Principal Structural Engineer

Hanwha Ocean is undergoing a transformative journey, evolving from a traditional shipbuilder into a comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Operation (EPCI(O)) solutions provider, offering products such as FPSO, FLNG, Offshore Renewables and other Floating Production Units.

The Offshore Business Division is proud to announce the establishment of new Global Business Centers marking a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a project-centric and client-driven organization. This strategic expansion enhances our ability to deliver exceptional project execution and knowledge-driven operational models by seamlessly integrating the upstream cultures of Asia, Europe, and America.

Explore opportunities to be part of our dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine the offshore industry.

Position Overview:

The Principal Structure Engineer is responsible for leading and managing structural engineering activities for topside facilities in FPSO, FLNG, and offshore projects. This role involves developing corporate technical standards, procedures, workflows, and engineering platforms (e.g., structural design data integration), ensuring they remain updated, practical, and fit-for-purpose while incorporating lessons learned.

The Principal Structure Engineer supports the Head of Discipline in managing the corporate organization and mentors structural engineers within the team. The role includes technical validation and quality assurance of engineering data and deliverables, providing technical advice, and serving as Project Discipline Lead for feasibility, conceptual, pre-FEED, FEED, and EPCI engineering phases.

This position requires strong analytical skills to identify optimal solutions, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings effectively. Travel to the US, Europe, and Asia may be required. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the offshore oil and gas industry, expertise in topside structural engineering, and the ability to provide strategic guidance for conceptual, pre-FEED, FEED, and EPC(I) projects. The role will also support Hanwha Ocean engineering teams in the USA, Netherlands, Singapore, India, and other locations as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate and General

• • Develop corporate technical standards and procedures for topside structural engineering.
  • Develop workflows and engineering platforms for topside structural design.
  • Support the Head of Discipline in managing the corporate organization.
  • Update and maintain the EPCI and O&M phase lessons learned database.

Proposal and Pre-Award Phase

• • Conduct conceptual and feasibility studies to propose optimum and competitive technical solutions.
  • Ensure engineering documents comply with relevant design codes, standards, and client specifications.
  • Provide technical expertise and support in preparing competitive proposals.
  • Ensure structural designs are optimized, efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant.
  • Review proposals and provide input for manhour and cost estimates.

Feasibility Study / Pre-FEED / FEED / EPCI Phase

• • Serve as Project Discipline Lead or Advisor for structural engineering activities.
  • Act as focal point for topside structure discipline within the project team and liaise with clients.
  • Raise technical queries on client project documents and design basis to ensure scope clarity.
  • Coordinate with other disciplines to exchange required engineering data.
  • Manage the topside structural engineering team, including manning and schedule control.
  • Mentor junior and less experienced engineers.
  • Attend internal and external project meetings (clients, third parties, subcontractors) and prepare minutes of meeting.
  • Report concerns, progress, and plans to project management and Corporate Head of Discipline.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Develop project design philosophies, standards, and procedures.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, pre-FEED, FEED, FEED verification, and EPCI phase engineering.
  • Perform structural calculations and deliverables (local and global strength analysis, fatigue analysis).
  • Participate in workshops (material handling, 3D model reviews, constructability studies).
  • Close out comments and recommendations from HAZOP, HAZID, SIL, constructability reviews, and other technical workshops.
  • Review vendor structural deliverables such as framing plans and SACS models.
  • Manage contracts and scopes for third-party consultants (e.g., module support structure FEA, fire analysis, vibration analysis, blast analysis).
  • Review, comment, and approve third-party deliverables.
  • Supervise subcontractors to ensure quality of design, deliverables, and schedule adherence.
  • Review and validate subcontractor deliverables for technical quality.
  • Implement Management of Change to ensure design updates are reflected in as-built documentation.
  • Provide engineering support to construction, commissioning, and operations teams.
  • Provide technical expertise to resolve structural engineering issues.
  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of as-built structural deliverables.

Operation and Maintenance Phase

• • Support operations and maintenance teams.
  • Conduct troubleshooting and propose technical solutions.
  • Perform structural engineering for facility modifications and revamp studies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in structural or relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in the offshore or onshore oil and gas industry.
• At least 10 consecutive years with a top-tier FPSO or offshore/onshore EPC contractor.
• Minimum 2 FPSO EPCI projects completed from engineering through sail-away or delivery.
• Minimum 1 FPSO FEED or EPCI project as Project Lead – Topside Structure, including conceptual and feasibility studies.
• Proven experience in topside structural engineering, including design basis preparation, SACS modeling (strength and fatigue), and supervision of detailed engineering.
• Field engineering experience during construction is an advantage.
• Proficiency with structural engineering tools such as SACS.
• Extensive knowledge of structural engineering practices, industry codes, and standards, with strong problem-solving methodology.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with ability to work effectively with co-workers, vendors, and clients