Field Operator

About the role

The HYCO Field Operator works on-site at the Jubail facility and reports to the DCS Operator and Shift Supervisor. The role focuses on keeping hydrogen production running safely, efficiently, and in line with environmental requirements while meeting customer demand. This is a hands-on field position that includes routine plant rounds, equipment monitoring, startup and shutdown support, and initial troubleshooting across the production units.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for the daily field operation of the HYCO plant and related systems, helping ensure reliable production of hydrogen, steam, and carbon dioxide. The job requires close coordination with operations, maintenance, and supervision teams, along with regular communication with customers at the field level.

Safety, health, and environment

• Promote a strong safety culture and follow all company and industry safe-work practices to help prevent incidents and injuries, while keeping safety records properly documented.
• Comply with PPE rules, lockout-tagout procedures, permit-to-work systems such as hot work and confined space entry, and all required safe operating practices.
• Take part in process hazard analysis activities and stay familiar with safety-critical equipment, interlocks, process safety, change management requirements, and OPHR expectations.
• Act as a trained first responder during plant emergencies, including fire incidents, gas leaks, and emergency shutdown events, and operate firewater monitors and related emergency tools.
• Make sure operations remain within environmental permit conditions and help prevent, control, and contain chemical releases or spills.
• Use the BHIG Basic Safety Practice program to protect all operations personnel.

Technical and operational duties

• Run the steam methane reformer-based hydrogen plant, including CO2 removal, CO2 compression, PSA with tail gas compression, membrane systems, and associated utilities, according to the approved work instructions.
• Operate the pipeline network that supplies hydrogen, steam, and carbon dioxide to customers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Support BHIG standards and global best practices in environmental, health, and safety performance, productivity, reliability, quality, and customer service.
• Work to meet customer expectations for safety, product reliability, quality, and supply flexibility while maintaining strong field-level customer relationships.
• Follow site manuals, operating procedures, maintenance checklists, and supply instructions for H2, CO2, and steam production in compliance with all requirements.
• Carry out regular field rounds to track process conditions such as flow, temperature, pressure, level, and analytical readings, and make local adjustments to valves, dampers, and controllers as needed.
• Collect routine process samples from designated points and inspect equipment through observation, sound, smell, and local indicators or gauges.
• Perform detailed startup sequences for individual units or the full plant from cold, warm, or hot standby conditions, and support commissioning, startups, and shutdowns as required.
• Keep constant contact with the DCS Operator and Shift Supervisor regarding equipment adjustments, isolations, and field rounds.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams for equipment preparation, including isolation, purging, blinding, and safe return to service.
• Complete accurate shift handovers, clearly covering abnormalities, open work, and special instructions for the incoming team.
• Maintain precise and timely operating logs, production data, and records of significant events, taking full ownership of log accuracy.
• Work with engineers to investigate process deviations and equipment issues and help drive durable corrective actions.
• Contribute ideas and support improvement initiatives, including de-bottlenecking efforts aimed at better safety, reliability, and profitability.
• Ensure all corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance, and environmental regulatory actions are completed as required.
• Support shutdown and turnaround planning activities.
• Coach and guide new field operators as needed.
• Participate in investigations and root cause analysis, and help implement sustainable corrective measures.
• Carry out other tasks assigned by management in a timely and effective way, including operating instructions from the Panel Operator to optimize plant performance.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical process operations is preferred, along with about 5 years of experience.
• An associate technical degree or 2-year certificate may also be accepted depending on the candidate’s experience and competence.
• At least 5 years of field operation experience in an SMR-based hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, or syngas plant is expected.
• Strong working knowledge of the SMR process, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, furnaces, and rotating equipment, especially compressors.
• Good mechanical aptitude with practical troubleshooting ability.
• Broad technical understanding of operations, engineering, and maintenance activities.
• Ability to stay alert, make sound decisions under pressure, and solve problems effectively.
• Clear spoken and written English communication skills and the ability to coordinate between operations and maintenance teams.
• Strong commitment to employee involvement and team building.

About the employer

Air Products, founded in 1940, is a global industrial gases company known for innovation, strong operational performance, and a commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. The company works with diverse teams to support a cleaner future for customers, communities, and the wider world.