SURF Installation, Pre-Commissioning & Operations Engineer – Italy/Azerbaijan

Location: Fano, Italy (initially), transitioning to Baku, Azerbaijan Contract: 12-month renewable Working Arrangement: Residential in both locations Project: Offshore Gas Development

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Installation, Pre-Commissioning & Operations Engineer to support a major offshore gas development project in the Caspian Sea.

The successful candidate will initially be based in Fano, Italy, supporting the detailed engineering phase before relocating to Baku, Azerbaijan, to support subsequent project execution and offshore campaign activities. The position will provide an opportunity to contribute throughout the project lifecycle, from engineering reviews and installation planning through to offshore operations, pre-commissioning and handover.

The development involves an offshore gas and condensate field in the Caspian Sea, situated in approximately 500 metres of water depth. The project includes the installation of subsea infrastructure and associated SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines) systems, with gas intended for both domestic supply and international export.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, readiness and execution of SURF marine installation, offshore operations and pre-commissioning activities.
• Review and validate installation, marine, operational and pre-commissioning engineering documentation, ensuring deliverables are safe, operable, fit for purpose and compliant with project requirements.
• Identify and resolve design, constructability, operability and technical issues in coordination with engineering teams, contractors and relevant specialists.
• Review vessel suitability, marine assurance, load-out and seafastening arrangements, lifting plans, subsea tie-in methods, ROV strategies and mobilisation plans.
• Follow Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Extended Factory Acceptance Testing (EFAT) and System Integration Testing (SIT), ensuring equipment, tooling, spares and consumables are ready for offshore execution.
• Plan and coordinate the installation of rigid flowlines, risers, umbilicals, subsea structures, spools, jumpers and associated tie-in operations.
• Coordinate offshore priorities and interfaces across SURF, drilling, subsea production systems, logistics and other project packages.
• Prepare and coordinate SIMOPS and COMOPS documentation, ensuring operational risks and controls are properly understood and implemented.
• Coordinate vessel and barge mobilisation, inspections, acceptance, permits, logistics and offshore readiness.
• Monitor contractor performance, reviewing daily reports and progress against HSE, quality, schedule, cost and handover requirements.
• Act as the technical focal point for SURF pre-commissioning activities, including hydrotesting, leak testing, flushing, umbilical testing and subsea connections.
• Coordinate Ready for Commissioning status and ensure completion records, ICAPS data, test packs, as-built documentation and pre-commissioning dossiers are complete.
• Lead technical, progress, readiness and operational meetings, maintaining effective communication across project stakeholders.
• Monitor critical-path risks, identify recovery measures and contribute to campaign reporting and final project close-out.

Candidate Requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent recognised technical qualification.
• Minimum 15 years' experience within the Oil & Gas industry, including at least 10 years in comparable deepwater SURF installation, offshore operations or campaign leadership positions.
• Previous experience as a COMPANY representative or senior operational lead onboard construction, pipelay or subsea installation vessels.
• Demonstrable experience with rigid flowlines, risers, umbilicals, lifting operations, seafastening, ROV operations, subsea tie-ins, hook-up and SURF pre-commissioning.
• Strong understanding of marine assurance, SIMOPS/COMOPS, offshore readiness, Management of Change, QA/QC, completion and handover processes.
• Knowledge of OPERCOM and ICAPS methodologies.
• Experience managing contractors, offshore personnel and multidisciplinary project interfaces.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and decision-making skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural project environments.
• Fluent written and spoken English is essential.
• Valid BOSIET/HUET and offshore medical certification.
• Previous Azerbaijan experience and French and/or Azerbaijani language skills would be advantageous.