Field Operator📣 Job Ad

About Air Products and the Role

Air Products is seeking a Field Operator to join its team in Jubail, Eastern, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is critical for the day-to-day field operation of the HYCO facility, ensuring production requirements are consistently met. The role involves extensive field work within a round-the-clock operational environment.

Role Summary

The Field Operator, reporting to the DCS Operator & Shift Supervisor, is accountable for the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of the hydrogen production plant and all associated units. This includes equipment monitoring, routine checks, startup/shutdown activities, and first-line troubleshooting to achieve production targets.

Key Operational Responsibilities

• Operate the Steam Methane Reformer based hydrogen plant, including the CO2 Removal section, CO2 compression, PSA with Tail Gas compression, Membrane Unit, and related utilities as per Work Instruction Procedures.
• Manage the pipeline network to safely and efficiently supply Hydrogen, steam, and CO2 to customer pipelines.
• Conduct detailed and timely field rounds to monitor all process variables (flows, temperatures, pressures, levels, analytical values) and inspect equipment using sight, sound, and smell.
• Make local adjustments to valves, dampers, and controllers to maintain process parameters within defined limits and collect routine process samples.
• Execute detailed startup sequences for the entire plant or individual units from cold, warm, or hot standby conditions, ensuring smooth and safe transitions.
• Identify the root cause of process deviations and equipment malfunctions, working with engineers to implement long-term solutions.
• Support and prepare for Shutdown Planning and Turnaround Planning.

Safety, Health & Environment Compliance

• Maintain a safe and stable environment, demonstrating leadership in all Company & Industry safe work processes and ensuring proper documentation for safety activities.
• Strictly adhere to all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) procedures, permit-to-work systems (Hot Work, Confined Space Entry), and safe work practices.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), monitor and maintain safety-critical equipment and interlocks, and ensure compliance with process safety, MOC’s, and OPHR requirements.
• Act as a certified first responder for plant emergencies, including firefighting, gas leaks, and emergency shutdowns (ESD), operating firewater monitors and other emergency equipment.
• Ensure all operations comply with environmental permits, prevent and contain chemical spills, and maintain constant vigilance for hazards.
• Ensure the safety of all operations personnel by utilizing the BHIG Basic Safety Practice program.

Collaboration and Documentation

• Maintain constant communication with the DCS Operator & Shift Supervisor, providing instructions for equipment adjustments, isolations, and rounds.
• Liaise with the maintenance team to coordinate equipment preparation for maintenance (isolation, purging & blinding) and safe return to service.
• Conduct detailed and accurate shift handovers with incoming operators, highlighting any abnormalities, ongoing work, and special instructions.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs of operating parameters, significant events, and production data.
• Provide coaching and motivation to new field operators and participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis to identify and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Suggest and participate in operational improvements and de-bottlenecking projects to enhance safety, reliability, and profitability.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a field operator role within a relevant industrial setting.
• Demonstrated ability to operate complex industrial plant equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong understanding of process variables, operational procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Proficiency in adhering to strict safety protocols, environmental regulations, and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, round-the-clock operational environment.