Lead Pipeline Engineer

Senior Project Manager – Lead Pipeline Engineer | Abu Dhabi, UAEAre you an experienced Pipeline Project Manager with a proven track record of delivering major oil & gas pipeline developments from concept through detailed engineering?We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex FEED and Detailed Engineering projects for large-scale onshore pipeline systems across the Middle East for one of our clients. This is an opportunity to drive strategic energy infrastructure projects while leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in a high-performance international environment.📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE📅 Estimated Start Date: Mid-January 2027📃 Initial Contract Duration: 1 Year✅ Probation Period: 3 Months💰 Benefits: International Salary PackageThe RoleAs Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for the successful delivery of engineering projects involving long-distance onshore pipelines for oil, gas, NGL, multiphase, and refined products transportation systems.You will provide leadership across technical, commercial, contractual, schedule, quality, HSE, and stakeholder management functions while serving as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, regulatory authorities, and project partners.Key ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership & Delivery

• Lead FEED and Detailed Engineering projects for major onshore pipeline developments.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risks, resources, deliverables, and performance KPIs from concept through handover.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams across Pipeline, Process, Mechanical, Civil/Structural, Geotechnical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control, SCADA, Corrosion and Hydraulic disciplines.
• Drive design reviews, constructability assessments, engineering readiness activities, and design optimisation workshops.
• Ensure project execution aligns with client expectations, contractual obligations, and commercial objectives.Technical Leadership
• Ensure engineering compliance with applicable international codes and standards, including ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8, API Standards, and ISO Standards.
• Oversee hydraulic modelling and simulations, pipeline wall thickness calculations, stress analysis, surge analysis, and transient flow studies.
• Guide route selection activities and support geotechnical investigations, Right-of-Way (ROW) studies, HDD and trenchless crossing solutions, environmental assessments, and geohazard evaluations.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables produced by the engineering team.
• Supervise preparation of procurement technical packages, tender documentation, technical evaluations, and engineering support during procurement activities.
• Coordinate engineering support for construction, testing and commissioning phases.Stakeholder & Interface Management
• Act as the primary interface between all project stakeholders.
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and project progress meetings with clients and project partners.
• Manage interactions with regulatory bodies, permitting authorities, and environmental agencies.
• Present project status, key risks, mitigation strategies, and engineering decisions to senior leadership and steering committees.Quality, Risk & HSE Management
• Lead project risk identification, mitigation, and contingency planning activities.
• Promote safe design principles, engineering integrity, and ALARP methodologies.
• Ensure quality assurance, technical governance, and compliance reviews are executed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive adherence to industry best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.Commercial & Contractual Management
• Maintain focus on project profitability while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
• Review and approve engineering progress for invoicing milestones, variations, and claims management.
• Support subcontractor engagement and procurement activities, including preparation and administration of purchase orders.
• Promote value engineering, digitalisation initiatives, and lifecycle cost optimisation strategies.
• Provide regular reporting on project performance, progress, risks, and overall project health to senior management.Team Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary engineering and project controls teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Manage project teams operating across multiple offices and geographical locations.RequirementsEducation & Certifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Pipeline, Civil, Petroleum, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• PMP Certification highly preferred.Experience
• 15-20 years of experience within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Minimum 10 years of dedicated experience managing Pipeline FEED and/or Detailed Engineering projects.
• Proven delivery experience on cross-country pipeline projects ranging from approximately 100 km to 1,000+ km.
• Experience covering associated facilities and stations is required.
• Experience working within Client/Owner, PMC, EPCM, or Engineering Consultancy environments.
• Previous Middle East experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous UAE project experience will be considered a significant advantage.Technical ExpertiseStrong knowledge and practical application of:
• ASME, API, and ISO pipeline standards
• Pipeline integrity management
• Route engineering and corridor selection
• Geohazard assessment and mitigation
• Pipeline construction methodologies
• HDD and trenchless crossing techniques
• Microtunnelling solutions
• River crossing engineering
• Terrain challenges including desert, mountainous, agricultural, and urban environmentsLanguage
• Fluent written and spoken English is mandatory.Why Apply?✅ Strategic leadership role on major energy infrastructure developments✅ International and multicultural working environment✅ High-impact engineering projects across the Middle East region✅ International, motivating salary package✅ Opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams and complex engineering programmes📩 If you have proven experience delivering large-scale pipeline engineering projects and are looking for your next leadership opportunity in Abu Dhabi, we would be pleased to hear from you at jobs-ro@schultes-partner.com