Arun Raj Palakkattu

Professional Journey at MAKEEN Energy

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry, I have built a solid foundation as a Piping Engineer, advancing to my current position as Piping Engineering Manager at MAKEEN EnviroTech. My career has been characterized by continuous growth, evolving from design and engineering roles to leadership and management positions.

I began my journey in 2011 as the sole engineer based in India, progressively expanding my responsibilities. Today, I lead the Piping Engineering discipline and oversee a dynamic team of 17 engineers, managing all aspects of piping engineering across various stages, including design, engineering, procurement, and construction support.

How did your career start out?

My career began with a deep passion for the oil and gas sector, which inspired me to pursue a diploma in piping engineering after completing my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. My initial position as a piping engineer in Saudi Arabia provided invaluable hands-on experience, drawing me closer to my aspiration of working for a prestigious European company.

In 2011, I joined MAKEEN Energy as a piping engineer, marking a significant step toward achieving my career goals. Since then, I have worked on diverse projects, from new developments to complex upgrades, successfully integrating innovative technologies with traditional engineering practices and contributing to the company’s success.

How has your career developed at MAKEEN Energy?

When I joined MAKEEN Energy, I was the only engineer in India, requiring close collaboration with our engineering and project management teams at the Denmark headquarters.

After two years, MAKEEN Energy expanded its operations to establish an engineering department in India. With the addition of two assistant piping engineers, I transitioned into the role of Team Leader. This expansion led to increased workload and additional team members, which facilitated my promotion to Lead Engineer (Piping). In this role, I managed the engineering department in India, coordinating efforts with our offices in Denmark and France.

Currently, I serve as the Piping Engineering Manager, leading the entire piping engineering function, and I also support the Plastcon initiative, a recent addition to the MAKEEN Energy portfolio. I believe my professional growth parallels the company’s development.

Roles and Responsibilities

Throughout my tenure at MAKEEN Energy, I have taken on various responsibilities:

• Piping Engineering Manager: I lead the piping engineering function, setting standards, optimizing processes, and encouraging innovation within the team.
• Piping Lead Engineer: I guide my team through complex design challenges, ensuring all piping deliverables meet project objectives and comply with industry standards.
• Piping Package Manager: I oversee the execution of piping projects, managing timelines, budgets, and technical specifications while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additionally, my role includes Research & Development, where I have spearheaded initiatives focused on process optimization and advanced engineering solutions, particularly in the pyrolysis process, enhancing my engineering skill set.

How are travel activities a part of your job?

Coordination between our engineering teams in Denmark and India is a crucial aspect of my role. Frequent trips to Denmark improve communication, facilitate hands-on project management, and support collaborative development. These experiences have broadened my professional perspective and deepened my understanding of diverse work cultures.

I value the opportunity to engage directly with colleagues from different continents, believing that it enhances technical outcomes and strengthens team synergy. My responsibilities include coordinating between engineering departments in Denmark and India and supporting project managers in France and Portugal. Extended stays in Denmark are essential for effective communication during task transfers, project meetings, technical training, and resource planning for the Indian team.

What is the best thing about working at MAKEEN Energy? And what is your proudest achievement?

One of the best aspects of working at MAKEEN Energy is the positive workplace culture, where every employee feels valued and respected. I appreciate the “freedom with responsibility” approach, which allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

A significant moment in my career was being selected for the Plastcon team, a recognition I attribute to my established reputation. I also cherish the opportunity to learn from colleagues across various cultures within our global organization.

What I Value Most

The most significant aspect of MAKEEN Energy is its inclusive and empowering culture, where everyone is encouraged to take ownership of their responsibilities while ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

My Proudest Achievement

My proudest accomplishment was leading the Plastcon Piping Design and Engineering team. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my contributions and integrate my technical expertise in piping design and engineering to foster innovation.