Job DescriptionPosition: Deputy General Manager – Underground Facilities DesignIndustry: Refineries & Petrochemical PlantsExperience: 18–22 YearsDiscipline: Civil & Structural / Underground InfrastructureReporting To: HOD- Civil & StructuralRole Purpose
The Deputy General Manager – Underground Facilities Design will lead and govern the engineering, design, and technical assurance of underground civil and structural facilities within refinery and petrochemical complexes. The role demands deep expertise in underground infrastructure integrated with process plants, utilities, tank farms, and offsite facilities while ensuring safety, constructability, operability, and statutory compliance in hazardous environments.
Key Responsibilities1. Underground Facilities Design Leadership
- Lead the design of underground facilities including pipe racks foundations, trenches, culverts, underground process/utility corridors, valve pits, RCC drains, cable tunnels, culverts, basements, sumps, oily water sewer systems, and underground substations.
- Define design philosophies, basis of design, and technical specifications suited to refinery and petrochemical operating conditions.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards such as IS, ACI, AISC, API, ASCE, NFPA, OISD, OSHA, and local statutory requirements.
2. Integration with Process, Piping & Utility Systems
- Coordinate closely with Process, Piping, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Fire & Safety teams to ensure underground facilities are fully integrated with plant layouts and process requirements.
- Review underground piping layouts for maintainability, safety clearances, leak detection, corrosion protection, and access.
- Ensure provision of adequate drainage, grounding, cathodic protection, ventilation, and hazardous area classification requirements.
3. Design Review, Approval & Risk Management
- Review and approve concept, FEED, and detailed engineering deliverables including drawings, calculations, BOQs, and material specifications.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to soil contamination, groundwater, differential settlement, corrosion, explosion loads, fire exposure, and long-term durability.
- Lead HAZID, HAZOP, constructability, and value engineering reviews related to underground facilities.
4. Construction Engineering & Site Support
- Provide technical support during construction for underground works, including resolving design queries, field changes, and non-conformances.
- Review and approve construction methodologies, excavation support systems, dewatering schemes, and temporary works.
- Address challenges such as construction in live plants, brownfield expansions, limited access areas, and safety-critical zones.
5. Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Establish QA/QC procedures for underground civil works in refinery and petrochemical environments.
- Ensure adherence to plant safety philosophies, including fire and life safety, explosion resistance, and environmental protection measures.
- Support audits, inspections, and compliance with environmental and statutory agencies.
6. Team & Resource Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of civil, structural, and underground design engineers.
- Allocate engineering resources, monitor deliverables, and ensure timely and cost-effective completion of projects.
- Promote best engineering practices, standardization, and use of digital tools such as BIM and 3D plant modeling.
7. Strategic & Organizational Contributions
- Support bidding, technical proposals, and budgeting for refinery and petrochemical projects.
- Contribute to development of company standards, design manuals, and lessons-learned documentation.
- Provide expert technical input for brownfield revamps, capacity expansions, and grassroots refinery projects.
Typical Project Exposure
- Grassroots and brownfield refineries
- Petrochemical complexes and polymer plants
- Tank farms, utility blocks, and offsite facilities
- Underground oily water drainage and effluent systems
- Electrical and instrumentation underground networks
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (mandatory)
- Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering / Geotechnical Engineering (preferred)
Experience & Skills
- 18–22 years of experience in underground civil & structural design for refineries or petrochemical plants
- Strong understanding of refinery safety, hazardous area requirements, and constructability constraints
- Expertise in RCC underground structures, soil-structure interaction, and durability design
- Proficiency in design tools such as STAAD, AutoCAD, and 3D platforms
- Proven leadership in large EPC or PMC environments
- Strong coordination, technical presentation, and decision-making skills
Key Competencies
- Safety-first engineering mindset
- High level of technical judgment and accountability
- Ability to manage complex, multi-discipline interfaces
- Strong client, contractor, and stakeholder engagement
- Results-driven leadership with attention to detail
Authority Levels
- Technical approval of underground civil design deliverables
- Recommendation of design strategies, materials, and construction methodologies
- Participation in cost, schedule, and risk-related project decisions
