Are You an Engineer or Operator? Understanding Roles in Oil & Gas EPC Projects
By George NWOGU | BIZVILLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Limited
Dear Industry Colleagues and Partners,
Image by George NWOGU
In Oil & Gas EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects, the roles of engineers and operators are distinct yet essential. Here’s a breakdown of their responsibilities and the critical transition between them.
1. Engineers: Design and Build
Engineers are responsible for the design, specification, and optimization of equipment. They focus on:
- Designing and selecting equipment.
- Ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Overseeing installation and testing during the construction phase.
They are involved primarily during the engineering, procurement, and construction phases, ensuring equipment is ready for operation.
2. Operators: Run and Maintain
Once equipment is installed and tested, operators manage daily operations. Their key tasks include:
- Operating and monitoring equipment.
- Performing maintenance and resolving operational issues.
Operators take over in the operations phase, ensuring equipment runs smoothly and safely.
3. Engineer or Operator?
Ask yourself: Are you practicing as an engineer or an operator? In many manufacturing plants, so-called “engineers” may not be designing or constructing but rather performing operational tasks, making them more like operators or “operator engineers.”
4. The Critical Transition
The shift from engineer to operator happens during commissioning — engineers ensure the equipment works, then hand it over to operators for ongoing operation.
In short, engineers build, and operators maintain.
COO, BIZVILLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Limited
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