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

We are seeking an experienced and safety-conscious Commissioning & Start-Up (CSU) Lead to oversee the successful transition of our Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) hydrogen production assets from the construction phase to commercial operation. You will lead the field execution team, manage interfaces between engineering, construction, and operations, and ensure that all plant systems are safely commissioned, tested, and fully functional in accordance with project specifications and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Provide technical and operational leadership for the site commissioning team. Develop and implement the Commissioning Execution Plan, including scheduling, resource mobilization, and budget management.
• Technical Oversight: Lead the end-to-end commissioning of SMR units, including the reformer furnace, shift converters, PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) purification systems, compressors, steam systems, and balance-of-plant (BOP) utilities.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce rigorous safety protocols (Permit-to-Work, LOTO, HAZOP/HAZID compliance) throughout the construction, commissioning, and startup phases. Act as a safety champion on-site.
• Pre-Commissioning & Testing: Manage pre-commissioning activities, including mechanical completion walkdowns, piping system flushing/cleaning, leak testing, instrumentation loop checks, and control system (DCS/PLC) functional validation.
• Startup & Stabilization: Direct the first-time introduction of feedstocks and gases, manage the ramp-up process, and conduct performance test runs to verify that the plant meets design efficiency and production targets.
• Documentation & Handover: Ensure all commissioning documentation (test reports, punch lists, as-built records, handover dossiers) is accurate and complete. Facilitate the formal turnover of the facility to the Operations team.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the primary liaison between project engineering, EPC contractors, vendors/OEMs, and the client/owner’s operations team to resolve technical issues and resolve punch list items efficiently.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in the oil, gas, or chemical industry, with at least 5 years specifically in a lead capacity for the commissioning and startup of SMR Hydrogen plants.
• Technical Depth:
• 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.
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary site teams and coordinating effectively with contractors and subcontractors.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to perform root cause analysis (RCA) during technical troubleshooting of complex process issues.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to report progress to stakeholders and train operational personnel on new systems.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Working Conditions

• This is a field-based, 100% site-presence role.
• Must be willing to work at construction sites, which may include remote or international locations.
• Requires flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or shifts during critical startup milestones.