Search Partners
Oil & Gas Recruitment Based in Melbourne
With a head office in Melbourne and clients across every state, we provide structured recruitment solutions tailored to critical industries, helping businesses secure skilled professionals through transparent, outcome-focused processes.
AUSTRALIA-WIDE COVERAGE
Oil & Gas Industry Recruitment Specialists
Search Partners specialises in Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Automation recruitment for the oil and gas industry, delivering workforce solutions across Australia from our Melbourne base. We support upstream, midstream, and downstream operations with a strong focus on safety-critical, compliance-driven OT roles—including SCADA engineers, control systems specialists, automation technicians, and data infrastructure professionals. Our recruitment strategies are tailored to each project phase—whether greenfield development, scheduled shutdowns, or ongoing asset operations.
We work closely with clients to define technical role requirements, verify industry certifications, and ensure candidates meet site-specific operational standards. Professionals sourced through Search Partners are often inducted for LNG facilities, refineries, processing plants, and pipeline environments. From control room operations to field-based instrumentation, we prioritise technical alignment, licensing, and familiarity with WHS, IR, and OT-integrated systems. For oil and gas hiring support in automation and control, contact Search Partners on (03) 7068 9457.
Securing Talent for Operational Technology, Automation & Control Systems Across the Oil & Gas Sector
The Oil & Gas industry faces unique challenges — from operating in hazardous environments to maintaining uptime, safety, and efficiency while driving digital transformation. At Search Partners, we help operators, EPCs, contractors, and service providers secure the specialist talent they need to deliver projects on time, safely, and profitably.
With over 15 years of domain expertise and 250+ successful placements across Australia, we understand the complexities of Oil & Gas projects — from offshore FPSOs and LNG facilities to refining and pipeline operations.
Our focus is on connecting organisations with high-impact talent across:
- Operational Technology (OT) – control rooms, SCADA, DCS, PLC, and remote operations
- Automation & Control Systems – design, commissioning, optimisation, and support
- OT Cybersecurity – safeguarding critical energy infrastructure from evolving threats
- Digital Transformation – IIoT, advanced analytics, and predictive maintenance
We recruit across technical, project, commercial, and leadership roles — ensuring clients have the people to deliver safe, reliable, and future-ready energy operations.
Areas of Expertise in Oil & Gas Recruitment
Operational Technology Executive Search
We connect Oil & Gas operators and contractors with senior leaders who shape OT and automation strategy, oversee transformation programs, and deliver operational excellence.
OT Strategy, Governance, Risk & Compliance Recruitment
In an industry where safety and compliance are paramount, we recruit GRC and compliance professionals who ensure adherence to global standards and mitigate operational risks.
OT Cybersecurity Recruitment
Critical energy assets are prime targets for cyber attacks. We place OT/ICS cybersecurity specialists with expertise in protecting SCADA, DCS, and industrial networks in high-risk environments.
Control Systems Recruitment
From offshore platforms to refineries, we source engineers and managers with hands-on experience in DCS, SCADA, PLCs, and SIS to ensure systems run safely and efficiently.
Industrial Automation Recruitment
Automation drives efficiency in exploration, production, and refining. We secure automation engineers, integration experts, and digitalisation professionals to improve throughput and safety.
Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Recruitment
We connect Oil & Gas companies with E&I engineers and technicians who ensure assets run reliably, even in extreme and remote operating environments.
Why Oil & Gas Clients Choose Search Partners
- OT & Automation Knowledge – We understand the technology and safety-critical challenges unique to Oil & Gas.
- Proven Track Record – 15+ years across the energy sector.
- National Networks – Access to specialist Oil & Gas talent across Australia.
- Relationship-First Approach – We partner for the long term to deliver sustainable workforce solutions.
Recent Oil & Gas Engagements
- Placed Control Systems Engineers for FPSO projects in WA.
- Delivered a National Business Manager for a systems integrator servicing LNG operations.
- Recruited OT Cybersecurity Principals for consultancies supporting major Oil & Gas operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas roles?
Upstream roles relate to exploration and production, such as drilling engineers, rig operators, and geoscientists. Midstream includes transport and storage roles like pipeline technicians, SCADA operators, and logistics coordinators. Downstream involves refining and distribution, with roles in process control, instrumentation, maintenance, and operations. Each phase requires different licensing, system knowledge, and often, site-specific compliance documentation.
How do I qualify for oil and gas contracting roles?
Contracting roles in oil and gas require a combination of industry experience and valid certifications. These may include confined space entry, working at heights, high-risk work licences, and site inductions such as BOSIET, MSIC or permit-to-work training. Roles with control systems or instrumentation functions also demand experience with SCADA, DCS, or PLC technologies used in the energy sector.
Which oil and gas roles are in highest demand?
High-demand roles often include mechanical fitters, automation engineers, pipeline technicians, control room operators, and HSE advisors. OT engineers with experience in cybersecurity, industrial networks, and remote telemetry are also increasingly sought after due to the sector’s growing digitisation and risk requirements.
AUSTRALIA-WIDE COVERAGE
Partner with Search Partners
We don’t just fill roles — we deliver the right people with the right vendor and domain expertise. Whether you need engineers, project managers, or executives, we can help you build safer, smarter, and more resilient Oil & Gas operations.
