SURF Engineer (Subsea Umbilicals, Risers & Flowlines)

Position Overview

The SURF Engineer is responsible for the design, procurement, and installation engineering of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines — collectively the largest cost and risk element in any subsea development. This role requires a multidisciplinary skill set spanning pipeline/flowline design, dynamic riser analysis, and umbilical specification, making it one of the most versatile and in-demand subsea positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop design bases and specifications for subsea flowlines, umbilicals, and dynamic risers in compliance with DNV-ST-F101, API 17E, API 17J, and API 17K.
• Perform flowline sizing, wall thickness selection, thermal analysis, and expansion analysis.
• Specify umbilical cross-sections, including hydraulic, electrical, fibre optic, and chemical injection lines.
• Conduct dynamic riser analysis (lazy wave, steep wave, pliant wave, free-hanging) using OrcaFlex or equivalent.
• Review contractor and vendor deliverables for SURF equipment during EPCI execution.
• Support installation engineering for S-lay, J-lay, reel-lay, and flexible-lay operations.
• Prepare and review installation procedures, lift plans, and marine spread specifications.
• Manage SURF-related interfaces with subsea structures, trees, manifolds, and topside facilities.
• Contribute to tender evaluations and technology qualification for new SURF products.
• Provide offshore installation support and resolve field discrepancies during lay campaigns.

Qualifications

Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Subsea, Ocean, or Civil Engineering.
• Certifications: BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS; Offshore Medical.
• Experience: 5–10 years in SURF engineering with direct project involvement in at least one major subsea development.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in DNV-ST-F101, API 17J (flexible pipe), API 17K (riser); strong OrcaFlex capability; understanding of installation vessel capabilities and marine operations.

Preferred

• Experience with flexible pipe integrity management and fatigue analysis.
• Familiarity with steel catenary risers (SCR) and top-tensioned risers (TTR) for FPSO/semi-hosted fields.
• Knowledge of CCS transport pipeline design and dense-phase CO₂ behaviour.
• Chartered Engineer status.