Commissioning & Start-up Lead - SMR Hydrogen Plants

About the role

Eram Talent is seeking an experienced, safety-conscious Commissioning & Start-up (CSU) Lead to oversee the transition of Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) hydrogen production assets from construction to commercial operation. The role leads the field execution team, manages interfaces between engineering, construction and operations, and ensures plant systems are safely commissioned, tested and fully functional according to project specifications and industry standards. It is a 100% site-presence position based in Al Jubail.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational leadership for the site commissioning team and develop the Commissioning Execution Plan, including scheduling, resource mobilization and budget management.
• Lead end-to-end commissioning of SMR units: reformer furnace, shift converters, PSA purification systems, compressors, steam systems and balance-of-plant utilities.
• Enforce safety protocols (Permit-to-Work, LOTO, HAZOP/HAZID compliance) and act as a safety champion on site.
• Manage pre-commissioning: mechanical completion walkdowns, piping flushing and cleaning, leak testing, instrumentation loop checks and DCS/PLC functional validation.
• Direct the first introduction of feedstocks and gases, manage the ramp-up and run performance tests to verify design efficiency and production targets.
• Ensure commissioning documentation (test reports, punch lists, as-built records, handover dossiers) is complete and facilitate formal turnover to Operations.
• Act as main liaison between project engineering, EPC contractors, vendors/OEMs and the owner's operations team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Process Engineering.
• Minimum 10+ years in the oil, gas or chemical industry, with at least 5 years leading commissioning and startup of SMR hydrogen plants.
• Proven track record managing multi-disciplinary site teams and coordinating with contractors and subcontractors.
• Strong analytical skills for root cause analysis and excellent verbal and written communication.
• Willingness to work at construction sites, possibly remote or international, and to work extended hours, weekends or shifts during critical milestones.

Required skills

• Deep understanding of SMR process chemistry, thermodynamics and high-temperature furnace operations.
• Expertise in hydrogen safety, high-pressure gas systems and PSA unit operations.
• Proficiency reading P&IDs, control logic and loop diagrams.
• Preferred: experience with other hydrogen technologies (electrolysis, carbon capture), PMP certification or health and safety certifications, and greenfield and brownfield project experience.