Field Operator

Role Overview

Field Operator at Air Products. The role operates hydrogen production and supply facilities, managing critical plant systems and customer pipeline networks.

Company Overview

Founded in 1940, Air Products is a world-leading industrial gases company with a proud history of innovation and operational excellence. The company demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Role Purpose

To safely operate Steam Methane Reformer-based hydrogen plants and pipeline networks, delivering reliable product supply to customers while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. The Field Operator ensures continuous monitoring of process parameters, executes startup and shutdown sequences, coordinates with maintenance and control room teams, and drives operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Health & Environment

• Maintain a safe and stable environment and demonstrate leadership with all Company and Industry safe work processes to prevent all injuries.
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained for all safety-related activities.
• Strictly adhere to all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) procedures, permit-to-work systems (Hot Work, Confined Space Entry), and safe work practices.
• Participate in and understand Process Hazard Analyses (PHA).
• Monitor and maintain safety-critical equipment and interlocks.
• Ensure compliance with process safety, Management of Change (MOC) requirements, and Operations Process Hazard Review (OPHR) requirements.
• Maintain certification as a first responder for plant emergencies, including firefighting, gas leaks, and emergency shutdowns (ESD).
• Operate firewater monitors and other emergency equipment.
• Ensure all operations comply with environmental permits.
• Prevent and contain chemical spills.
• Maintain constant vigilance for hazards.
• Ensure the safety of all operations personnel by utilizing the BHIG Basic Safety Practice program.

Technical & Operations

• Operate the Steam Methane Reformer-based hydrogen plant with CO2 Removal section, CO2 compression, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) with Tail Gas compression, Membrane Unit and related utilities as prescribed by Work Instruction Procedures.
• Operate the pipeline network to supply Hydrogen, steam and CO2 to customers' pipelines safely and efficiently.
• Ensure BHIG standards and global best practices for Environmental Health & Safety, productivity, reliability, quality, and overall customer service are met.
• Meet customer requirements regarding safety, reliability, product quality, and flexibility of product supply.
• Maintain customer communications and relationships at the field level, ensuring customer demand rates are satisfied while maximizing facility efficiency and profitability.
• Follow Site Work Instruction Manuals for production and supply of Product H2, CO2 and Steam along with other operating and maintenance procedures and checklists.
• Constantly monitor all process variables including flows, temperatures, pressures, levels, and analytical values by regular field rounds.
• Conduct detailed and timely field rounds to inspect all equipment using sight, sound, smell and by monitoring local gauges and indicators.
• Make local adjustments to valves, dampers, and controllers as required to maintain process parameters within defined limits.
• Collect routine process samples from designated points.
• Execute the detailed startup sequence for the entire plant or individual units/loops from a cold condition, warm condition or hot standby condition, ensuring a smooth and safe transition to full load normal operations.
• Assist in the commissioning activities of the facility.
• Actively participate in plant startup and shutdown sequences as per detailed procedures.
• Maintain constant communication with DCS Operator and Shift Supervisor, providing instructions for equipment adjustments, isolations and rounds.
• Liaise with the maintenance team to coordinate equipment preparation for maintenance including isolation, purging and blinding, and safe return of equipment to service.
• Conduct detailed and accurate shift handovers with incoming operators, highlighting any abnormalities, ongoing work and special instructions.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs of operating parameters, significant events and production data.
• Ensure accountability for accurate logging.
• Identify the root cause of process deviations and equipment malfunction.
• Work with engineers to implement long-term solutions.
• Suggest and participate in operational improvements and de-bottlenecking projects to enhance safety, reliability and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all Corrective Maintenance (CM), Preventive Maintenance (PM) tasks and Environmental Regulatory requirements.
• Support and prepare for Shutdown Planning and Turnaround Planning.
• Provide coaching and motivation to new Field Operators.
• Provide operations support and participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis to identify and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Execute operating directives from the Panel Operator to optimize plant performance.
• Execute other duties as assigned by reporting managers in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Chemical Process Operations with 5 years' experience preferred. An Associate Technical Degree (2-year certificate) will be considered based on years of experience and competence.
• Minimum of 5 years in Field Operation, specifically with Steam Methane Reformer (SMR)-based Hydrogen, Ammonia, Methanol or Syngas plants as Field Operator.
• Strong understanding of SMR process, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, furnaces, and rotating equipment, especially compressors.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting skills.
• Wide technical knowledge in operations, engineering, and maintenance activities.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to maintain a high level of awareness and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and diagnostic abilities.
• Clear, concise and effective verbal and written communication.
• Proficiency in English speaking and writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively between operations and maintenance teams.
• Strong commitment to employee involvement, team building and diversity.