Project Engineer (Hookup)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Hookup Project Engineer to play a key role in delivering turnkey Total Facility Hook-Up solutions for advanced semiconductor wafer fabrication plants.

You will manage and execute the critical last-mile connection of facility utilities (UHP/specialty gases, chemicals, slurries, UPW, vacuum, exhaust/abatement, and related process systems) to production tools, ensuring seamless integration, on-time start-up, and qualification for world-class clients.

This role is central to delivering high-profile semiconductor hook-up projects and supporting the Group’s semiconductor initiatives regionally. You will work on technically demanding, large-scale projects that require the highest standards of purity, safety, quality, and schedule discipline — all while being based in our Singapore team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support the full project lifecycle for semiconductor hook-up scopes: tender/proposal support, detailed engineering coordination, planning, procurement, site execution, testing & commissioning (T&C), documentation, and handover.

• Develop and manage project schedules (critical path), budgets, resource plans, method statements, risk assessments, Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), and quality plans tailored to high-purity semiconductor systems.

• Coordinate closely with clients (fab owners), main contractors, tool vendors/OEMs, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams (engineering, procurement,QA/QC, EHS) to ensure precise alignment of utility tie-in points and flawless tool hook-up.

• Oversee and ensure high-quality installation of mechanical/process piping systems, including UHP gas delivery, specialty chemical & slurry distribution, vacuum, exhaust, abatement, and ultra-pure water systems with strict adherence to cleanliness protocols, orbital welding standards, leak testing, particle counting, and contamination control.

• Manage materials take-off (MTO), procurement of long-lead and specialized components(tubing, fittings, valves, regulators, purifiers, abatement systems, etc.), and vendor performance.

• Supervise site works with strong focus on cleanroom discipline, hazardous gas/chemical safety, permit-to-work systems, and full EHS compliance.

• Lead or actively participate in FAT/SAT, functional/performance testing, purity verification, and commissioning activities that enable tool qualification and fab production ramp-up.

• Monitor progress against plan, proactively identify and mitigate technical, schedule, cost, and quality risks; provide clear reporting to management and stakeholders.

• Prepare and review technical documentation including P&IDs, isometrics, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and complete handover packages.

• Ensure full compliance with client specifications, SEMI/high-purity standards, local regulations, pressure piping codes, and Kelington’s ISO/QHSE requirements.

• Support business development and tendering efforts for new semiconductor hook-up opportunities regionally.

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; drive knowledge transfer and continuous improvement in UHP and semiconductor facility best practices.

• Travel to regional project sites and be prepared for site-based assignments as project needs require.

  Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related discipline. (Master’s degree or PMP/PRINCE2certification is an advantage.)

• Experience: Minimum 4–6 years of relevant project engineering or construction management experience in semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech facility projects. Direct hands-on experience in facility/tool hook-up, UHP/specialty gas systems, chemical delivery systems, or process utilities in wafer fabs is strongly preferred.

• Solid understanding of semiconductor fab utility systems (bulk & specialty gases, chemicals/slurries, UPW, vacuum, exhaust/abatement) and the hook-up process from base build to tool qualification.

• Practical knowledge of high-purity piping practices, orbital welding, cleanliness protocols, leak detection, and contamination control.

• Proven project management skills: scheduling (MS Project or Primavera P6), cost control, risk management, and stakeholder coordination on complex, fast-track projects.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD; familiarity with Revit /BIM, P&ID, and isometric drawings is highly desirable.

• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills under pressure.

• Excellent communication, coordination, and client-facing skills; ability to work effectively in multicultural, multi-contractor site environments.

• Willingness and ability to travel to regional project sites for extended periods if required. Experience on international semiconductor projects is an advantage.

• Safety certifications (e.g., gas safety, confined space, working at height) and knowledge of relevant codes/standards (SEMI, ASMEB31.3, cleanroom/ISO 14644, local statutory requirements) are preferred.

  Preferred Attributes

• Experience working with or for major semiconductor manufacturers or their contractors.

• Exposure to large-scale, multi-million-dollar hook-up or process utility projects with long-lead equipment management.

• Experience on international or regional semiconductor fab projects is an advantage.

• Additional language skills (e.g. Mandarin) for regional projects.

• Lean/Six Sigma or other continuous improvement exposure.