissioning home office deliverables and execution plans for major EPC projects
* Participate in systemization development and system boundary mark-ups for plant and facility readiness
* Support engineering design reviews including HAZOP, P&ID reviews, SIL reviews, and 3D model assessments
* Develop and manage commissioning schedules covering pre-commissioning, commissioning, and operational start-up phases
* Supervise preparation of operating manuals and technical documentation for final handover
* Lead development of commissioning procedures for utility systems and process systems
* Manage planning for CSU spares, temporary equipment, vendor services, consumables, and subcontract requirements
* Coordinate closely with completions teams, construction teams, and client representatives for inspections and testing
* Supervise commissioning engineers, specialists, subcontractors, and client personnel during execution activities
* Support mechanical completion inspections and accept systems for commissioning readiness
* Participate in walk-down inspections, punch-list development, and close-out of commissioning-related actions
* Contribute technical feedback and project improvements to lessons learned databases
Ideal Profile
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering
* 15 to 20 years of experience in oil and gas projects with major EPC contractors or consultants
* Strong expertise in commissioning, completions, start-up, and operational readiness for major facilities
* Minimum 5 years of experience in refinery, chemical, or oil and gas processing plants
* Proven commissioning and start-up experience on at least 3 major EPC projects
* Strong knowledge of plant operations, construction interfaces, and maintenance systems
* Excellent leadership and coordination skills across multidisciplinary project teams
* Strong communication skills for technical discussions with engineers, operators, and client stakeholders
* Willingness to travel internationally to project and construction sites
Skills Set
* Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Management
* Start-Up and Performance Testing
* Mechanical Completion and System Handover
* HAZOP, P&ID, and SIL Reviews
* Operating Manuals and Technical Documentation
* Commissioning Procedures Development
* EPC Project Execution and Coordination
* Vendor and Subcontractor Management
* MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio
* Team Leadership and Site Supervision
Why Join Us
* Lead commissioning activities for high-value global energy and infrastructure projects
* Work with one of the most respected engineering and construction organizations in the oil and gas sector
* Gain strong leadership exposure across offshore, refinery, and petrochemical developments
* Build long-term career growth in commissioning, plant operations, and project execution
* Support world-class engineering teams delivering critical energy infrastructure
* Be part of projects driving operational excellence and the future of sustainable energy delivery
About the Company
McDermott International is a global leader in engineering, procurement, construction, and installation services for the energy industry. With more than a century of experience, the company delivers complex offshore and onshore projects across oil and gas, offshore wind, and energy transition sectors. Operating in over 50 countries, McDermott combines technical innovation, operational excellence, and global expertise to support the world’s evolving energy needs.
