APC & RTO Contractors

For an engineering customer, we are searching for 3 APC (Advanced Process Control) and RTO (Real-time Optimization) profiles for a refinery project in Bahrain to provide either field or remote support. Candidates should be specialized in either APC or RTO (knowledge of both is a considerable advantage).

PROFILE 1: APC & RTO Consultant (Senior Consultant)

Minimum experience:

• ≥ 15 years of relevant experience in APC and/or RTO implementation
• Minimum 1–2 full APC/RTO implementations as Lead Consultant

Role and responsibilities:

• Technical authority for APC and RTO strategy, scope definition, and architecture
• Oversight of control strategy design, constraint handling, and optimization objectives
• Definition of KPI baselines, benefit verification methodology, and post-audit approach
• Technical interface with Client’s senior engineering and operations stakeholders
• Support complex troubleshooting during step testing and commissioning
• Ensure compliance with contractual milestones (M1–M7) and acceptance evidence

Required background:

• Proven experience in refinery operations (crude, conversion, hydrotreating, hydrogen, utilities)
• Demonstrated leadership in multi-disciplinary APC/RTO projects
• Strong understanding of refinery economics, constraints, and operability

PROFILE 2: APC & RTO Lead / Senior Engineer

Minimum experience:

• ≥ 10 years of relevant APC and/or RTO experience
• Minimum 1–2 APC/RTO implementations as a senior technical contributor

Role and responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day execution of APC and RTO projects
• Development and validation of dynamic and steady-state models
• Coordination of step testing activities and data readiness
• Configuration and commissioning of APC/RTO applications
• Preparation of FAT, SAT, and as-built documentation
• Mentoring junior engineers and supporting operator training

Required background:

• Hands-on experience in model predictive control and/or real-time optimization
• Familiarity with refinery DCS/historian environments
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capability during live operations

PROFILE 3: APC & RTO Engineer

Minimum experience:

• ≥ 5 years of relevant APC and/or RTO experience
• Minimum 1 APC or RTO implementation experience

Role and responsibilities:

• Data extraction, validation, and preparation for modelling
• Development of APC/RTO models under supervision
• Participation in step testing and commissioning windows
• Controller tuning, constraint configuration, and performance monitoring
• Preparation of engineering reports, plots, and acceptance evidence

Required background:

• Solid foundation in process control and chemical/process engineering
• Practical experience working in operating refinery environments
• Ability to work under PTW, HSE and OT cybersecurity constraints

Mandatory refinery experience domains (APC)

Must demonstrate direct APC implementation experience in refinery units, covering (all or some):

• Crude Distillation Units (Atmospheric and Vacuum)
• Hydrocracking Units
• Hydrotreating Units
• Unifiner and Platformer Units
• Saturated Gas Plant (SGP)

This experience must be supported by project reference details and acceptance evidence (FAT/SAT where available).

Mandatory RTO experience

Must demonstrate RTO implementation within the last 10 years on a refinery or petrochemical site using one or more of the following platforms:

• AspenTech GDOT
• AVEVA APO
• Honeywell Plant-Wide Optimizer (PWO)

The experience must include model development, reconciliation, optimization, target generation, and integration with control/operations.

Required platforms and software knowledge

APC platforms (mandatory)

All APC work must be executed on currently deployed platforms:

• AspenTech DMC3
• Honeywell RTO / RMPCT (Advanced Process Control)

Team members must demonstrate:

• Controller configuration and tuning
• Constraint management and move suppression
• Integration with DCS and plant historians
• Model maintenance and long-term sustainment

No alternative APC platforms are acceptable for this tender.

RTO platforms (mandatory familiarity)

RTO engineers must be capable of delivering solutions on client-approved platforms, including:

• AspenTech GDOT
• AVEVA APO
• Honeywell Plant-Wide Optimizer

Required skills include:

• Steady-state modelling and reconciliation
• Objective function and constraint definition
• Integration with APC targets and operating limits
• Validation, post-audit, and benefit verification

Supporting systems and tools

Team members should also be familiar with:

• Plant historians (e.g., Aspen PIMS / PI)
• Refinery DCS environments (read/write, mode handling, permissions)
• Data analytics and visualization tools for performance reporting
• Secure remote access tools and OT cybersecurity-compliant workflows

HSE, OT Cybersecurity, and site readiness expectations

All personnel assigned to the contract must:

• Be capable of working under refinery HSE rules, including PTW, H2S awareness, and site inductions
• Understand OT cybersecurity requirements, including access controls, device restrictions, data handling, and incident reporting
• Be available under the bidder’s sponsorship and ready to participate in audits or interviews during bid evaluation

Additional Details

START DATE:

DURATION: 1 Year

EXTENSION: TBC

LOCATION: Bahrain

ONSITE POLICY: Onsite (or +/- 2-3 hours if providing remote support)

LANGUAGES: Fluent English

INTERVIEW PROCESS: 1 stage

REFERENCES REQUIRED: Yes