Commissioning & Startup Lead

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Commissioning & Startup Lead to oversee and manage critical startup activities for a range of complex industrial systems, including reformer furnaces, feed gas systems, steam systems, fuel gas systems, process air systems, syngas production units, and associated utility systems. In this pivotal role, you will play a central part in ensuring the safe, efficient, and successful transition of these systems from construction to operational readiness. Your expertise will be instrumental in driving the commissioning process, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and achieving optimal performance outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Lead and collaborate with diverse teams comprising operations personnel, engineering experts, construction contractors, licensors, and vendors to orchestrate seamless and safe plant startup operations. Your ability to align these stakeholders will be critical to meeting project milestones and operational objectives.
• Procedural Development & Review: Take ownership of developing, reviewing, and refining commissioning procedures, startup plans, test packages, operating manuals, and turnover dossiers. Ensure these documents are comprehensive, compliant with industry standards, and aligned with project requirements to facilitate smooth transitions between phases.
• System Testing & Validation: Conduct rigorous functional testing of critical control systems, safety interlocks, Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems, Burner Management Systems (BMS), and process control loops. Your technical acumen will ensure these systems operate reliably and safely before full-scale production begins.
• Process Optimization & Support: Provide hands-on support during catalyst reduction, reformer heat-up, steam-out operations, feed introduction, process optimization, and performance guarantee testing. Your expertise will help identify and resolve operational challenges to maximize efficiency and output.
• Compliance & Safety Management: Uphold the highest standards of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) compliance, process safety management, and permit-to-work systems throughout the commissioning and startup phases. Your vigilance will mitigate risks and ensure a secure working environment for all personnel involved.
• Troubleshooting & Performance Enhancement: Actively participate in diagnosing process upsets, equipment performance issues, and opportunities for optimizing hydrogen and syngas production. Your problem-solving skills will be vital in maintaining operational integrity and achieving production targets.
• System Handover & Performance Assurance: Lead the successful handover of commissioned systems to operations teams, ensuring that all systems meet design capacity, reliability, and performance benchmarks. Your leadership will guarantee a smooth transition into full-scale production, with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

Qualifications & Experience

Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in industrial plant commissioning and startup, with a proven track record in managing complex systems and cross-functional teams. A degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, combined with relevant certifications and hands-on experience in similar roles, is highly desirable. Strong leadership, communication, and technical skills are essential to excel in this dynamic and challenging position.