What Senior Planning Engineers Really Do in Kuwait

Working as a Senior Planning Engineer in Kuwait isn’t merely about creating Gantt charts and nodding over schedules. You’re the project’s GPS guiding timelines, budget forecasts, materials, manpower, and risk assessments across every stage of the build. One day you’re recalibrating baseline schedules; the next day you’re in a boardroom explaining project delays to senior management without sounding like you’re making excuses.

Most companies in Kuwait expect Senior Planning Engineers to:

Develop detailed project plans, from conceptual stage to commissioning.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams civil, mechanical, electrical, procurement, safety, you name it.
Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports.
Monitor critical paths and propose recovery strategies when things get messy.
Use software tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, and other planning suites.
Participate in project risk evaluations and cost control.
Maintain communication with contractors, consultants, and sometimes even government authorities.

Why Kuwait Is Hiring Senior Planning Engineers Like Crazy

You’re not imagining it Kuwait’s need for Senior Planning Engineers is at an all-time high. Several factors fuel this demand:

1. Continuous Infrastructure Growth

Kuwait Vision 2035 is pushing the country toward a diversified, modern economy. That vision includes mega-cities, expressways, hospitals, airports, oil refineries, and housing developments. Big projects = big need for planning experts.

2. Dependence on Expat Expertise

Local talent is growing, but many companies still rely on international engineers with broader exposure and niche experience especially in oil & gas, construction, EPC contracting, and large-scale civil development.

3. Retirement of Experienced Workforce

A significant portion of senior engineers in the region is retiring or transitioning. Companies don’t want delays, so they go global to fill the gap.

4. Visa Sponsorship Makes Hiring Easier

A lot of companies in Kuwait provide visa sponsorship for foreign professionals. This makes the entire hiring process smoother and attractive for applicants abroad.

Qualifications You’ll Need to Land These Jobs

Let’s be real: Senior Planning Engineers aren’t entry-level roles. Employers in Kuwait usually look for a mix of education, experience, and skill.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
A master’s degree is a bonus but not mandatory.
Certifications like PMP, PMI-SP, or PSP give you a big advantage.

Experience Requirements

Most companies demand at least 7–12 years of professional experience, with proven work on large projects. Experience in oil & gas, EPC, marine construction, and infrastructure gives you premium points.

Software Skills

You’ll need hands-on proficiency in:

Primavera P6 (the holy grail)
MS Project
AutoCAD (helpful but optional)
Cost control tools like SAP or ERP systems

Soft Skills

Technical skills get you the job but soft skills make you stay:

Leadership
Communication
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving
Team coordination
Time management

If you’re the kind who can juggle tasks without dropping the ball, companies will love you.

Official Job Post: Senior Planning Engineers Needed in Kuwait

Location: Kuwait
Job Type: Contractor
Salary: KWD 25,500 per year (Tax-free)
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Remote Position: No
Preferred Candidate Location: No preference

Frankly is partnering with a major Kuwait-based oil and gas provider to recruit Senior Planning Engineers who can take on strategic planning responsibilities within their project management division.

This is your chance to join one of the Gulf region’s largest operators a company known for excellence, large-scale projects, and a forward-thinking engineering culture.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Planning Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth planning and daily execution of major oil and gas operations. Your responsibilities will include:

Developing, maintaining, and updating detailed project schedules
Ensuring alignment between schedules, work scope, budgets, and contract terms
Monitoring daily and weekly progress across multiple project tasks
Producing professional project progress reports
Continuously analyzing task performance to identify potential issues
Coordinating closely with cross-functional departments
Attending project and coordination meetings
Identifying risks, hazards, and mitigation strategies
Adjusting schedules proactively to keep all timelines on track
Ensuring resource usage aligns with approved budgets and project requirements

This is a high-impact position that puts you right at the center of the project control ecosystem.

