HYCO Operator📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Air Products, a world-leading industrial gases company, is seeking a motivated HYCO Operator to join its team in Jubail, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is integral to the daily operations of the Air Products Qudra (APQ) facilities, which encompass Hydrogen Steam Methane Reformers, CO2 Removal Units & Compression, Auxiliary PSA, Membrane Units, and associated utilities and pipeline networks. The HYCO Operator will contribute to the safe, efficient, and reliable production of industrial gases to meet customer demands.

Reporting to the HYCO Lead/Shift Supervisor, the HYCO Operator is responsible for maintaining the operational integrity of the HYCO facility. This role offers a career path with potential for advancement, including consideration for Lead and Supervisor positions upon completion of the Operator Progression Course. Individuals with 5 to 15+ years of experience in plant operations and leadership roles are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the HYCO Steam Methane Reformer, CO2 recovery units, and ancillary equipment, including water treatment units, in strict adherence to Work Instruction Procedures.
• Safely and efficiently operate the pipeline network to supply hydrogen, steam, and CO2 to pipeline customers, and manage oxygen and nitrogen pipeline products as part of the overall operating team.
• Provide operational support and guidance during plant commissioning activities, ensuring accurate document control and monitoring quality assurance initiatives.
• Offer operational guidance to ensure the safety, reliability, and maintainability of equipment, processes, utilities, and controls.
• Manage plant production efficiently based on directives from Plant Management and Plant Production Engineering to meet safety and reliability targets and achieve maximum profitability.
• Report shift production progress and plant status to the Shift Supervisor, proposing operational solutions for any identified shortfalls.
• Ensure the safety of all operations personnel by diligently utilizing the APQ Basic Safety Practice program, including Safety Work Permits, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Confined Space procedures.
• Facilitate, organize, and audit safety procedures to embed Air Products' safety culture within APQ.
• Ensure compliance with process safety management, Management of Change (MOC) procedures, and Operating Procedures and Health Requirements (OPHR).
• Operate the facility while ensuring environmental and regulatory requirements are not exceeded.
• Follow the Site Work Instruction Manuals for HYCO, CO2, and ancillary equipment units, adhering to other operating and maintenance procedures and checklists to meet customer satisfaction regarding safety, reliability, product quality, and supply flexibility, all while complying with contractual requirements.
• Adhere to shift turnover protocols to ensure a safe and efficient handover to the subsequent shift.
• Support and maintain close working relationships with engineering and maintenance personnel to continuously monitor and evaluate plant systems and equipment through a Plant Process Advisory Model.
• Support the maintenance and engineering team in maintaining plant reliability through the execution of scheduled preventive maintenance activities and coordination of corrective maintenance activities to optimize plant shut-down operations and avoid business interruptions.
• Provide operations support and actively participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Facilitate the attainment of operational excellence and customer satisfaction through initiatives focused on operations productivity, reliability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain customer communications and relationships at the 'board' level, ensuring customer demand rates are satisfied while maximizing the efficiency and profitability of the facility.
• Communicate plant activities with other shifts to maintain continuity for safe and reliable operations.
• Execute other assigned duties from reporting managers in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Chemical Process Operations is preferred. An Associate Technical Degree (2-year certificate) will be considered based on demonstrated years of experience and competence.
• A minimum of 5 years of plant operations experience is required, with demonstrated knowledge of Hydrogen/SMR/acid gas removal units production plant operations being a significant advantage.
• Knowledgeable in local environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• A strong commitment to employee involvement, team building, and diversity.
• Ability to communicate effectively between operations and maintenance teams.
• Capability to communicate with customers at the board level on a daily basis.
• Proficiency in English speaking and writing.

Required Skills

• Safety Work Permits
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Preventative Maintenance
• Corrective Maintenance
• Steam Methane Reformer Operation
• CO2 Removal Unit Operation
• CO2 Compression Operation
• Auxiliary PSA Operation
• Membrane Unit Operation
• Pipeline Network Operation
• Water Treatment Units Operation
• Commissioning Support
• Document Control
• Quality Assurance
• Process Safety Management
• Management of Change (MOC)
• Operating Procedures and Health Requirements (OPHR)
• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
• Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) best practices
• Productivity Management
• Reliability Management
• Quality Management
• Customer Service excellence
• Shift Turnover Protocols
• Plant Process Advisory Model
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Customer Communications
• Leadership Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Team Building
• Commitment to Diversity

Work Environment and Career Path

This is a full-time role based in Al Jubail, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Operators are expected to achieve 'Level 1 / Board Level' status within 2-4 years, based on their experience level. Upon achieving Level 1, all operations team members are considered field and board operators. Individuals with a minimum of 5 years to 15+ years of experience in plant operations and leadership positions will be considered for advancement opportunities, including potential progression to Lead and Supervisor roles.