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Category
Subsea Engineering
Work Pattern
Offshore 28/28 rotation during campaigns / Onshore planning
Reports To
Subsea Installation Lead / Offshore Installation Manager
Position Overview
The Subsea Installation Engineer plans and oversees the offshore installation of subsea equipment — including manifolds, trees, pipelines, umbilicals, and jumpers. This role combines marine engineering, structural analysis, and operational execution to ensure safe and efficient deployment of subsea hardware from installation vessels. With the current backlog of subsea installation campaigns, experienced installation engineers are in high demand.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop installation procedures for subsea equipment deployment from pipelay, heavy-lift, and construction vessels.
- Perform installation engineering analyses including lift planning, rigging design, and motion analysis.
- Specify installation vessel requirements and review vessel capabilities against project needs.
- Prepare method statements and risk assessments for offshore installation operations.
- Coordinate with vessel master, marine crew, and ROV teams during offshore installation campaigns.
- Conduct dynamic lift analysis and seafastening design reviews for subsea hardware transportation.
- Manage installation deviation reports and engineering dispositions for offshore non-conformances.
- Review and approve contractor installation procedures and work packs.
- Support pre-lay survey, as-laid survey, and post-installation survey coordination.
- Ensure all installation activities comply with DNV maritime standards, vessel SMS, and project HSSE requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Marine, Civil, or Subsea Engineering.
- Certifications: BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS; Offshore Medical; Rigging/Lifting Supervisor training.
- Experience: 5–10 years in subsea installation engineering with direct offshore execution experience.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in installation analysis software (OrcaFlex, MOSES, SAP2000); knowledge of DNV marine operations standards (DNV-ST-N001); understanding of vessel DP systems and marine spreads.
Preferred
- Experience with deepwater installation (>1,000 m) from DP2 vessels.
- Familiarity with reel-lay and J-lay installation methods.
- Advanced rigging and lifting qualification (Appointed Person).
- Experience with subsea lifting in harsh environment (North Sea, Barents Sea).
Market Intelligence
$800–$1,200/day
Shortage Level: High
Key Skills Gap: Engineers with both the analytical capability (lift/motion analysis) and the offshore credibility to lead installation campaigns are scarce; many candidates have one skill set but not both.
Regions in Highest Demand: West Africa, North Sea, Brazil, Middle East
Demand Drivers: Record subsea installation backlog; limited installation vessel fleet creating compressed scheduling; deepwater installation requiring specialist experience.