Field Operator

Reimagine What’s Possible with Air Products

At Air Products, we challenge the status quo by leveraging the collective ingenuity and unwavering commitment of our global team. Together, we pioneer groundbreaking solutions that propel humanity forward—whether by powering space exploration, enabling critical medical care, or constructing the world’s most advanced production facilities. As a Field Operator at Air Products, you will play a pivotal role in sustaining these innovations by ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our hydrogen production facilities. This position demands technical expertise, operational vigilance, and a steadfast commitment to safety, making it an ideal opportunity for professionals who thrive in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

Your Mission as a Field Operator

Reporting to the DCS Operator and Shift Supervisor, the Field Operator is the backbone of our hydrogen production plant, responsible for executing round-the-clock operations with precision. Your primary objective is to meet and exceed customer production requirements while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence. This role is not confined to a control room; it requires extensive fieldwork, hands-on equipment monitoring, and proactive troubleshooting to ensure seamless production. You will be the first line of defense in identifying and resolving issues, performing routine checks, and executing critical startup and shutdown procedures to keep the facility running at peak performance.

Key Responsibilities

As a Field Operator, your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of operational, technical, and safety-related duties, including:

• Safety, Health & Environment (SHE):
  • Maintain a safe and stable work environment by adhering to all company and industry safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and permit-to-work systems for activities such as hot work and confined space entry.
  • Ensure strict compliance with Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Management of Change (MOC) processes, and Operational Process Hazard Reviews (OPHR) to mitigate risks and prevent incidents.
  • Serve as a certified first responder for plant emergencies, including firefighting, gas leak containment, and emergency shutdowns (ESD). Operate firewater monitors and other emergency response equipment as required.
  • Monitor and maintain safety-critical equipment and interlocks to prevent hazardous conditions. Conduct regular environmental compliance checks to prevent chemical spills and ensure adherence to environmental permits.
  • Uphold the BHIG Basic Safety Practice program to ensure the safety of all operational personnel.
• Technical & Operational Excellence:
  • Operate and maintain a Steam Methane Reformer-based hydrogen plant, including the CO2 Removal section, CO2 compression, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) with Tail Gas compression, and Membrane Unit, as outlined in Work Instruction Procedures.
  • Manage the pipeline network to supply hydrogen, steam, and CO2 to customer pipelines in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner.
  • Follow Site Work Instruction Manuals to produce and supply hydrogen, CO2, and steam while meeting customer requirements for safety, reliability, product quality, and flexibility. Ensure compliance with global best practices for EH&S, productivity, and customer service.
  • Monitor process variables such as flows, temperatures, pressures, levels, and analytical values through regular field rounds. Conduct detailed inspections using sight, sound, and smell, and make local adjustments to valves, dampers, and controllers to maintain process parameters within defined limits.
  • Collect routine process samples from designated points to ensure product quality and compliance with specifications.
  • Execute detailed startup and shutdown sequences for the entire plant or individual units, transitioning smoothly from cold, warm, or hot standby conditions to full-load operations. Assist in commissioning activities and participate actively in plant startup and shutdown sequences as per detailed procedures.
• Customer Collaboration & Communication:
  • Maintain strong customer communications and relationships at the field level, ensuring that customer demand rates are met while optimizing facility efficiency and profitability.
  • Provide timely updates and escalate any operational challenges or deviations to the DCS Operator and Shift Supervisor to ensure proactive resolution.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Field Operator who thrives in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in industrial operations, with a focus on hydrogen production, chemical processing, or related fields. Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&IDs, process control systems, and operational procedures is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to safety leadership, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team are critical for success in this role.

Join a Team That’s Changing the World

As a Field Operator at Air Products, you will be part of a global organization that is redefining what’s possible in energy, healthcare, and industrial innovation. Your contributions will directly impact the success of our customers and the communities we serve, while also advancing our mission to create a more sustainable future. If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role where your expertise makes a tangible difference, we invite you to apply and become a key player in our journey of innovation and excellence.