Materials Lead

Job description / Role

Job purpose

The Materials Lead serves as the technical authority for all materials-related matters across major projects (MP) and production sustainability initiatives. This role ensures the integrity, reliability, and safety of equipment and infrastructure by overseeing:

• Technical quality and compliance
• Material selection and qualification
• Failure investigations and root cause analyses
• Material testing during procurement, manufacturing, fabrication, delivery, and installation phases

The role is critical to maintaining the performance and longevity of upstream and downstream assets exposed to harsh environments (e.g., H₂S, CO₂, Cl) and extreme operating conditions.

Key responsibilities

Technical leadership

• Develop and maintain specifications and standards for materials used in major projects.
• Lead material selection processes to ensure optimal performance, safety, and cost-efficiency.
• Provide expert guidance on material performance in extreme conditions.

Project support

• Assist in the design and development of equipment and infrastructure.
• Coordinate technical quality efforts during procurement and fabrication.
• Lead qualification programs for new mills and materials.

Investigations & compliance

• Conduct metallurgical investigations and root cause analyses.
• Review non-conformances, technical queries, and deviation requests.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations related to materials use.

Innovation & development

• Design and execute product development trials using design of experiment (DoE) principles.
• Interface with international materials organizations (e.g., NACE, DNV, ASME, API).

Safety, health & environment

• Ensure all activities comply with company policies and standards.

Minimum qualifications & experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a specialization in materials.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years in metallurgical/materials roles within the oil and gas industry.
• Experience in fabrication, manufacturing, or construction.
• At least 1 year in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven experience in developing project requirements for materials disciplines (e.g., welding, coatings, corrosion).

Technical skills

• Strong knowledge of industry codes and standards.
• Expertise in project phases, engineering, execution, and delivery.
• Demonstrated ability in auditing, assessment, and review of manufacturing and fabrication processes.

Business & leadership skills

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience mentoring or coaching team members.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Certifications & memberships

• Member of an international materials science institution.
• Formal training in:
• ISO 9001 / API Q1 / API Q2 Quality Management Systems
• ASNT Non-Destructive Testing
• NACE Corrosion Engineering
• Quality system documentation and continuous improvement