Sr Tech Specialist Reliability PACO

The SEAM organization integrates Safety, Environment & Asset Management activities and positions from existing lines of business (Integrated Gas, Downstream & Upstream) and central teams (PTS, Asset Management Excellence). With a broad geographical footprint, this will enable the new team to support Shell’s business & assets around the world.

Technical Asset Operations (TAO) is a key enabler for the accelerated delivery of Shell’s Asset Management System and will help us to reach our ultimate potential in Downstream Manufacturing, Integrated Gas and Upstream. TAO provides high quality and cost-competitive technical resources who are not physically present at site yet are an integral part of asset teams delivering value through end-to-end AMS work processes.

Purpose & Function

This role reports directly to the Reliability Instrumentation IPF/SIL Technical Operations Manager with support to selected Asset(s), driving strategic and technical deliveries for the Process Automation, Control & Optimization (PACO) discipline. The successful candidate is also expected to perform the role of Subject Lead for General Instrumentation / Automation, providing advice/support/coaching in technical and leadership areas to team members.

The Sr Tech Specialist will be based out of one of the SBO Centre's (KL, Manila or Chennai), within a team of PACO Engineers and Technical Specialists in TAO, supporting selected Shell Asset(s) remotely.

Purpose & Accountabilities 

• Ensure on time project delivery for self and the team, with required quality control and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment and onboarding activities for the team.
• Collaborate effectively within TAO & other teams (Asset, P&T, and others).
• Understand the asset’s/facility’s requirement in the PACO discipline
• Act as the Activity Lead for selected Projects, leading discussions with stakeholders in technical and deployment related discussions.
• Develop implementation processes and ways of working for effective delivery in the Asset.
• Support Team Leads in scope & timeline finalization and establishing the KPI for the processes.
• Support Team Leads to educate the team members in the project implementation process.
• Ensure that activities are executed in line with Shell’s policies and standards. (Data privacy/protection, HSSE&SP, DEP, AMS processes & others).
• Drive and develop standardised best practices related to Instrumentation/Automation, Functional Safety/SIS, IAMS, PCD/OT Security and other PACO related scope that are part of the team’s delivery.

Technical Deliveries:

• Provide subject matter technical assistance and advice to operations and maintenance personnel in areas related to the PACO discipline.
• Support the Asset Engineering and Reliability team, facilitating technical discussions and provide advice for resolving technical and quality issues, as well as for making continuous improvements (efficiency, simplification, standardization etc.,).
• Collaborate with Technical Authorities, Subject Matter Experts, Principal Technical Experts etc. in developing work instructions, standards, procedures etc.,
• Establish & manage the development, implementation, and maintenance of Asset Instrumentation & Controls equipment and validate mitigation solutions when necessary.
• Lead and deliver through peers supporting the same Project/Asset.
• Support the Proactive Technical Monitoring team in resolving threats and issues, and develop mitigation actions together with Asset Engineers
• Leads or champions MOCs for equipment upgrade and replacement planning, including engineering design through the creation of design packages.
• Provide reviews for design and engineering if required.
• Able to perform activities at PACO Technical Authority 3 level, if required by the Asset.
• Support RCA/Causal Learning investigations and support MTO teams in resolving threats when/if required.
• Support Asset in audits based on the Shell DEPs.

Upskilling & Development

• Perform the role of Subject Lead for Instrumentation/Automation, providing required advice/support/coaching in technical and leadership areas to team members.
• Support the development of the overall framework for the Instrumentation & Automation upskilling program for the team, in line with the strategic vision of the team.
• Support the development of training/upskilling plan and materials for Instrumentation & Automation competence for the team.
• Analyse CMF assessments and develop cost optimized plans for gap closures.
• Support other team development activities such as CMF assessment, performance feedback for a project etc.
• Work together with Technical Operations Manager and Team Leads on team members progression/development plans and continuously monitor and address any competency gaps for team members.
• Provide coaching and training as required.

Skills & Requirements

• University Degree (preferred) Instrumentation & Control engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent.
• 15 years’ experience in the field of Instrumentation and Control in Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals industry or similar environment, in either Maintenance, Engineering or Projects engineering support.
• TA3-ready competence level with expertise in Instrumentation and Automation Maintenance and Engineering, possessing working knowledge in the following areas
  • Knowledge of Instrumentation Systems: Expertise in designing and maintaining instrumentation systems, including sensors, transmitters, control valves, analysers, pneumatics, hydraulics etc.
  • Experience with Automation Technologies: Proficiency in automation technologies such as PLCs, DCS, SIS, SCADA, and HMI systems, including communication protocols (HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, Profibus etc)
  • Proficiency in Design Software: Skills in using software such as AutoCAD, SmartPlant Instrumentation, InstruCalc and other relevant tools for instrumentation and automation design.
  • Understanding of Shell and Industry Codes and Standards: In-depth knowledge and application of Shell and industry standards such as DEP, ISA, IEC, and API.
  • Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): Experience with the design, implementation and maintenance of safety instrumented systems.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
  • Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Advanced skills in troubleshooting, diagnosing and resolving complex instrumentation and automation issues.
  • Technical Documentation: Proficiency in preparing and reviewing detailed technical specifications, drawings, and reports

• Experienced in leading Reliability Improvement initiatives and managing teams (either direct or indirect reports).
• Able to manage a wide range of stakeholders at different seniority levels within a multi-national setting.
• Experienced in driving change in complex, multi assets/portfolio environments
• Be well versed in virtual working and using IT tools effectively to overcome the barriers due to cultural and physical distance.
• Demonstrated experience / capability around work process execution and assurance
• Continuously looking for improvements in simplifying work processes. Highly motivated to drive initiatives and manage changes.
• Ability to think strategically provide tactical solutions
• External lens and connectivity: able to understand how Shell can influence the external world and how Shell is influenced by the external world.
• Passionately invest in coaching to enhance teams’ performance and capability for future roles. Hold honest performance feedback conversations and intervene to address patterns of underperformance.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to challenge and ability to build internal and external relationships based on trust and to integrate across multiple functions.