Lead Design Engineer

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Lead Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and improvement of engineering systems and equipment within our palm oil mill operations. This role is crucial to driving plant efficiency through robust equipment design, modification, and process optimization while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The Lead Design Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver engineering projects that enhance plant performance and reliability. As a senior member of our engineering team, you will supervise design engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and leadership across various projects. You will be responsible for leading engineering design projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring quality delivery within budget and time constraints. Your expertise will play a vital role in plant optimization and process improvements, directly impacting our operational success.

Key Responsibilities • Lead the design, redesign, and improvement of palm oil mill equipment and processing systems, including sterilizers, threshers, digesters, screw presses, clarifiers, kernel recovery systems, boilers, and effluent treatment systems. • Develop detailed engineering drawings, layouts, and technical specifications for fabrication and installation. • Supervise design engineers/technicians and coordinate design deliverables across projects. • Provide technical guidance for equipment selection, fabrication, and commissioning. • Identify opportunities to improve throughput, oil extraction efficiency, energy usage, and plant reliability. • Develop and implement design solutions to reduce downtime and enhance overall plant performance. • Work with production teams to solve equipment performance issues using engineering and root cause analysis. • Lead engineering design projects from concept through implementation. • Prepare BOQs (Bill of Quantities), project plans, and technical documentation. • Coordinate contractors, fabricators, and vendors to ensure quality delivery. • Ensure timely execution of design and engineering projects within approved budget. • Ensure all engineering designs meet applicable safety standards and operational requirements. • Support compliance with internal HSE standards and regulatory requirements. • Participate in risk assessments and ensure engineering controls are embedded in design. • Maintain engineering records, drawings, manuals, and as-built documentation. • Prepare technical reports and management updates on design projects and improvements.

Required Qualifications • Minimum of B.Eng / B.Tech / HND in Agricultural Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. • Minimum of 5–8 years relevant experience in engineering design within palm oil mills or agro-processing plants. • Strong experience in equipment design, plant modification, and engineering project management. • Experience in fabrication and installation supervision is an added advantage. • COREN Member.

Desired Skills • Strong knowledge of palm oil mill processing equipment and plant operations. • Proficiency in engineering design tools such as AutoCAD / SolidWorks / other CAD tools. • Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and layout plans. • Knowledge of materials selection, fabrication standards, and mechanical design principles.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person