Angola Oil & Gas: Production, Cargo & Tech Jobs Open Now (2025)
🌍 National & Expatriate Candidates Welcome
Angola, Sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest economy and a cornerstone of global energy supply, is currently experiencing a dynamic period of investment and operational expansion within its crucial oil and gas sector. As global energy demand stabilizes and major projects transition from development to peak production, the need for specialized, highly skilled personnel—both domestically sourced and internationally experienced—has become critical.
This surge in activity presents a unique and immediate opportunity for professionals across the entire upstream and midstream value chain. Companies operating in the region are actively recruiting to staff deep water FPSOs, established offshore platforms, and vital onshore support facilities. This blog post highlights a set of urgent, open vacancies and provides an in-depth context into the requirements, responsibilities, and the rewarding career path offered by the Angolan energy landscape.
I. The Angolan Energy Landscape in 2025: A Global Powerhouse
Angola’s commitment to stabilizing and growing its oil production remains strong, underpinned by major deep water assets operated by international energy giants. While the country is actively diversifying its economy, the oil and gas sector remains the principal source of export revenue and a major employer.
Key Drivers for the Current Demand:
Maturation of Deepwater Assets: Several large-scale, deep water projects, which were sanctioned and developed over the last decade, are now moving into sustained production phases, requiring full operational teams.
Focus on Enhanced Recovery: Older fields are undergoing sophisticated optimization and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts, demanding specialized engineering and production expertise.
Local Content Legislation: A strong push for nationalization and the development of local talent means that while expatriates are needed for specialized, niche roles, the demand for qualified Angolan nationals is higher than ever, driving professional development and career opportunities within the country.
The operational environment is sophisticated, technologically advanced, and adheres to stringent international safety and quality standards, making experience gained here highly valuable globally.
II. Open Roles: Detailed Vacancy Profiles and Responsibilities
The following roles are representative of the immediate operational needs in both offshore and onshore facilities, illustrating the breadth of technical and supervisory expertise currently sought.
| # | Role Title | Sector Focus | Primary Responsibility Snapshot |
| 1 | Production Superintendent | Offshore / Onshore | Overall management of production operations, maximizing uptime and output, HSE compliance. |
| 2 | Production Supervisor | Offshore / Onshore | Direct oversight of daily operations, leading operator teams, ensuring P&ID adherence. |
| 3 | Cargo Superintendent / Supervisor | FPSO / Storage | Managing crude oil/LNG storage, offloading, metering, and export logistics. |
| 4 | Cargo Operator | FPSO / Storage | Execution of cargo transfer operations, ballast control, and tank ullaging. |
| 5 | GP Operator (Gas Plant/Process) | Offshore / Onshore | Monitoring and control of gas compression, separation, and processing equipment. |
| 6 | Engine Room Supervisor | Offshore / Vessel | Management of the vessel's propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary machinery systems. |
| 7 | Assistant Maintenance Supervisor | All Facilities | Supporting the Maintenance Supervisor in planning, scheduling, and execution of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul). |
| 8 | Maintenance Planner | All Facilities | Creating and optimizing work orders, managing CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), and logistics planning. |
| 9 | Mechanical / Electrical / Instrument Technicians | All Facilities | Hands-on execution of preventative and corrective maintenance across all disciplines. |
| 10 | Safety Officer | All Facilities | Implementing HSE policies, conducting risk assessments, audits, and training. |
In-Depth Role Analysis:
1. Production Superintendent:
This is a senior leadership role, typically reporting to the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) or Onshore Operations Manager. The Superintendent is the ultimate authority for the day-to-day safe and efficient running of the process facility. Key performance indicators (KPIs) revolve around production efficiency, environmental performance, and minimizing non-productive time (NPT). A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in oil and gas operations, with significant supervisory time, is typically mandated. Candidates must demonstrate deep knowledge of hydrocarbon processing, regulatory compliance (especially ANPG/Sonangol), and emergency response management.
2. Production Supervisor:
Serving as the crucial link between the Superintendent and the field operators, the Supervisor directly manages the shift team. They are responsible for issuing permits-to-work (PTW), overseeing complex process changes, managing simultaneous operations (SIMOPS), and ensuring the entire team adheres strictly to standard operating procedures (SOPs). This role demands a strong technical background and proven man-management skills.
3. Cargo Superintendent / Supervisor (FPSO Focused):
Critical on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, this role manages the custody transfer of high-value crude oil. Responsibilities include managing the vessel's stability (trim and ballast control), overseeing the sophisticated metering system (essential for fiscal accuracy), coordinating offloading to shuttle tankers, and ensuring the integrity of the storage tanks. Expertise in marine operations and SOLAS/MARPOL compliance is often a prerequisite.
4. Cargo Operator (FPSO/Vessel Focused):
The operational backbone of the marine team, the Cargo Operator executes the plans set by the Supervisor. Their work involves continuous monitoring of tank levels, operating manifold valves, managing the ballast system to maintain stability during offloading, and conducting quality control checks on the stored crude. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and zero tolerance for error during critical operations.
5. GP Operator (Gas Plant/Process Operator):
With Angola increasingly focusing on gas utilization and flaring reduction, this role is becoming highly strategic. The GP Operator manages the complex systems that separate, treat, and compress associated gas for export or re-injection. Knowledge of turbo-machinery, refrigeration cycles (e.g., for LNG production), and gas chromatographs is vital.
