Job Description:

Mechanical Project Engineer (Tanks & Pipes)

The Vacancy

The role: We are looking to recruit a Mechanical Project Engineer to join our Engineering Team. It is preferable that the successful candidate will live within reasonable commuting distance of an OPA asset, or be prepared to travel as required to satisfy work commitments.  

The successful candidate will plan and manage the programme of Mechanical and mixed trades Minor New Works Projects at the facilities operated and maintained by the OPA. Ensuring that all work is executed on time and to budget/estimates and in full compliance with company standards and applicable legislation.

This role requires the postholder to work in conjunction with the appropriate  Technical Authority for the OPA in respect to Mechanical Engineering activities, associated with projects or engineering works currently ongoing across the facilities operated and maintained by the OPA.  With responsibility for all stages of development and implementation of a number of projects and/or engineering works at various locations at any one time, and the management of all aspects of Project delivery overseeing third party contractors/professional contract engineers, or consultant companies, who conduct engineering activities on various projects or engineering works on behalf of OPA.

There will be a need to build strong working relationships with all internal stakeholders and in particular HSSEQ and the relevant Depot Engineers as well as with external stakeholders including O&M and other contractors, Competent Authority (CoMAH) representatives .

There will be some travel with overnight stays to sites within the UK and occasional overseas travel to support the business as required. Therefore a full (preferably) clean driving licence is essential for this role.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the management and inspection of Static Equipment to include pipelines, tanks, vessels, and associated equipment.
• Function as an EMMUA 159 / API 563 Tank Assessor for all OPA managed facilities.
• Lead the management and inspection  on all pipeline systems in accordance with API 570 within the OPA managed Facilities.
• Be a key contributor to the improvement of project management systems, procedures, and workflows.
• Plan and manage the programme of works for Engineering Projects & Mechanical tasks associated with Engineering in line with company standards and relevant and UK / European legislation, ATEX, PLSG, API, EEMUA etc.
• Develop Mechanical scopes of work at concept, FEED and detailed design level.
• Develop the scope of works based on 3rd party inspection reports/data.
• Develop budgets and forecasts for programme of work.
• Liaise with other members of the OPA Asset Technical Team on standards & codes.
• Identify and select suppliers in line with relevant legislation and Agency procedures.
• Produce detailed programme of works/Gantt charts etc.
• Working knowledge of COMAH, MOC, and CDM regulations.

Full details of the responsibilities can be found in the job description for this role, which is available to download at the bottom of this page.

The candidate: Candidates must hold a relevant Mechanical Engineering degree or HNC/HND with relevant experience, and be able to demonstrate significant project management experience, preferably within a COMAH regulated industry/operation. As well as being Chartered or working towards Chartership with a relevant Institution.

Required Knowledge and skills:

• Have extensive experience of leading direct and indirect technical engineering projects and Stakeholder groups / teams engaged in the delivery of complex projects within demanding time, quality, and cost constraints,
• Able to demonstrate good management / people relationship skills, in particular team management and dealing with Contractors,
• Solid understanding of good project management principles; able to act as an “intelligent client.”
• Excellent communication skills at all levels,
• Mechanical engineering design and installation in a hazardous area process plant environment,
• Ability to develop new ideas and solutions and have an awareness of current and new emerging technologies,
• Working knowledge of current legislation relating to industry such as API, EEMUA, ASME, ATEX, BS, PSLG, COMAH, CDM etc.

Stage 1 Interviews:           27 August 2026   (By Teams)

Stage 2 Interviews:           8 September 2026   (Face to face, Location Tbc)

The Organisation

The Oil & Pipelines Agency is a Public Corporation formed by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985. 

Our current primary purpose is to manage, operate and maintain 6 Naval OFD’s (Oil Fuel Depots) and 1 Petroleum Storage Depot in the UK, as well as overseas, on behalf of the MOD. We currently have around 200 employees in the UK.

The Benefits

• 30 days Holiday [Plus Bank Holidays]
• 4 x annual salary life assurance [after probation] & Group Income Protection Policy
• GenerousPension Scheme
• Group Healthcare Scheme (permanent staff only)