Commissioning & Start up Lead (Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) Hydrogen plants)📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Eram Talent is seeking an experienced Commissioning & Start-up Lead for Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) hydrogen plants. This contract role is based in Al Jubail, Eastern Province, and requires 5-10 years of experience. The successful candidate will oversee the transition of SMR hydrogen production assets from construction to commercial operation, ensuring safe and efficient plant startup.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational leadership to the site commissioning team.
• Develop and implement the Commissioning Execution Plan, including scheduling, resource mobilization, and budget management.
• Lead the end-to-end commissioning of SMR units, including the reformer furnace, shift converters, PSA purification systems, compressors, steam systems, and balance-of-plant utilities.
• Enforce rigorous safety protocols such as Permit-to-Work, LOTO, and HAZOP/HAZID compliance throughout all project phases.
• Manage pre-commissioning activities, including mechanical completion walkdowns, system flushing/cleaning, leak testing, instrumentation loop checks, and control system functional validation.
• Direct the first-time introduction of feedstocks and gases, manage the ramp-up process, and conduct performance test runs.
• Ensure all commissioning documentation is accurate and complete, and facilitate the formal handover of the facility to the Operations team.
• Act as the primary liaison between project engineering, EPC contractors, vendors/OEMs, and the client/owner's operations team to resolve technical issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering.
• Minimum of 10+ years in the oil, gas, or chemical industry.
• At least 5 years specifically in a lead capacity for the commissioning and startup of SMR Hydrogen plants.
• Deep understanding of SMR process chemistry, thermodynamics, and high-temperature furnace operations.
• Expertise in hydrogen safety, high-pressure gas systems, and PSA unit operations.
• Proficiency in interpreting complex P&IDs, control logic, and loop diagrams.
• Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary site teams and coordinating effectively with contractors and subcontractors.
• Strong analytical skills for root cause analysis during technical troubleshooting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with other hydrogen technologies (*, electrolysis, carbon capture integration).
• Certification in Project Management (PMP) or relevant industry health and safety certifications.
• Experience in both greenfield and brownfield project environments.

Work Environment

This is a field-based role requiring 100% site presence. Candidates must be willing to work at construction sites, which may include remote locations. Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or shifts during critical startup milestones is required.