Subsea Pipeline Installation Engineer - Oil & Gas

Position Title: Subsea Pipeline Installation Engineer - Shallow Water Subsea Scheme

Location: Italy

Hill International provides program, project, and construction management services for clients in a range of sectors undertaking major construction projects across the world. Our services include cost engineering and estimating, quality assurance, inspection, scheduling, risk management, and claims avoidance. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com

The Subsea Pipeline Installation Engineer is responsible for engineering, planning, and executing the safe and efficient installation of subsea pipelines in shallow-water offshore environments. The role includes installation method development, marine spread engineering, analysis, offshore support, and multi-discipline coordination.

Installation Engineering & Method Development

• Develop installation methodologies for S-lay/barge lay, shore approach, tie-in spools, and jumpers.
• Perform engineering calculations: catenary, tension, MBR control, stress/strain, on-bottom stability.
• Review Metocean limits and operational weather windows.
• Prepare trenching, jetting, and burial methods.

Offshore Execution Support

• Support offshore mobilization, deck setup, welding spread arrangement.
• Monitor real-time installation parameters (tension, layback, speed).
• Coordinate with vessel crew, ROV, and survey teams.
• Resolve offshore engineering issues during operations.

Installation Procedures & Documentation

• Prepare installation procedures, work packs, method statements.
• Develop risk assessments, lifting plans, and touchdown monitoring procedures.
• Review contractor procedures for compliance with project requirements.

Interface & Coordination

• Interface with pipeline design for MBR, loads, coating and free-span limits.
• Interface with subsea structures for tie-in, lifting, and handling requirements.
• Interface with umbilical/FOC and controls teams for routing and combined lay.
• Interface with marine and survey teams for UXO clearance, route verification, and as-built surveys.

Marine Spread Selection & Planning

• Support selection of lay barges, anchor spreads, and marine support vessels.
• Review stinger/roller setups and tensioner capability.
• Plan shallow-water anchor patterns and vessel maneuvering constraints.

Trenching, Protection & Post-Lay Activities

• Review trenching/jetting/ploughing techniques.
• Plan pipeline protection (mattresses, rock dumping).
• Support post-lay survey review and free-span remediation.

HSE & Risk Management

• Participate in HAZID/HAZOP and constructability workshops.
• Develop SIMOPS plans for marine operations.
• Ensure all installation activities comply with HSE and marine assurance requirements.

Technical Requirements

• Knowledge of pipeline installation engineering: catenary, MBR, stability, tension control.
• Understanding of shallow-water constraints and surf-zone challenges.
• Proficiency with OrcaFlex, PipeLay, Offpipe, MathCAD, and route planning tools.
• Knowledge of pipeline materials, coatings, buckle arrestors, and field joints.
• Familiarity with trenching, protection, and tie-in systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Marine, Offshore, or related Engineering.
• 810 years experience in subsea pipeline installation engineering.
• Experience in shallow-water S-lay/barge lay operations.
• Offshore installation support experience preferred.
• Knowledge of DNV-ST-F101, DNV-RP-F109, API RP 1111 standards.