Senior Operator - Commissioning

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?

Job Title

Senior Panel Operator – Oil & Gas Process Plants

(Pre-Commissioning, Commissioning & Start-Up)

Department

Completions Resources - Operations / Commissioning

Location:

Site-Based – Oil & Gas EPC Project

Reports To

Principal Engineer / Senior Engineer - Commissioning

Job Summary

The Senior Panel Operator plays a critical role in operating DCS Panel to support field pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up & operation activities in an oil and gas process plant environment. This role requires strong technical knowledge of HMI/DCS operation, functionality of control & emergency system, plant systems, equipment operation and ability to work closely with commissioning and field operation, and a high level of HSSE awareness. The role reports to the Principal Engineer or Senior Engineer – Commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and verify Loop Check, Cause & Effect, Logic & Functional Check activities with E&I during pre-commissioning / commissioning activities.
• Support Field operation to monitor and record high pressure leak testing parameters from DCS.
• Operate DCS Panel to conduct Machine Test Run of various Rotating equipment like Compressor, Pump, Fan, etc. as per project specification.
• Operate & monitor DCS Panel during continuous / batch running of various sections of the Plant, Vendor Packages that are pre-commissioned, commissioned in staggered manner.
• Support client to operate the DCS panel during plant startup & performance test or as and when required to facilitate smooth handover.
• Continuously observe and regulate parameters like temperature, pressure, flow rate, and levels using DCS / HMI and other instruments. 
• Adjust controls and settings to maintain optimal operating conditions, ensuring product quality and plant efficiency. 
• Identify and resolve process abnormalities, malfunctions, or deviations from standard operating procedures. 
• Take appropriate actions during emergencies, including initiating shutdowns or coordinating with field operators. 
• Advise Field Operators to take corrective action, if anomalies are observed during plant operation from DCS.
• Maintain accurate logs and records of operating parameters, activities, and any incidents. 
• Effectively communicate with other team members, supervisors, and relevant departments regarding operational status, issues, and required actions. 
• Conduct routine inspections, perform minor maintenance tasks, and report any necessary repairs. 
• Adhere to all safety regulations, procedures, and project guidelines to ensure a safe working environment. 
  
  

 Key Technical Competencies

• Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Execution
• Proficient in executing Loop Check, Cause & Effect, Logic & Functional Check activities in close coordination with E&I.
• Proficient in performing run tests of various vendor packages from DCS, to achieve project performance guarantees.
• Start-Up & Operational Transition
• Hands-on experience in operating the DCS for supporting system start-ups including utility normalization, feed introduction, purging, and bringing systems to steady state.
• Commissioning of Process Units
• Strong understanding of process equipment (pumps, compressors, exchangers, vessels, etc.) and ability to operate them safely from DCS control room.
• Permit-to-Work (PTW) & Isolation Activities
• Competent in performing assessment studies before controlled bypassing of safety interlocks after relevant project approvals.
• Thorough knowledge on cause & effect diagrams, process flow & ESDs to facilitate maintenance job.
• Troubleshooting & Supervision
• Able to identify process issues related to plant operations from DCS, perform initial diagnostics, and provide timely updates to commissioning leads.
  
  

Key Soft Skills

• Leadership on the Commissioning Activity (when required)
• Capable of leading large sized teams or subcontractors on-site, especially during critical activities, and acting as the control room interface with Field Engineers.
• Job Organization & Time Management
• Well-organized in planning daily tasks, shift requirements, and coordinating closely with other disciplines (mechanical, instrument, electrical).
• Proactivity & Accountability
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying abnormal behavior in plant operation, plan isolations & maintenance activities, suggest corrective actions to service departments for normalizing the plant operation, without waiting for direction.
• HSSE Awareness & Compliance
• Strong commitment to safety standards, adherence to Industry Safety rules, ensures compliance with PTW and actively promotes a safe working culture.
• Communication & Teamwork
• Maintains clear and concise communication with field operators, fostering a strong collaboration.
  
  

 Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Technical diploma or certificate in Process Operations, Chemical Engineering, or relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant experience of DCS operation in oil and gas industry, with at least 5 years in commissioning and start-up roles.
• Demonstrated commissioning 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