Job Description: Lead Technical Author - Operating Manual and Handbook Development for O&G Facility
Job Description:
About Optimal: Optimal is a dynamic and forward-thinking consultancy committed to optimising asset performance and reliability across diverse industries. We partner with clients in sectors ranging from industrial manufacturing and energy to infrastructure and utilities, helping them unlock greater value from their physical assets. We pride ourselves on delivering pragmatic, data-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and extend asset life.
The Opportunity: We require a Lead Author to lead the development, authoring and drafting of a full Operating Manual and Field Handbook for a gas production facility. The role covers technical authoring, process documentation, operating procedures, and preparation of engineering drawings to support safe operation, commissioning and handover.
This is a senior role requiring both technical writing and drafting capability. The successful candidate will take ownership of the full documentation lifecycle from review of engineering inputs through to final issue.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead preparation and authoring of the Operating Manual covering:
o Process description
o Equipment description
o Operating procedures including start-up, shutdown and emergency operation
o Control and safety system descriptions
o Utilities and support systems
· Develop simplified field handbook for operational use
· Prepare and update engineering drawings including:
o Process Flow Diagrams
o Simplified P&IDs
o System schematics
o Control system architecture diagrams
· Review engineering documentation including:
o P&IDs
o Control philosophy
o Cause and effect diagrams
o Vendor manuals
o Commissioning documentation
· Compile and manage document deliverables through draft, IFC, IFA and final stages
· Coordinate with engineering disciplines and project team
· Ensure documentation meets oil and gas industry standards
Required Experience
· Minimum 10 years oil and gas experience
· Minimum 5 years preparing Operating Manuals for production facilities
· Strong process engineering understanding
· Proven experience writing operating procedures
· Experience developing documentation for:
o Wellpads
o Pipelines
o Gas facilities
o Unmanned facilities
· Strong AutoCAD drafting capability
· Strong technical writing capability
· Experience working with control and safety systems documentation
· Experience working to major operator standards such as TotalEnergies, Shell, BP, Chevron or equivalent
Required Skills
· Technical authoring
· Process engineering knowledge
· AutoCAD
· Document control
· Engineering drawing interpretation
· Operating procedure development
About Optimal
Optimal is a specialist consultancy in asset management, reliability engineering, and asset integrity. We work with clients in oil & gas, power generation, and heavy industries to improve asset reliability, balance cost and risk, and ensure compliance with global standards. Our approach combines technical expertise with digital tools to deliver measurable results.
Job Types: Contract
How to Apply
Please apply via Indeed with your CV and a short covering statement outlining your interest in the role and in Optimal. Include examples of Operating Manuals authored.
Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm, Internship
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: From £250.00 per day
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Aberdeen AB21