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any Engineering discipline
Strong, proven experience in project planning within the oil and gas industry
Strong IT skills and experience with planning software
Robust understanding of project management principles
Ability to develop, maintain, and analyze complex project schedules
Must understand engineering, procurement, and construction workflows
Excellent knowledge of oil & gas project phases: FEED, EPC, construction, commissioning
Familiarity with international standards and project control practices
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to mentor junior staff and lead planning discussions
Willingness to relocate to Kuwait and obtain a work permit
High attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work in multicultural settings

Salary & Benefits

This role offers an attractive compensation package designed for skilled expatriates:

Pay

KWD 25,500 per year (Tax-free)

Benefits

Private healthcare
Annual flight tickets
Performance bonus
Work permit included
Supportive relocation process
Long-term job stability (3-year renewable contract)

These benefits make relocating to Kuwait not just feasible, but genuinely rewarding.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to limited openings (only three positions available). Early applicants typically receive priority screening.

Click HERE to Apply

Salary Expectations for Senior Planning Engineers in Kuwait

Let’s talk money because why not? Kuwait doesn’t charge personal income tax, so whatever you earn basically goes straight to your savings.

Salaries for Senior Planning Engineers usually fall between:

KWD 1,900 to KWD 2,500 per month,
which translates to roughly
KWD 22,800 to KWD 30,000 per year,
depending on your experience and industry.

In oil & gas, salaries tend to be on the higher end. EPC contractors may offer mid-range, while private construction companies vary based on project size.

Most employers also offer:

Free accommodation or housing allowance
Annual flight tickets
Transportation allowance
Health insurance
Paid leave
End-of-service benefits

Pretty sweet package, right?

Benefits of Working in Kuwait as a Senior Planning Engineer

Beyond the paycheck, relocating to Kuwait comes with several perks.

Tax-Free Income

More money stays in your pocket. Simple and satisfying.

Career Growth

Working on massive, complex projects builds your portfolio faster than you think.

Diverse Work Environment

You’ll be collaborating with engineers from India, Egypt, the Philippines, Nigeria, Europe, and more. It’s a global mix.

Safe and Stable Country

Kuwait is known for its low crime rate and political stability.

Comfortable Lifestyle

Modern malls, beaches, restaurants, entertainment spots there’s always something to explore.

Where to Find Senior Planning Engineer Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

To make your job hunt smoother, here are the most reliable places to search:

1. Company Websites

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)
SSH International
Kharafi National
Gulf Engineering Company

2. Recruitment Agencies

Agencies like Frankly, Brunel, NES Fircroft, and Propel Consult frequently advertise visa-sponsored roles.

3. Job Portals

LinkedIn Jobs
Indeed Gulf
Naukri Gulf
Glassdoor
Bayt.com

4. Networking

A lot of jobs in Kuwait aren’t publicly advertised. A solid LinkedIn profile can do wonders.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired

Here are a few insider tips:

Tailor your CV to highlight planning-related achievements.
Showcase Primavera P6 skills clearly.
Use action verbs implemented, managed, delivered, coordinated.
Highlight mega-project experience.
Prepare a portfolio of schedules, progress charts, and planning dashboards if possible.
Keep your LinkedIn active and professional.

A recruiter should look at your profile and instantly think: “Yes, this is exactly who we’re searching for.”

Conclusion

Senior Planning Engineer jobs in Kuwait with visa sponsorship are some of the hottest engineering opportunities in today’s international job market. If you’ve got the experience, skills, and confidence to manage massive multi-disciplinary projects, Kuwait is a place where your career can skyrocket. The combination of tax-free earnings, job security, diverse project exposure, and welcoming work environments makes it a powerful destination for professionals seeking growth. Whether you’re trying to relocate, upgrade your career, or simply explore new horizons, this field in Kuwait is packed with potential and ready for experienced engineers like you.

FAQs

1. Do companies in Kuwait really offer visa sponsorship for Senior Planning Engineers?

Yes, many reputable companies actively sponsor visas for foreign professionals due to high demand for experienced planning engineers.

2. What software skills are most important?

Primavera P6 tops the list. MS Project and experience with cost-control ERP systems also help.

3. How much can I earn as a Senior Planning Engineer in Kuwait?

On average, between KWD 1,900 and KWD 2,500 monthly, depending on your experience and the industry.

4. Is Kuwait a good place to live for expatriates?

Absolutely. It offers a safe environment, modern amenities, and tax-free income.

5. Do I need Middle East experience to get hired?

It’s helpful, but not mandatory. Companies value global project experience just as much.