Commissioning Operator – Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU)

Commissioning Process Lead – Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU)Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date: December 7, 2026
End Date: December 6, 2027
Position OverviewWe 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 InformationThis 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.


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