Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead materials strategy for a major global petrochemical project and ensure engineering standards.
- Company: Join a leading global energy joint venture with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, long-term project opportunities, and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a landmark megaproject and influence key materials decisions.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in materials engineering with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to work on large-scale projects.
The predicted salary is between 60 - 80 ÂŁ per hour.
Location: Reading, UK (Pre‑FEED Phase)
Contract: 12 months with opportunity to extend
Salary: Competitive hourly rate
Start Date: ASAP
The Opportunity
NES Fircroft is supporting a global energy joint venture on a landmark downstream–petrochemical integration programme. This multi‑billion‑dollar development includes a world‑scale mixed‑feed steam cracker, major refinery upgrades, and extensive offsites and utilities expansion.
We are seeking an experienced Materials Engineering Lead to join the client’s Project Management Team (PMT) during the pre‑FEED stage, working from the contractor’s office in Reading. This is a senior technical leadership role shaping the materials strategy, standards, and integrity philosophy for one of the most significant energy projects currently in development.
Role Overview
As the Materials Engineering Lead, you will act as the client’s technical authority for all materials‑related decisions across the project. You will guide the contractor, ensure alignment with engineering standards, and drive value‑focused, risk‑based materials selection for complex refining and petrochemical facilities. This role requires both deep technical expertise and the ability to influence multidisciplinary teams, ensuring the design is safe, operable, cost‑effective, and compliant with project objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Governance
- Provide subject‑matter expertise across materials, corrosion, metallurgy, welding, coatings, and refractory systems.
- Own and optimise materials‑related engineering standards, philosophies, and specifications.
- Ensure technical definition meets pre‑FEED/FEED maturity expectations.
- Contractor & Design Oversight
- Guide the contractor’s materials engineering activities and review key deliverables.
- Participate in design reviews, HAZID/HAZOP, model reviews, and risk assessments.
- Assess new technologies and ensure appropriate qualification processes are followed.
- Integrity & Corrosion Management
- Advise on corrosion mechanisms, mitigation strategies, and materials selection for severe service environments.
- Support development of inspection, monitoring, coatings, and cathodic protection philosophies.
- Value & Risk Optimisation
- Apply risk‑based decision‑making to materials choices.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved constructability.
- Support vendor evaluation, including review of datasheets, MTRs, ITPs, and FAT documentation.
About You
We are looking for a senior materials specialist with:
- 15+ years’ experience in materials, corrosion, metallurgy, or mechanical integrity roles.
- Strong background in refining and/or petrochemical process units, ideally including hydroprocessing, heavy oil upgrading, sour gas treatment, ethylene cracking, or utilities/offsites.
- Experience working in both owner/operator and contractor/consultant environments.
- Familiarity with large‑scale modular design and its impact on materials specifications.
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience with Middle East projects or exposure to regional standards is advantageous.
Why Apply?
- Influence the materials strategy for a major global megaproject.
- Work within a high‑calibre JV PMT environment.
- Long‑term project horizon with opportunities to progress into FEED/EPC phases.
Materials Engineering Lead | Petrochemical Downstream PMT employer: NES Fircroft
Contact Detail:
NES Fircroft Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Engineering Lead | Petrochemical Downstream PMT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and even some technical ones related to materials engineering. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies that highlight your experience in materials engineering. This will help us see your skills in action and how you can contribute to our exciting projects.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board for this amazing opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Engineering Lead | Petrochemical Downstream PMT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in materials engineering, especially in refining and petrochemical sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the role, 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 the Materials Engineering Lead position. Share specific examples of your leadership and technical expertise that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to emphasise your deep technical knowledge in materials, corrosion, and metallurgy. We’re looking for someone who can influence multidisciplinary teams, so highlight any relevant experiences where you've done just that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NES Fircroft
✨Know Your Materials Inside Out
As a Materials Engineering Lead, you need to demonstrate your deep understanding of materials, corrosion, and metallurgy. Brush up on the latest technologies and methodologies in these areas, and be ready to discuss how they apply to the specific challenges of refining and petrochemical processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or influenced project outcomes. Highlight how you can guide contractors and ensure alignment with engineering standards.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to materials selection, integrity management, and risk-based decision-making. Review case studies or past projects where you applied these principles, and be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your decisions.
✨Understand the Project Context
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the project, including its scale and objectives. Research the company’s previous projects and their approach to materials engineering. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.