Process Engineer - Fluid Catalytic Cracking - Refinery

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Downstream Process Engineer with extensive hands‑on expertise in Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) processes to join the Downstream Operation Engineering Solutions Department (OESD). OESD's technical team provides high‑quality, multi‑disciplinary support to Global Manufacturing operating facilities (Refineries, NGLF, and petrochemical plants) within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally. Your primary role is to provide in‑depth process engineering and operations expertise to monitor, optimize, and drive performance improvement programs for refineries' FCC, including both remote and on‑site technical advisory support, benchmarking, and technology knowledge management.

• Conduct comprehensive performance reviews of existing FCC units, analyzing KPIs related to yield, operability, profitability, reliability, and process safety. Develop and present quarterly benchmarking reports with actionable improvement recommendations.
• Provide hands‑on technical support in implementing performance improvement initiatives, demonstrating measurable results in closing identified gaps from quarterly benchmarking reports.
• Lead benchmarking and best practices exchange workshops among Global Manufacturing facilities (wholly‑owned and affiliates), facilitating knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in FCC technologies.
• Deliver on‑demand remote and field technical advisory support, including troubleshooting, optimization, debottlenecking, revamp, and upgrade activities for FCC units. Provide detailed service reports for each support activity.
• Drive performance improvement programs that enhance process safety, optimize manufacturing costs, and increase FCC unit reliability and yield.
• Develop and implement best practices and standards for FCC engineering and maintenance, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulations.
• Provide expert technical support to project teams and contractors for FCC engineering and procurement activities.
• Coordinate with other disciplines (mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical) to ensure optimal performance and integration of FCC equipment.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of FCC equipment to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality regulations and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and innovations for FCC improvement and optimization, including catalyst developments and advanced control strategies.
• Prepare and update technical documentation and reports for FCC engineering and operation.
• Participate in business plan development and coordinate with stakeholders for capital investments in FCC facilities.
• Facilitate technical knowledge exchange workshops with FCC process technology licensors and Global Manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and deliver in‑house technical training programs on FCC operations and optimization to Global Manufacturing facilities as needed.
• Participate in incident investigation activities concerning FCC process technologies as required by operating facilities.

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• Have a minimum of 15 years of refinery operations experience, with at least 10 years of hands‑on experience specifically in FCC operations and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize FCC operations, with specific examples of performance improvements achieved (e.g., yield improvements, energy savings, reliability enhancements).
• Comprehensive knowledge of FCC processes, equipment, and systems, including regenerator operations, catalyst management, and product fractionation.
• Deep understanding of FCC catalyst chemistry and selection criteria for various feed stocks.
• Expertise in FCC troubleshooting, including analysis of operational issues such as afterburn, catalyst circulation problems, and product quality deviations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software specific to FCC modeling (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, KBC Petro‑SIM).
• Strong knowledge of refinery economics and the impact of FCC performance on overall refinery profitability.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., API, ASME) applicable to FCC units.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present technical reports to various audiences, including senior management.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in mentoring junior engineers and operators in FCC operations and optimization techniques.
• Proven track record of optimizing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) operations in refinery and petrochemical plant settings.

Work location:

Within Saudi Arabia – to be specified in Job offer.

Work schedule:

Full Time – to be specified in Job offer.

Job posting start date: 02/12/2026. Job posting end date: 12/31/2026.