Lead Air Separation Systems Engineer

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.

Key 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/ Qualifications & Skills 

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 Skills: MS Office, Process simulation and engineering software

Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory; knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin), Azerbaijani or Russian is a definite asset. 

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong leadership and project management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, especially in operational troubleshooting
• Effective communication skills for coordination with multidisciplinary and international teams

Interested candidates can send their CV to the e-mail address in the Apply for job button.