Senior Distillation Column Performance Specialist

Job Title: Senior Distillation Column Performance Specialist

Location: United Arab Emirates (Remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: 100% Remote — Work From Home

Level: Senior

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Distillation Column Performance Specialist to provide remote technical expertise in separation process optimization, distillation column performance analysis, and operational efficiency improvement. The role focuses on evaluating column operating data, identifying separation inefficiencies, reviewing process simulation results, and recommending improvements to product quality, energy consumption, throughput, and process stability.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering, separation processes, thermodynamics, and process simulation. This is a fully remote technical position focused on engineering analysis, digital process monitoring, technical documentation, and advisory support.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze distillation column performance using operating data, process trends, and product quality results.
• Evaluate column efficiency, separation performance, product recovery, and operating stability.
• Review temperature, pressure, differential pressure, reflux ratio, reboiler duty, and condenser performance.
• Assess tray and packing performance using available process data and engineering calculations.
• Identify potential flooding, weeping, entrainment, foaming, pressure-drop, and maldistribution indicators.
• Review feed composition, feed condition, operating pressure, vapor-liquid equilibrium, and separation requirements.
• Evaluate distillation column material and energy balances.
• Analyze reboiler and condenser performance to identify energy losses and heat-transfer limitations.
• Review process simulation models and separation calculations using tools such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or equivalent software.
• Assess operating conditions against design specifications, process constraints, and product purity requirements.
• Recommend improvements to reflux rates, operating pressure, feed conditions, and energy utilization.
• Evaluate opportunities to reduce steam consumption, cooling demand, and overall separation costs.
• Review process trends to identify performance deterioration, abnormal operating patterns, and potential equipment constraints.
• Support troubleshooting investigations involving off-specification products, reduced throughput, and unstable column operation.
• Prepare technical performance reports, optimization studies, engineering calculations, and management presentations.
• Coordinate remotely with process engineers, operations teams, maintenance specialists, and project stakeholders.
• Review technical proposals, process modifications, and equipment performance documentation.
• Recommend performance indicators and monitoring approaches for continuous distillation optimization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Typically 7–10 years of relevant experience in distillation, refinery operations, petrochemical processing, or chemical process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of distillation principles, vapor-liquid equilibrium, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Experience analyzing tray and packed column performance.
• Understanding of reflux systems, reboilers, condensers, pressure control, and heat-transfer principles.
• Knowledge of common column operating problems, including flooding, weeping, entrainment, foaming, and pressure-drop abnormalities.
• Experience with process simulation and engineering tools such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, or equivalent platforms.
• Ability to interpret process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment datasheets, and process specifications.
• Understanding of mass and energy balances, process constraints, and energy efficiency assessments.
• Experience with process troubleshooting, performance benchmarking, and optimization studies.
• Strong analytical, technical reporting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, process data analysis, and technical documentation systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with geographically distributed engineering teams.

What We Offer

• 100% remote working arrangement from home.
• Full-time opportunity in process engineering and industrial performance optimization.
• Exposure to refinery, petrochemical, and chemical separation technologies.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering and technical professionals.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting their distillation engineering experience, process simulation skills, column troubleshooting expertise, and relevant professional qualifications.

Application Subject: Application – Senior Distillation Column Performance Specialist (UAE Remote)

Candidates should confirm applicable employment arrangements, residency requirements, and work authorization before accepting an offer.

• Remote Work Scope: This position is limited to remote engineering analysis, process data interpretation, simulation review, technical documentation, and optimization recommendations. Physical plant inspections, equipment operation, mechanical adjustments, instrument calibration, maintenance, commissioning, field measurements, and process sampling must be performed by qualified local personnel. Live operating changes, safety-critical process modifications, process start-up or shutdown decisions, engineering certifications, and statutory sign-offs must be handled or approved by appropriately qualified and authorized professionals.