Senior Valve Technician

Job title: Senior Valve Technician

Summary

Experienced mechanical technician responsible for the maintenance, overhaul, testing and troubleshooting of industrial valves and associated actuators and control systems on onshore/offshore assets and plants in the UAE. This senior role leads valve maintenance activities, mentors junior staff, liaises with vendors and ensures compliance with company HSE and quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, execute and supervise dismantling, inspection, repair, re-assembly and commissioning of valves (gate, globe, ball, check, butterfly, control, safety relief) and associated actuators (pneumatic, electric, hydraulic).
• Conduct valve diagnostic checks and functional tests: hydrostatic testing, leak testing, seat/face inspection, calibration and stroke testing.
• Troubleshoot and repair control valves and positioners (electro-pneumatic positioners, I/P converters). Perform loop checks and basic valve-to-controller functional testing.
• Perform valve refurbishment tasks such as seat/grinding/lapping, packing replacement, bonnet/seat milling, stem straightening and re-machining using approved procedures.
• Ensure proper torqueing, flange alignment, and installation per OEM and industry standards. Use calibrated tools and follow torque charts.
• Prepare and review work scopes, isolation plans and method statements; obtain permits (PTW), and ensure safe execution in line with UAE HSE regulations and company policies.
• Lead small teams of valve technicians / fitters during shutdowns and turnarounds; allocate tasks and ensure quality and schedule adherence.
• Coordinate with procurement and stores for spare parts, generate MR/PRs, maintain valve history records and update CMMS (Maximo, SAP or equivalent).
• Liaise with valve OEMs and third-party service providers for warranty repairs, onsite refurbishments and specialist services.
• Produce accurate maintenance reports, test certificates, inspection reports and handover documentation.
• Coach and mentor junior technicians; provide on-the-job training and enforce best practices.
• Participate in root-cause investigations and implement corrective/preventive actions for valve failures.

Minimum qualifications & experience

• Diploma/Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Trades, or equivalent vocational qualification.
• 8–10 years hands-on experience in valve maintenance/overhaul in oil & gas, petrochemical, power plant or water treatment industries — at least 3–4 years in a senior or lead role.
• Proven experience with actuators (pneumatic, electric, hydraulic) and control valve instrumentation.
• Familiarity with API and ASME standards relevant to valves (for example API 6D, API 598), and knowledge of NACE/ISO as applicable.
• Practical experience with hydrostatic testing, seat testing, lapping/grinding and valve refurbishment.
• Experience using CMMS (Maximo, SAP PM, Infor or similar) and preparing maintenance documentation.
• Valid UAE work eligibility (or willingness to relocate) and experience working in the UAE or GCC is strongly preferred.

Technical & soft skills

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to read drawings, P&IDs and valve datasheets.
• Competent with workshop precision tools (torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers) and valve-specific tooling.
• Good IT literacy—MS Office; CMMS experience mandatory.
• Strong safety mentality; able to follow and enforce Permit-to-Work, confined space, hot work and lifting procedures.
• Leadership skills and capability to supervise multi-discipline contractors.
• Good communication skills in English (verbal & written); Arabic is an advantage.
• Able to work shifts and participate in planned shutdowns/turnarounds.

Job Type: Full-time