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Lead Air Separation Systems Engineer
Azerbaijan Metal Company LLC
Role: Lead Power Systems Engineer for Air Separation Units Reporting to: COO/ Engineering Manager Business Unit: Operations Work location: Baku Department: Engineering Manage Others: Yes Country: Azerbaijan Business Need / Purpose of Role: To manage the entire air separation system for our HBI project, we require a qualified mechanical, chemical or energy engineer with at least 7-14 years of experience in the operation, design, and implementation of cryogenic air separation plant projects. Experience in the oil and gas or metals industries is essential, particularly in direct-reduced iron (DRI) plants or similar high-demand industrial facilities. This position will involve managing a team of cryogenic air separation plant specialists, overseeing all design, development, production support, commissioning, and startup tasks.
Responsibilities
- Including but not limited to: Technical Leadership and Discipline Management Disciplinary Authority: Act as a lead technical expert in cryogenic air separation units (ASU) and associated systems, including air compression, purification, cryogenic distillation, and product storage and distribution.
- Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of process and plant engineers involved in the design, operation, and optimization of ASU facilities.
- Define scope of work, allocate resources, and ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
- Interdisciplinary Coordination: Coordinate closely with mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil disciplines to ensure full alignment with ASU process
Requirements
- .
- Interface with licensors, equipment vendors, and utility providers.
- Design, Codes, and Analysis Systems Design: Provide technical leadership in the integrated design of cryogenic air separation plants, including all core and auxiliary systems (air compression, molecular sieve purification, cold box, distillation columns, turboexpanders, liquid storage).
- Process Safety and Reliability: Lead and participate in HAZOP, SIL, and other safety studies.
- Ensure safe design and operation of cryogenic systems, including oxygen handling and risk mitigation.
- Equipment Specification: Lead the specification, technical evaluation, and selection of key ASU equipment (compressors, heat exchangers, distillation columns, turboexpanders, pumps), ensuring compliance with process
Requirements
- and operational reliability.
- Code Compliance: Ensure all designs and specifications comply with applicable international standards (ISO, API, ASME) and local Azerbaijani regulations.
- Process Studies and Analysis (Mandatory): Demonstrate strong expertise in process simulation and performance analysis of ASU systems, including: material and heat balance calculations;
- cryogenic distillation modeling and optimization;
- energy efficiency analysis and process optimization;
- start-up, shutdown, and turndown case evaluations;
- hydraulic calculations and equipment sizing.
- Project Execution and Support Deliverables Control: Ensure timely preparation, review, and approval of all process engineering deliverables, including PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, equipment datasheets, cause & effect diagrams, and operating manuals.
- Construction & Commissioning Support: Provide expert technical support during construction and commissioning phases.
- Lead and coordinate pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, and performance testing of ASU systems.
- Project Environment: Work effectively within a multidisciplinary and international project environment, coordinating with licensors, EPC contractors, and global stakeholders.
- Technical Leadership Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for process upsets, equipment failures, and product quality deviations.
- Provide technical guidance and support to operations, maintenance, and process optimization teams.
- Job Knowledge/ Education/
Requirements
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Requirements
- Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 7–14 years of relevant experience in design, operation, or engineering of cryogenic air separation units.
- Proven experience with ASU project execution (EPC/EPCM environment preferred).
- Experience in industrial gas, petrochemical, or metallurgical industries (including integration with DRI/HBI plants) is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams or discipline functions.
- Technical Expertise (Mandatory): Strong proficiency in process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, or equivalent).
- Deep understanding of cryogenic processes, air separation technologies, and industrial gas production.
- Experience in equipment sizing, process optimization, and plant performance monitoring.
- Familiarity with control philosophies and instrumentation for ASU systems.
- Computer
Requirements
- MS Office, Process simulation and engineering software Language
Requirements
- Proficiency in English is mandatory;
- knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin), Azerbaijani or Russian is a definite asset.
- Other
Requirements
- and Abilities: Strong leadership and project management
Requirements
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, especially in operational troubleshooting Effective communication
Requirements
- for coordination with multidisciplinary and international teams Interested candidates can send their CV to the e-mail address in the