About this role
Job Title
Technical Authority - Asset Integrity
Work Schedule
4 weeks on / 4 weeks off equal rotation
Department
Projects & Engineering
Work Location
HKN Operational Areas within KRI
Reports to
Projects and Engineering Manager
Start Date
As soon as possible
Subordinates
Not Applicable
Application Deadline
September 20, 2026
Employment Type
Consultant
Other details
About Us:
HKN is a privately held, independent energy company with oil exploration and production operations in the northern Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), located in the prolific Zagros fold and thrust belt of Northern Kurdistan. HKN is focused on increasing production of its Sarsang and Atrush Blocks,
The Sarsang block is comprised of 420 km2 and contains two separate producing fields, Swara Tika and East Swara Tika. Each field contains three independent Triassic oil reservoirs.
The Atrush Block is comprised of 269 km2 and contains one producing field. The Atrush field produces oil primarily from the Late Jurassic reservoirs, with minor production from an early Jurassic reservoir.
At HKN, our strength lies in our highly experienced, diverse team, whose professionals bring insights from working across 80+ countries. We are committed to building a culture deeply rooted in our Core Values, which include Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Excellence, and Teamwork.
Position Summary:
The Asset Integrity Technical Authority is responsible for safeguarding the integrity, reliability, and safe operation of all pressure-retaining, and pipeline systems across all HKN sour gas and wet oil gathering, processing, and export facilities. This includes the management of equipment and systems exposed to H₂S, CO₂, and wet sour service environments — ensuring compliance with applicable standards, minimizing risk of hydrocarbon releases, and optimizing lifecycle performance.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
• Integrity Management System
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS) covering facilities, pipelines, and produced water systems.
• Maintain and update Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs integrating degradation mechanisms typical of sour service.
• Ensure integrity strategies align with corporate process safety objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and update integrity databases and digital inspection records to support proactive decision-making.
• Static Equipment & Pipeline Integrity
• Recommend inspection, testing, and certification requirements of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, separators, and piping systems.
• Oversee pipeline integrity programs — internal corrosion monitoring, CP surveys, pigging, and wall thickness assessments.
• Develop and approve fitness-for-service (FFS) assessments per API 579 for degraded equipment.
• Mitigate degradation threats such as SSC, HIC, CO₂ corrosion, and erosion-corrosion.
• Corrosion & Materials Engineering
• Lead corrosion management programs for sour and wet service, including inhibition, material selection, and monitoring.
• Oversee performance of corrosion control chemicals for gas, oil, and produced water systems.
• Ensure proper specification of materials and coatings per NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.
• Coordinate with process engineers to mitigate conditions that accelerate corrosion.
• Produced Water & Sour System Integrity
• Manage integrity of sour produced water treatment, reinjection, and disposal systems.
• Implement inspection and monitoring for vessels, piping, and wells prone to MIC and under-deposit corrosion.
• Compliance & Governance
• Ensure compliance with applicable API, NACE, ASME, and local standards.
• Act as focal point for integrity safety audits.
• Develop and track KPIs including overdue inspections, corrosion trends, and integrity incidents.
• Leadership & Coordination
• Integrate integrity into operations, maintenance, and MOC processes.
• Lead RCAs for integrity failures and ensure preventive actions are implemented.
• Projects & Modifications
• Provide integrity input during design, procurement, and commissioning phases.
• Review and approve CCDs, material selection reports, and inspection test plans.
• Ensure design and construction incorporate integrity requirements from the outset.
• Core Competencies:
• Strong understanding of degradation mechanisms in sour service (HIC, SSC, MIC, CUI).
• Expertise in pipeline integrity and corrosion mitigation strategies.
• Proficiency in risk assessment and RBI methodologies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across operations, maintenance, and HSE functions.
• Proficient in inspection data interpretation and integrity software tools.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
Key Performance Indicators:
• Zero loss of containment (LOPC) incidents.
• Reduction in corrosion-related failures year-on-year.
• >95% completion of scheduled inspections on time.
• Improved pipeline integrity and CP compliance metrics.
Improved RBI risk profiles and asset availability.
Typical Interfaces:
• ]Operations, Maintenance, Production Engineering, HSE, Process, and Project & Engineering teams.
• Regulatory agencies and certification authorities.
• Chemical suppliers and integrity service contractors.
Education and Qualifications preferred:
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, materials, Metallurgical, or Chemical Engineering
• Masters Preferred
• Certifications (preferred): API 510/570/580/653, NACE Corrosion Technologist/Specialist, API 579, ASNT Level II/III in NDT.
Experience and Certification Expected / Required:
• A minimum of 20 years in asset integrity or corrosion management within onshore sour oil & gas operations, including 10 years in a leadership role.
• Experience working in the MENA region.
Other Relevant Competency Requirements:
• Strong, effective communicator
• Team Player