Principal Engineer - Commissioning
Right First Time (RFT) Lead
The Right First Time (RFT) Lead ensures that all construction installation activities and pre-commissioning are performed with correct quality the first time, minimizing rework and delays to commissioning and start-up. The role integrates quality assurance, construction execution, punch management, and completions readiness to ensure systems are delivered defect-free and aligned with project specifications, ITR requirements, and commissioning priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Right First Time Quality Leadership
Implement and lead the Right First Time initiative across all construction disciplines (Mechanical, Piping, Electrical, Instrumentation, Telecom, Civil).
Ensure correct installation quality to reduce punch items, NCRs, and rework.
Verify construction activities follow IFC drawings, standards, vendor specifications, and method statements.
Promote a culture of “Build It Clean, Build It Once” across the project. - Construction Quality Verification
Conduct regular discipline walkdowns to verify installation quality before handing over to QA/QC or completions.
Ensure all field installations meet requirements for ITR completion (A, B, C check sheets).
Identify installation gaps early and ensure corrective actions are implemented before system handover.
Audit construction teams for workmanship, materials handling, and adherence to procedures. - Punch Management & Resolution
Lead efforts to minimize punch items by preventing construction errors.
Ensure that any punch items raised are addressed quickly and closed before Mechanical Completion.
Track recurring punch trends and work with construction leads to eliminate root causes.
Coordinate punch closure in line with system RFT and Mechanical Completion priorities. - Interface With Completions & Commissioning
Align RFT activities with the Completions (Mechanical Completion / RFT / RFC / RFSU) sequence.
Ensure construction delivers systems truly ready for testing—mechanically complete, punch-free, and installation-verified.
Support commissioning team by ensuring:
• Correct installation
• Verified cabling and tubing
• Proper equipment orientation
• Vendor requirements met
• Documentation updated
Prevent handover of incomplete or defective systems to commissioning. - Planning, Progress Tracking & Reporting
Develop and maintain an RFT Execution Plan with weekly and monthly targets.
Track RFT KPIs:
• Percentage reduction in rework
• Punch reduction rate
• Repeated error frequency
• ITR rejection trends
Provide daily and weekly RFT status reports to Construction Manager and Completions Manager.
Present recurring quality issues and coordinate cross-discipline corrective action plans. - Documentation & Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
• Project Quality Plan
• ITRs / QA Check Sheets
• International codes (API, ASME, ANSI, IEC, ISA)
• ADNOC specifications
Perform document reviews including IFC drawings, vendor documents, method statements, quality procedures, and red-line markups.
Ensure all work packs and RFT dossiers are complete before system handover. - HSE Responsibilities
Ensure all RFT inspections are conducted safely under the Permit to Work system.
Identify any unsafe installation practices and coordinate immediate corrective action.
Support HSE during audits by providing quality-related evidence and documentation.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Process, Electrical, Instrumentation, or related Engineering field.
Experience
10–15 years oil and gas construction/commissioning experience.
Minimum 5 years in a Quality, Completions, or RFT leadership role.
Strong experience with EPC and brownfield projects.
Familiar with Completions Management Systems.
Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of construction quality requirements.
Excellent knowledge of P&IDs, isometrics, SLDs, loop diagrams, cable schedules.
Ability to identify installation defects early.
Familiar with ITR requirements for all disciplines.
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and coordination skills.
Ability to challenge construction teams constructively.
Excellent knowledge of QA/QC processes.
Proactive identification of issues before they escalate.
Strong communication and reporting skills.
Root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
Deliverables
- RFT Work Process and Strategy
- Weekly RFT Performance Reports
- Punch Trend Analysis and Reduction Plans
- Installation Quality Observation Reports
- RFT Checklists and Validation Records
- Input to Mechanical Completion and Handover Packages