Senior Operator - Commissioning

Kindly make sure you apply through Petrofac's official career portal to be considered.

Petrofac is a leading international service provider to the energy industry, with a diverse client portfolio including many of the world’s leading energy companies.

We design, build, manage and maintain infrastructure for our clients. We recruit, reward, and develop our people based on merit regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status or disability. We value our people and treat everyone who works for or with Petrofac fairly and without discrimination.

The world is re-thinking its energy supply and energy security needs; planning for a phased transition to alternative energy sources. We are here to help our clients meet these evolving energy needs.

This is an exciting time to join us on this journey.

Are you ready to bring the right energy to Petrofac and help us deliver a better future for everyone?

Project Position: Senior-Operator-Commissioning

(Pre-Commissioning, Commissioning & Start-Up)

Reports To: Commissioning Supervisor

Job Summary

The Senior Field Operator plays a critical role in executing pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up activities in an oil and gas process plant environment. This role requires strong technical knowledge of plant systems and equipment, the ability to work closely with commissioning and control room teams, and a high level of HSSE awareness. The role reports to the Operation Commissioning Engineer or Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute field-based pre-commissioning activities such as line flushing, air blowing, leak testing, valve stroke checks, and system walkdowns.
• Support commissioning and start-up activities including system pressurization, purging, inerting, and hydrocarbon introduction under supervision.
• Operate process equipment locally (pumps, compressors, exchangers, tanks, valves, etc.) in coordination with control room or commissioning team.
• Perform isolations, implement LOTO procedures, and ensure systems are safe for work based on PTW and isolation plans.
• Monitor field equipment performance during start-up, troubleshoot abnormal conditions, and assist in stabilizing process parameters.
• Maintain clear and accurate communication with the control room and commissioning engineer during operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with HSSE procedures; participate in toolbox talks, field risk assessments, and incident prevention.
• Keep records of daily activities, report progress, and provide input for punch list and system handover documentation.
• Support operations readiness, including SATs, functional tests, equipment energization, and system turnover.
• Act as a field team leader when delegated, guiding technicians and contractors to complete assigned activities safely and efficiently.
  
  

Key Technical Competencies

• Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Execution
• Proficient in executing line flushing, leak testing, functional checks, valve stroking, loop verification, and equipment readiness inspections in the field.
• Start-Up & Operational Transition
• Hands-on experience in supporting system start-ups including utility normalization, feed introduction, purging, and bringing systems to steady-state under guidance.
• Field Operations of Process Units
• Strong understanding of process equipment (pumps, compressors, exchangers, vessels, etc.) and ability to operate them safely in coordination with the control room.
• Permit-to-Work (PTW) & Isolation Activities
• Competent in performing equipment isolation, applying LOTO procedures, and preparing systems for safe intervention and/or energization / pressurization.
• Troubleshooting & Field Coordination
• Able to identify field issues (instrumentation, mechanical, process-related), perform initial diagnostics, and provide timely updates to commissioning engineers/supervisors.
  
  

Key Soft Skills

• Leadership on the Field (When Required)
• Capable of leading small teams or subcontractors on-site, especially during critical activities, and acting as the field interface to the control room or engineer.
• Job Organization & Time Management
• Well-organized in planning daily tasks, aligning with shift requirements, and coordinating closely with other disciplines (mechanical, instrument, electrical).
• Proactivity & Accountability
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying readiness gaps, reporting system issues, and preparing tools/materials for upcoming tasks without waiting for direction.
• HSSE Awareness & Compliance
• Strong commitment to safety standards, ensures compliance with PTW and toolbox talks, and actively promotes a safe working culture in the field.
• Communication & Teamwork
• Maintains clear and concise communication with supervisors, engineers, and control room personnel, fostering collaboration a
  
  

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Technical diploma or certificate in process operations, chemical engineering, or relevant discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, with at least 3 years in commissioning and start-up roles.
• Demonstrated field experience in operating process plants (e.g., gas treatment, refining, petrochemical).
• Solid understanding of process equipment, instrumentation, and piping systems.
• Familiarity with control room coordination, P&IDs, equipment datasheets, and isolation plans.
• Proven commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
  
  

Additional Information