Lead Production Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Production Engineer to join our dynamic team at WETICO in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this pivotal role, you will lead a team of production engineers, overseeing the technical execution of fabrication, welding, and assembly operations for critical projects in the oil & gas, petrochemical, and water-treatment sectors. Your expertise will ensure strict adherence to engineering drawings, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), and compliance with Aramco and international industry standards, while driving operational excellence, productivity, and quality across all production activities.

Key Responsibilities

As the Lead Production Engineer, you will play a central role in coordinating and supervising a team of production engineers, ensuring the seamless execution of fabrication, welding, and assembly processes. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Technical Leadership & Coordination: Lead and mentor a team of production engineers, providing clear direction and technical oversight to ensure all fabrication and assembly activities are executed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and industry codes.
• Work Pack Development: Translate complex engineering drawings and technical specifications into executable job packs, cutting plans, and fit-up strategies, ensuring alignment with project requirements and timelines.
• Welding & Fabrication Compliance: Oversee welding and fabrication processes to ensure strict adherence to approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and compliance with Aramco, ASME, API, and AWS standards.
• Production Planning & Optimization: Develop and implement production plans and sequences to meet project schedules, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall efficiency while minimizing rework and downtime.
• Quality & Inspection Oversight: Collaborate closely with Quality Control (QC) teams to monitor inspection stages, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and dimensional accuracy, ensuring all deliverables meet stringent quality benchmarks.
• Technical Documentation: Prepare, review, and approve critical technical documents, including method statements, Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and engineering calculations, to support compliance and project execution.
• Cost & Resource Management: Assist in man-hour estimation, material take-off, and cost analysis to support accurate planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for production activities.
• HSE & Safety Leadership: Champion Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) compliance by enforcing safe work practices, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to all regulatory and company safety protocols.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive operational excellence through the implementation of 5S methodologies, Lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
• Issue Resolution & Reporting: Investigate non-conformities, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions to address production challenges. Provide regular technical progress reports and escalate critical issues to the Production Manager as required.
• Team Development: Mentor and develop junior production engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth within the team.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess the following qualifications and professional background:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Professional certifications such as CSWIP (Certified Welding Inspector) or CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) are highly desirable and will be considered an asset.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in fabrication production engineering, with a strong focus on welding and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methodologies.
• Proven leadership experience in managing and mentoring production engineering teams, with a track record of delivering high-quality results in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in oil & gas projects, preferably with prior experience working on Aramco-related projects or similar high-stakes industrial environments.

Key Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate will exhibit a blend of technical proficiency, leadership acumen, and operational excellence, including:

• Expertise in production engineering sequencing, code compliance, and welding/fabrication best practices.
• Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Exceptional team leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Deep awareness of HSE principles and a commitment to promoting safe work practices across all production activities.
• Analytical mindset with robust problem-solving and decision-making capabilities to address complex technical challenges.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and multitasking skills to meet tight deadlines and project milestones.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Effective communication and reporting skills to convey technical information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.