Location: Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
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Position Summary
We are seeking a highly capable and disciplined Lead Operator to support the commissioning, startup, and long-term operation of a small-scale methanol and desulfurization facility located in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring leadership through plant development phases—from HAZOP revalidation and procedure development to hiring, training, and leading an operations team through startup and into stable production.
The ideal candidate is a calm, confident leader with strong technical expertise in methanol and hydrotreating unit operations, arctic operations, and with a bias toward action. They will play a foundational role in shaping plant culture, safety standards, and operational excellence in a remote Arctic environment.
Key Responsibilities
Commissioning & Startup Phase
- Assist in HAZOP revalidation, ensuring process safety systems and safeguards are current and effective.
- Develop, author, and validate:
- Operating procedures
- Startup and shutdown procedures
- Emergency response procedures
- Support mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, and commissioning activities.
- Lead plant startup, stabilization, and performance testing efforts.
Team Building & Training
- Recruit, hire, and onboard a team of 8 operators.
- Develop and deliver structured training programs during commissioning.
- Mentor operators to achieve competency across all plant systems.
- Establish clear expectations for safety, accountability, and operational discipline.
Operations Leadership
- Lead shift operations with a strong emphasis on personal ownership and accountability.
- Maintain a visible, active presence in the plant—approximately 50% on the control board and 50% in the field.
- Set and reinforce a culture of:
- Proactive engagement
- Mobility and situational awareness
- Bias toward action and problem-solving
- Coordinate with production scheduling and logistics teams for truck loading/unloading.
Technical Oversight & Troubleshooting
- Provide expert-level troubleshooting and operational support for:
- Steam systems
- Heat exchangers
- Compressors
- Steam Methane Reformer (SMR)
- Methanol synthesis reactor loop
- Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) for hydrogen purification
- Diesel hydrotreater
- Glycol heat exchanger systems
- Ensure optimal plant performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Work as a team of two lead operators.
- Anchorage, Alaska based during design and construction.
- Transitioning to alternates for commissioning through stable operations.
- Remote Arctic operations in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
- Plant staffing model:
- 3 operators on day shift
- 2 operators on night shift
- Additional support for scheduling and product handling provided.
- Requires physical mobility, field presence, and comfort working in extreme conditions.
Qualifications Required
• Significant experience in chemical processing, refining, gas processing, or similar operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in plant commissioning and startup.
• Strong working knowledge of process safety systems and HAZOP methodologies.
• Proven ability to write clear, effective operating procedures.
• Hands-on troubleshooting expertise across multiple unit operations and process systems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to train and mentor others.
• High level of personal accountability, composure, and decision-making under pressure.
Preferred
- Experience with SMR operations, methanol production, hydrogen systems, and hydrotreating processes.
- Prior experience in remote or extreme environments.
- Background in small-team, high-responsibility operations.
Leadership Profile
- Calm, confident, and decisive under pressure.
- Leads by example with a hands-on, field-oriented approach.
- Establishes a culture of ownership, accountability, and action.
- Self-aware communicator who works effectively in small teams.
- While many successful candidates in Arctic environments trend toward introversion, strong interpersonal awareness and communication skills are essential.
Compensation & Incentives
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Potential eligibility for B-share equity participation in the company.
- Benefits package and rotational schedule details provided during hiring process.
Why This Role
This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in building and operating a facility from the ground up. The Lead Operator will directly influence plant performance, team culture, and long-term success while working closely with executive leadership.
To Apply:
Submit your resume and a brief summary of relevant startup and leadership experience. We will be collecting resumes and interviewing through mid-2026 with the intent to bring these positions on September 1, 2026. Please apply directly on Linkedin