6. Engine Room Supervisor (Vessel/FPSO Focused):
Managing the powerhouse of the facility, the Engine Room Supervisor oversees all mechanical systems that generate power and utility services, including diesel generators, high-pressure boilers, reverse osmosis (RO) plants, and propulsion (if applicable). This requires a certified marine engineering background, typically with Class I or Class II certification, focusing on preventative maintenance and efficient energy management.
7. Assistant Maintenance Supervisor:
A developmental role for future supervisors, this position supports the planning and field execution of maintenance activities. They help manage the backlog of work, coordinate interfaces between operations and maintenance teams, and ensure that spare parts are available. This position is ideal for experienced technicians looking to transition into management.
8. Maintenance Planner:
The Maintenance Planner is the architect of efficiency, using the CMMS (e.g., SAP, Maximo) to schedule all planned maintenance (preventative, predictive, and corrective). They are responsible for defining the work scope, estimating resource needs (man-hours, materials, tools), and ensuring optimal scheduling to minimize impact on production. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are a must.
9. Mechanical / Electrical / Instrument Technicians:
The core technical roles.
Mechanical Techs: Focus on rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines) and static equipment (valves, pipes, pressure vessels). Requires certification in fitting, overhaul, and alignment.
Electrical Techs: Maintain switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), generators, and high-voltage (HV) systems. Requires knowledge of hazardous area standards (ATEX/IECEx).
Instrument Techs: Calibrate and maintain all process control and safety systems, including transmitters, control valves, fire and gas detection systems, and ESD/PSD systems. Requires expertise in field instrumentation and PLC/DCS interfaces.
10. Safety Officer:
The guardian of the workforce and assets. The Safety Officer conducts daily safety meetings, performs regular site inspections, investigates incidents, manages safety documentation (JSA, TRA), and ensures compliance with both international (OSHA, OHSAS 45001) and Angolan HSE regulations. A NEBOSH or equivalent certification is essential.
III. The National vs. Expatriate Context: Navigating the Angolan Employment Model
The Angolan government, through the National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), places a strong emphasis on Local Content. Companies operating in Angola are legally mandated to prioritize the hiring and development of Angolan nationals.
For National Candidates (Angolan Citizens):
This is an unparalleled opportunity for rapid career progression. Companies are investing heavily in training, certification, and mentorship programs to elevate national staff into supervisory and senior technical roles. Candidates who possess certifications, demonstrable field experience, and excellent English language skills (the operational language of the deep water sector) are highly competitive. These roles offer long-term stability and the chance to shape the future of the nation’s primary industry.
For Expatriate Candidates (International Applicants):
Expatriate roles are generally reserved for highly specialized positions where a demonstrable skills gap exists locally (e.g., specific subsea engineering, advanced process control, niche FPSO management). Successful expatriate candidates are expected to bring global best practices and a strong commitment to knowledge transfer and mentoring their Angolan counterparts. Competitive tax-equalized salaries, comprehensive rotation packages (e.g., 28/28), and full logistical support (visas, flights, accommodation) are standard for these highly valued positions.
IV. Logistics, Life, and Professionalism in Angola
Working in Angola’s oil and gas sector demands a high degree of professionalism, adaptability, and resilience.
Offshore Rotation: Most offshore roles operate on a fixed rotation (e.g., 28 days on/28 days off). Candidates must pass stringent medical and survival training (BOSIET/HUET) and be prepared for long periods away from home, working intensively in a remote, high-tech environment.
Onshore (Luanda) Support: Luanda serves as the primary base for corporate, logistics, and engineering support. While living costs can be high, expatriate packages typically cover secure, high-quality housing and transportation. National staff benefit from operating within the country's main business hub.
Safety and Compliance: Regardless of nationality, all personnel must maintain an unwavering commitment to HSE. Angolan operations utilize world-class safety management systems, and non-compliance is never tolerated.
V. Application Gateway: PCA Angola – Your Next Career Move
One of the active players in the Angolan sector, with immediate staffing needs across its offshore and onshore portfolio, is PCA Angola. They are currently seeking dedicated professionals for the roles listed above.
PCA Angola – Offshore & Onshore Positions
Locations: Luanda / Offshore (Deepwater and Shallow-water Assets)
Focus: Production, Marine, Maintenance, and HSE.
The Application Process: Keys to Success
Tailor Your CV: Do not send a generic CV. Highlight specific experiences that directly relate to the Angolan context (e.g., deep water operations, FPSO experience, African experience, specific equipment knowledge like Sulzer pumps or GE turbines).
Clarity on Certification: Clearly list all required certifications (e.g., BOSIET, CompEx, relevant trade qualifications, degree/diploma).
Specify Your Status: Your application must clearly indicate if you are applying as an Angolan National or an Expatriate Candidate. This streamlines the HR and compliance review process.
Cover Letter Focus: For expatriates, emphasize your commitment to knowledge transfer and mentoring. For nationals, highlight your understanding of local regulations and deep commitment to the country's energy future.
📧 Apply via Email: recruitment@pca-angola.com
Act swiftly. The demand for specialized personnel in the Angolan energy sector is immediate. Securing a role in this market offers not only a robust career trajectory but also the chance to be at the forefront of one of Africa’s most important industrial ventures.
