Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Commissioning Process Lead / Hydrogen Production Operator to support the commissioning, startup, testing and stabilization of a Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU) at a major industrial facility in Edmonton, Alberta.
Reporting to the HPU Commissioning Coordinator, the successful candidate will play a key role in transitioning the facility from construction to operations, ensuring equipment and process systems are safely tested, commissioned and brought to full production capacity.
This is a hands-on field position requiring strong technical knowledge of hydrogen production, industrial gas processing, process equipment and commissioning procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Support commissioning, startup, testing and stabilization of the Hydrogen Production Unit and associated process systems.
- Review commissioning packages, startup plans, operating procedures and technical documentation.
- Complete required operator training, competency validation and Safety Work Permit training.
- Participate in Construction Complete (CC) and Mechanical Complete (MC) walkdowns.
- Perform energy isolations and issue Safety Work Permits (SWPs) as required.
- Execute commissioning and startup procedures in accordance with approved plans and safety standards.
- Monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot operational issues and verify system performance against design specifications.
- Support commissioning of hydrogen production equipment, gas compression systems and associated process equipment.
- Work with engineering teams, vendors and contractors to resolve equipment deficiencies and startup issues.
- Coordinate and monitor vendors, subcontractors and technical support personnel during commissioning activities.
- Review, update and redline operating procedures and Site Work Instruction Manuals (SWIMs).
- Support safe startup, functional testing, operational verification and stabilization of hydrogen processing equipment.
- Maintain compliance with oxygen cleanliness requirements and safety protocols for high-pressure pure oxygen systems.
- Identify equipment deficiencies and assist with troubleshooting and corrective actions.
- Provide daily commissioning progress reports to the HPU Commissioning Coordinator.
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance and commissioning personnel.
- Mentor less-experienced commissioning personnel and support the training of plant operations staff.
- Ensure commissioning activities comply with established safety, environmental and quality requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum Fourth Class Power Engineering certification.
- Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on operating experience in hydrogen production facilities, including Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), Autothermal Reforming (ATR) or Gasification.
- Strong understanding of hydrogen production processes, industrial gas handling and associated equipment.
- Experience with industrial equipment troubleshooting, system testing and safe startup procedures.
- Ability to interpret operating procedures, commissioning documentation, P&IDs and technical drawings.
- Experience with equipment isolations, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and industrial Safety Work Permits.
- Knowledge of oxygen safety protocols and cleanliness requirements for high-pressure pure oxygen systems.
- Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively with vendors, contractors and multidisciplinary commissioning teams.
Preferred Experience
- Previous commissioning and startup experience in hydrogen production facilities.
- Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), Autothermal Reforming (ATR) or Gasification processes.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shift Units.
- Hydrogen (H2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas compression systems.
- Amine-based CO2 scrubbing and gas treatment systems.
- Industrial hydrogen processing and purification.
- High-pressure oxygen systems and oxygen cleanliness procedures.
- Experience supporting major industrial construction-to-operations transitions.
- Experience mentoring operators and supporting operational readiness.
Required Safety Certifications
- CSTS-20, including Basic Scaffold Safety
- Fall Protection
- Confined Space Entry and Monitoring
- WHMIS
- H2S Alive
- Applicable OSSA safety training
Additional Information
This is a one-year commissioning assignment at a major industrial project in Edmonton, Alberta.
The successful candidate must be comfortable working in an active construction and commissioning environment, performing hands-on field activities and supporting the safe startup of complex hydrogen production equipment.
Candidates must possess a minimum Fourth Class Power Engineering certification and demonstrate at least 3–5 years of direct operating experience in hydrogen production facilities.
Previous hydrogen production commissioning and startup experience is highly preferred.