HyCO Lead Operator

About Air Products and BHIG

Air Products is a global leader in industrial gases, committed to driving innovation and creating solutions that support various industries. This role is with BHIG—Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases, a regional development and investment joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Air Products Qudra (APQ). BHIG focuses on supporting clean energy goals through low-carbon hydrogen production, aiming to drive industrial innovation and operational excellence across Saudi Arabia and the region.

Role Overview: HyCO Lead Operator

The HyCO Lead Operator will manage and supervise operating staff and activities within a shift for a world-scale HyCO Steam Methane Reformer facility for BHIG Company in Al Jubail, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Reporting to the Shift Supervisor, this full-time position involves overseeing day-to-day operations to ensure the safe and reliable functioning of the site, meeting customer demands. The Lead Operator acts as a specialist on shift, providing training and support, and executing daily tasks as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise operators on the designated shift within the HyCO Steam Methane Reformer Facility and Steam Turbine Generator.
• Ensure daily operational targets are achieved for safe and reliable site operation, meeting customer demand.
• Provide and maintain a safe work environment, demonstrating leadership in all company and industry safe work processes.
• Operate and direct staff for the HyCO Steam Methane Reformer unit, ancillary equipment (including STG and water treatment facility), and the pipeline network.
• Provide direction and guidance based on technical feedback from Engineering and Maintenance for troubleshooting, repair, and testing.
• Support and guide operations during commissioning, startup, and shutdown activities, maintaining accurate document control and monitoring quality assurance.
• Manage plant production efficiently using data-driven decisions to meet safety and reliability targets for maximum profitability.
• Prepare and implement safety work permits, LOTO, complete operations preventative maintenance, and assist maintenance and engineering teams with corrective maintenance.
• Monitor chemical inventory, report shift production progress, and provide operational solutions for shortfall areas.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulatory requirements and BHIG standards for EH&S, productivity, reliability, and quality.
• Act as on-shift Crisis and Emergency Evacuation coordinator and maintain customer communications.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Chemical Process Operations with 10 years of experience preferred. An Associate Technical Degree (2-year certificate) will be considered based on years of experience and competence.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Lead DCS Operations, with overall experience in DCS Operation and Field Operation.
• Experience as a DCS Operator in an SMR-based Hydrogen, Ammonia, Methanol, or Syngas plant.
• Proficiency with DCS platforms such as Yokogawa Centum VP or Siemens PCS 7.
• Deep understanding of Chemical Engineering Principles, thermodynamics, and process control.
• Wide technical knowledge in operations, engineering, and maintenance activities.
• Strong commitment and understanding of local environmental and health and safety requirements.

Required Skills

• Ability to maintain a high level of awareness and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and diagnostic abilities.
• Clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in English speaking and writing, with the ability to communicate with customers at the board level and between operations and maintenance teams.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position located in Al Jubail, Eastern Province. The role requires active participation in a dynamic operational environment, ensuring continuous communication and collaboration across shifts and with various teams including HSSE, engineering, and maintenance personnel.