Lead Operator – Methanol & Desulfurization Plant

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.