Engineering in the energy sector goes far beyond complex calculations or technical project supervision. It is also a human adventure, shaped by international experience, technological innovation, and the major challenges of the energy transition.
“Engineering is about learning how to transform theory into concrete solutions to meet the world’s energy needs,” says Robert Chocian, consultant for Altea Energy.
Through his international experience and flagship assignments, Robert offers in this article an authentic perspective on a discipline undergoing profound change.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Robert developed a passion for mechanical engineering at an early age, observing the hydraulic tube bending machines built at his family’s company.
“Seeing these machines being constructed, tested, and shipped fascinated me. I knew very early on that I wanted to be an engineer”, he recalls.
This passion guided his studies, leading him to earn a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (MEng) from King’s College London in 1992.
Since 1992, Robert has built an international career across Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia, Oman, Venezuela, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and currently Algeria. He has held key roles in engineering, construction management, and commissioning for major operators.
At 34, he reached a major turning point: Robert joined British Petroleum (BP) after spending four years on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline project in Turkey.
“Moving from contractor status to a full BP employee opened incredible opportunities for me around the world,” he explains.
His time at TNK-BP, BP’s joint venture in Moscow, allowed him to broaden his experience on innovative projects in Russia, Vietnam, Venezuela, and Brazil. He then rose through the ranks to become Construction Manager on an unconventional gas project for BP Oman.
Today, on assignment with Altea Energy for SONATRACH – Organisation Ourhoud in the Algerian Sahara within the Projects Department, Robert leads diverse projects with international partners.
“What excites me most is the variety of projects, particularly those aimed at increasing oil production and reducing gas flaring. It’s also very rewarding to contribute to improving energy efficiency on the ground.”
A typical day starts at 6:30 a.m., departing from the accommodation camp to the industrial base under military supervision, in accordance with Algerian security rules.
“We manage several projects with contractors from India, the UAE, and Algeria. Early in the morning, we have virtual meetings with our Indian contractor for the Flare Gas Recovery (FGRES) project. Then we liaise with our EPC contractor in Dubai on the Increased Water Handling 2 project, now in the execution phase.
In the afternoon, we meet with our Algerian engineering teams to design 13 new wells and their surface facilities. Managing different time zones and coordinating various teams demands strict discipline and a lot of communication. We work until 7 p.m., then return to camp, again under military escort,” Robert describes.
While stationed in Venezuela, Robert used Siemens Oil & Gas Manager (OGM) software to simulate and optimize a project involving 1,500 wells aiming for 450,000 barrels per day.
“This process simulation-based software allowed us to conduct feasibility studies, select and design concepts, and estimate costs for upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities to determine the most economical configuration, in collaboration with the subsurface and drilling teams,” he continues.
Today, software solutions integrating artificial intelligence (AI) are available to support facility development studies.
“The integration of simulation software, AI, and automation is radically transforming how we design infrastructures and has become indispensable for engineers today,” Robert emphasizes.
One major challenge is the growing difficulty in finding experienced young engineers to fill vacant roles.
“During a recent review of candidates’ resumes, it was mostly much older candidates who had the range of experience we were looking for.
In Europe, the decrease in engineering graduates can be explained by several factors: the decline in engineering enrollments, a shift in student interests towards other fields, and a lack of effective recruitment and retention strategies within the sector,” Robert explains.
Despite the rise of renewable energy, Robert remains committed to the oil and gas industry.
During the pandemic, he worked on industrial gas projects for Air Products in Ukraine and Air Liquide in the Netherlands, notably involving the ALIVETM cryogenic energy storage technology.
“It was exciting to work on future-oriented technologies, but my core expertise remains in the oil sector, where I have been active for over 30 years.
When Altea Energy contacted me in 2023 for an opportunity with CEPSA on an upstream oil project in Algeria, I was enthusiastic to continue in this field. The oil and gas industry still has a future, particularly with developments in Africa, South America, and Asia. However, opportunities for expatriates will be fewer than before.
Thus, being prepared to work on green energy projects in Europe or within one’s own country or region may become necessary to continue one’s career as an engineer in the energy sector.” he says.
“Ask yourself whether you prefer stability or the diversity of international projects. And above all, build your network: personal recommendations are the key to opportunities!” concludes Robert Chocian.
Robert Chocian’s journey is a powerful reminder that engineering in the energy sector is not just about technical skills, but also about passion, discipline, and adaptability. It remains a demanding but rewarding field for those who aspire to shape the future of global energy.
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