HYCO Operator

About the Company

Air Products is a global industrial gases leader founded in 1940, known for innovation, strong operational performance, and a deep commitment to safety and environmental care. The company works to create solutions that support space exploration, healthcare, and large-scale industrial production, while building a culture where people feel included and valued.

Position Summary

The HYCO Steam Methane Reformer Shift Operator is responsible for the daily operation of one of the APQ facilities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This may include a hydrogen steam methane reformer, CO2 removal and compression systems, auxiliary PSA, membrane units, related utilities, and pipeline infrastructure for Air Products Qudra.

Reporting to the HYCO Lead or Shift Supervisor, the role focuses on meeting customer production needs safely and efficiently while supporting operations, maintenance, engineering, and commissioning work.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the HYCO steam methane reformer, CO2 recovery systems, and related equipment, including water treatment units, according to operating procedures.
• Operate pipeline systems to deliver hydrogen, steam, and CO2 safely and efficiently, while also supporting oxygen and nitrogen pipeline products.
• Support plant commissioning activities and help maintain accurate records and quality assurance controls.
• Provide operational input to protect equipment safety, reliability, maintainability, and process stability.
• Coordinate plant output using guidance from plant management and production engineering to meet safety and profitability goals.
• Report production status, shift progress, and operating issues to the Shift Supervisor, along with practical solutions for gaps in performance.
• Apply safety practices such as work permits, lockout/tagout, and confined space procedures to support a strong safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with process safety, management of change, and operational health and safety requirements.
• Keep emissions and environmental performance within regulatory limits.
• Follow site manuals, work instructions, operating checklists, and contractual requirements for safe, reliable, and quality-driven operations.
• Manage shift handovers so continuity and safe operation are maintained across shifts.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to track plant conditions through a process advisory model.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance planning and execution, especially during shutdowns, to reduce disruption.
• Take part in incident investigations and root cause analysis to help define lasting corrective actions.
• Maintain strong customer communication at board level to meet demand and improve plant efficiency and profitability.
• Share plant updates with other shifts to preserve operational continuity.
• Carry out additional duties assigned by reporting managers in a timely and efficient way.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Chemical Process Operations is preferred.
• An Associate Technical Degree or 2-year certificate may also be considered, depending on experience and competence.
• At least 5 years of plant operations experience is required.
• Experience with hydrogen, SMR, or acid gas removal units is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local environmental, health, and safety regulations is needed.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills are important.
• Ability to work across operations and maintenance teams effectively.
• Comfort in speaking with customers at board level on a daily basis.
• Strong spoken and written English skills are required.
• Applicants with 5 to 15+ years of plant operations and leadership experience may be considered for future lead or supervisor opportunities after completing the operator progression course.
• Operators are expected to work toward Level 1 / Board Level capability within 2 to 4 years, based on experience and assessed competence.

Additional Information

Only candidates with substantial plant operations experience and leadership capability will be evaluated for lead and supervisor roles after the operator progression course. The role includes evaluation during the training period, and placement will depend on demonstrated competence. Once Level 1 is achieved, team members are considered both field and board operators.

What Success Looks Like

The role requires a strong focus on safety, reliability, product quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Success in this position means helping the facility operate efficiently, supporting dependable product supply, and building strong working relationships across operations, maintenance, engineering, and customer teams.

Company Values

Air Products emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, employee involvement, diversity, and a culture where every voice matters. The company seeks people who are committed to safer operations, stronger performance, and a cleaner future.