Commissioning & Start Up Lead (Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) Hydrogen Plants)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, safety‑focused Commissioning & Start‑Up Lead to oversee the transition of Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) hydrogen production assets from construction to commercial operation. Lead the field execution team, manage interfaces between engineering, construction, and operations, and ensure all plant systems are safely commissioned, tested, and functional per project specifications and industry standards. Leadership & Strategy: Provide technical and operational leadership, develop and execute the Commissioning Execution Plan with scheduling, resource mobilization, and budget control. Technical Oversight: Lead end‑to‑end commissioning of SMR units, including reformer furnace, shift converters, PSA purification, compressors, steam systems, and BOP utilities. Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict safety protocols (Permit‑to‑Work, LOTO, HAZOP/HAZID) throughout construction, commissioning, and startup. Pre‑Commissioning & Testing: Manage mechanical completion walkdowns, piping flushing, leak testing, instrument loop checks, and DCS/PLC functional validation. Startup & Stabilization: Direct first‑feed introduction, ramp‑up, and performance test runs to verify design efficiency and production targets. Documentation & Handover: Ensure accurate test reports, punch lists, as‑built records, and facilitate formal handover to Operations. Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as primary liaison among project engineering, EPC contractors, vendors/OEMs, and client operations to resolve technical issues and punch‑list items

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering
• minimum 10 years experience in oil, gas, or chemical industry
• minimum 5 years experience leading commissioning and start‑up of SMR hydrogen plants
• deep understanding of SMR process chemistry, thermodynamics, and high‑temperature furnace operations
• expertise in hydrogen safety, high‑pressure gas systems, and PSA unit operations
• proficient in interpreting complex P&IDs, control logic, and loop diagrams
• proven leadership managing multidisciplinary site teams
• strong analytical skills for root cause analysis (RCA) during technical troubleshooting
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• experience with other hydrogen technologies such as electrolysis and carbon capture integration
• certification in Project Management (PMP) or relevant health and safety certifications
• experience in both greenfield and brownfield project environments

Skills