Lead Mechanical / Piping Commissioning Engineer

The Lead Mechanical / Piping Commissioning Engineer will report to the Commissioning & Start-Up (CSU) Manager and lead the commissioning, start-up and performance testing of mechanical equipment and piping systems.

The role requires extensive knowledge of static and rotating equipment, piping systems, nitrogen-helium leak testing, flange management, piping testing and associated commissioning activities. Strong technical, organisational and leadership skills are essential to manage mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up and handover in accordance with project requirements, industry standards and HSSE expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning & Start-Up

• Lead commissioning and start-up activities for mechanical equipment and piping systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary project teams.

• Develop and execute commissioning plans, schedules, procedures and test requirements covering mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning and start-up.

• Coordinate system readiness and commissioning priorities in line with project schedules and operational requirements.

• Support plant start-up, performance testing and transition to stable operations.

Mechanical & Piping Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership for static and rotating equipment and associated piping systems.

• Oversee nitrogen-helium leak testing, flange management, piping integrity testing and other pre-commissioning activities.

• Ensure mechanical and piping systems comply with approved engineering specifications, relevant standards and project requirements.

• Review system configuration, piping arrangements, test requirements and commissioning documentation.

• Provide technical guidance to commissioning engineers, contractors and vendor representatives.

Testing & Inspection

• Oversee testing and inspection of mechanical equipment and piping systems to verify integrity, functionality and readiness.

• Ensure piping test packages, leak testing and mechanical inspection activities are completed and documented.

• Verify completion of required inspections and tests prior to system energisation, introduction of process media or start-up.

• Monitor deficiencies and ensure outstanding items are addressed before handover.

Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution

• Identify and resolve mechanical and piping issues encountered during pre-commissioning and commissioning.

• Work with engineering, construction, vendors and operations teams to investigate faults and implement appropriate solutions.

• Identify technical constraints affecting system readiness and escalate critical issues where required.

Documentation & Handover

• Maintain accurate commissioning records, including test results, checklists, punch lists and relevant as-built documentation.

• Ensure commissioning documentation and completion evidence are accurate, traceable and ready for handover.

• Manage punch-list close-out and support system walkdowns and acceptance activities.

• Support final system handover to operations.

Performance Testing

• Lead mechanical and piping aspects of plant performance testing.

• Verify systems and equipment meet defined performance and operational criteria.

• Support optimisation and corrective activities identified during start-up and performance testing.

HSSE & Compliance

• Ensure commissioning activities comply with project HSSE requirements, industry standards and applicable regulations.

• Promote safe working practices and a strong safety culture throughout mechanical and piping commissioning.

• Ensure appropriate controls are applied to pressure testing, leak testing and other high-risk commissioning activities.

Stakeholder & Team Coordination

• Collaborate with the CSU Manager, engineering, construction, operations, vendors, contractors and other commissioning disciplines.

• Coordinate commissioning interfaces and ensure activities align with overall project objectives and schedules.

• Provide leadership, technical guidance and mentoring to commissioning personnel.

• Identify opportunities to improve commissioning methods, system readiness and execution efficiency.

Technical Skills

• Extensive knowledge of static and rotating mechanical equipment and piping systems.

• Strong expertise in nitrogen-helium leak testing, flange management and piping integrity testing.

• Knowledge of mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up and performance testing.

• Strong understanding of relevant ASME, ANSI and API standards.

• Experience with piping and commissioning systems/software; SmartPlant or Hexagon experience is advantageous.

• Strong planning, scheduling, resource management and project coordination capability.

• API 570, ASME B31.3 or other relevant mechanical/piping certification is advantageous.

• Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Minimum 10 years' experience commissioning mechanical equipment and piping systems within major industrial projects.

• Demonstrable experience with static and rotating equipment, piping systems, mechanical completion and commissioning.

• Proven expertise in leak testing, flange management, piping testing, pre-commissioning, start-up and plant performance testing.

• Strong knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements applicable to mechanical and piping systems.

• Ability to lead commissioning activities within complex, fast-paced project environments.

• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.

• Proficiency with relevant commissioning systems and software.

• Green hydrogen and/or green steel experience is advantageous.

• Project management experience or qualifications are advantageous.

• Fluent English required; Swedish language skills are advantageous but not essential.