HYCO Operator

About Air Products Qudra and BHIG

Air Products Qudra (APQ) is a joint venture that leverages the combined strengths of Air Products and Qudra. APQ is a partner in BHIG—Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases, a regional development and investment joint venture with Saudi Aramco. BHIG focuses on supporting clean energy goals through low-carbon hydrogen production and aims to drive industrial innovation and operational excellence across Saudi Arabia and the region.

The Role of HYCO Operator

The HYCO Operator will perform Field and DCS operations for a world-scale HYCO Steam Methane Reformer facility located in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position requires an operator to follow procedures and directions from supervisors, develop an understanding of basic safety process requirements, and identify potential site hazards. The HYCO Operator reports to the HYCO Shift Supervisor and is expected to perform field and DCS operations without direct supervision once fully competent.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe work environment and demonstrate leadership in company and industry safe work processes.
• Operate the HYCO Steam Methane Reformer, CO2 recovery units, and ancillary equipment, including water treatment units, according to Work Instruction Procedures.
• Manage the pipeline network for hydrogen, steam, CO2, oxygen, and nitrogen products, ensuring safe and efficient supply to customers.
• Provide operational support and guidance during plant commissioning and maintain accurate document control and quality assurance.
• Manage plant production efficiently based on input from Plant Management and Production Engineering to meet safety, reliability, and profitability targets.
• Report shift production progress and plant status to the Shift Supervisor, offering operational solutions for shortfalls.
• Execute daily tasks including preparing and implementing safety work permits, LOTO, completing preventative maintenance activities, and assisting maintenance and engineering teams with corrective maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with process safety, MOC’s, OPHR, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow Site Work Instruction Manuals and other operating procedures to ensure customer satisfaction regarding safety, reliability, product quality, and supply flexibility.
• Support and maintain close working relationships with engineering and maintenance personnel to monitor and evaluate plant systems.
• Participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis to implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Train new operators and participate in board reviews for lower-level operators.
• Take a leadership role in Turnarounds (TAR), outages, and start-ups.

Qualifications and Experience

• 6-10 years of experience in a relevant operational role.
• An associate technical degree (2-year certificate) may be considered based on years of experience and demonstrated competence.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve 'Level 1 / Board Level' status within 2-4 years, with operators evaluated and placed based on competence during training.
• Knowledge of local environmental and health and safety requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to employee involvement, team building, and diversity.
• Ability to communicate effectively between operations and maintenance teams, and with customers at the board level.

Work Environment and Expectations

This is a full-time position within a dynamic operational team. Operators are expected to develop expert-level knowledge in specified skill areas and assume multiple areas of responsibility. Professional development is emphasized, with a solid technical understanding of the designated plant process. The role requires independent work within a shift structure and full contribution as a member of the operations team. Operators may be required to assist in the startup and commissioning of new sites in the region and train newly hired personnel.