At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical engineering for a major petrochemical upgrade and ensure safe, cost-effective designs.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading engineering firm in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate, contract role with potential for growth and development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence major engineering decisions.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on world-scale projects and enhance your engineering expertise.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in mechanical engineering, especially in refining or petrochemical industries.
The predicted salary is between 118 - 162 £ per hour.
Our client is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Lead to play a pivotal role in a major petrochemical and refinery upgrade programme. This is an exciting opportunity to guide the technical definition of a world-scale mixed-feed steam cracker and associated refinery enhancements, ensuring designs are safe, operable, and cost-effective while supporting ambitious project objectives.
As the Mechanical Engineering Lead, you will represent the client within a joint venture project management team, working closely with contractors to optimise scope, manage technical risk, and deliver engineering solutions that meet standards and performance expectations. You will bring extensive experience in mechanical and static equipment engineering, enabling you to challenge, influence, and support decisions across the pre-FEED and FEED stages.
Key Responsibilities- Provide technical leadership and engineering guidance aligned with project objectives.
- Steward contractor performance and ensure design development reflects value improvement and capital efficiency.
- Evaluate new technologies and ensure appropriate qualification and assessment.
- Own and develop engineering standards, philosophies, specifications, and procedures for mechanical and static equipment.
- Ensure technical definition is complete and meets FEL maturity expectations.
- Support development and evaluation of FEED and EPC scopes of work.
- Participate in design reviews and ensure timely closure of assigned actions.
- Oversee engineering surveillance to confirm compliance with philosophies and standards.
- Prioritise workload effectively and obtain specialist support when needed.
- Apply risk-based decision making to equipment, technical issues, and facilities design.
(Essential)
- 15+ years' relevant experience in mechanical engineering roles within refining, petrochemical or related industries.
- Strong technical expertise with tools, programmes and analytical techniques relating to static equipment.
- Experience writing and optimising engineering standards and design basis documents.
- Background across owner/operator and contractor environments.
- Experience in downstream applications such as hydroprocessing, cracking, sour gas treatment, heavy oil upgrading and utilities/offsites.
- Knowledge of large-scale modular design and its impact on technical specifications.
- Proven leadership, collaboration and communication skills.
(Desirable)
- Familiarity with Middle East projects or working cultures.
- Experience with ExxonMobil or Saudi Aramco project environments.
- Understanding of advanced analysis, FFS, NDE methods and solid mechanics.
Ready to take your next career step? Click Apply Now for a confidential chat today!
Lead Mechanical Engineer in Reading employer: Belcan Technical Recruiting (UK) Ltd
Belcan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Reading, UK, where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will benefit from competitive pay rates, a strong focus on employee development, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in the petrochemical sector. With a culture that values technical excellence and teamwork, Belcan provides a platform for meaningful contributions and career advancement.
Contact Details:
Belcan Technical Recruiting (UK) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in petrochemical projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in refining and petrochemical roles, and how you’ve tackled challenges in those environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in mechanical engineering, especially any projects related to static equipment or large-scale modular design. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in mechanical engineering, especially in refining and petrochemical industries. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Mechanical Engineering Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing passion and clarity, so make sure to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Mechanical Engineering Lead, your leadership skills are crucial. In your application, highlight instances where you've successfully led teams or projects. We want to know how you’ve influenced decisions and managed technical risks in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy – just click 'Apply Now' and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belcan Technical Recruiting (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around static equipment and refining processes. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, particularly any projects that align with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams or influenced decisions in previous roles, especially in high-stakes environments like petrochemical projects.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and their current projects. Understanding their objectives and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to engineering standards, risk management, and design reviews. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
