Process Engineer – Fluid Catalytic Cracking (Refinery)

The Process Engineer will provide specialised process engineering and operations support for fluid catalytic cracking units across refinery facilities. The role focuses on monitoring unit performance, improving yields and reliability, optimising operating costs and strengthening process safety. It combines performance benchmarking with hands-on technical advice, troubleshooting, debottlenecking, revamp and upgrade support, and the sharing of best practices across manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Review FCC performance using key indicators for yield, operability, profitability, reliability and process safety, then prepare regular benchmarking reports.
• Provide hands-on support for performance improvement initiatives and verify that identified operating gaps are closed with measurable results.
• Lead technical exchanges and best-practice workshops to improve knowledge sharing across wholly owned and affiliate facilities.
• Deliver remote and field advice for troubleshooting, optimisation, debottlenecking, revamps and unit upgrades, documenting work and outcomes.
• Coordinate with process, mechanical, instrumentation and electrical teams to support integrated FCC equipment performance.
• Conduct technical reviews and inspections, assess new technologies and prepare reports on process improvements and operating recommendations.

Requirements and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering; an advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years of refinery operations experience, including at least 10 years of hands-on FCC operations and optimisation.
• Demonstrated FCC performance improvements and comprehensive knowledge of FCC processes, equipment, regenerator operation, catalyst management and product fractionation.
• Knowledge of FCC catalyst chemistry, troubleshooting, refinery economics and process simulation tools such as Aspen HYSYS or KBC Petro-SIM.

Skills

Candidates should bring strong process engineering judgement, operational troubleshooting and data analysis. The role benefits from practical experience with catalyst selection, yield optimisation, advanced controls and equipment reliability. Clear technical reporting, cross-discipline coordination and the ability to turn benchmarking results into safe and commercially valuable improvements are essential.

Employment Details

This is a permanent, full-time residential position in Saudi Arabia with an expat family relocation package advertised for the role. The exact facility location and work schedule are to be confirmed in the employment offer. The position supports refinery operations across the downstream manufacturing portfolio and may involve site and remote advisory work.