Inlet System Operator

Inlet System Operator at Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO)

Locations: Akwa Ibom & Delta

Employment Type: Contract; Full-Time; Rotational Shift

About the Role

• We are actively recruiting a highly skilled Inlet System Operator on behalf of a premier Oil & Gas and Fertilizer production company. Operating within a world-class, integrated production facility, you will take ownership of the Ammonia Plant Front-End / Inlet Systems, encompassing Natural Gas reception, feed gas compression, and desulfurization (Amine/ZnO) units.
• This role is the critical first step in the ammonia synthesis value chain, ensuring the delivery of clean, high-quality feedstock to the reformers.
• The ideal candidate is deeply ingrained in a "Goal Zero" HSE culture, possesses advanced expertise in high-pressure gas processing, rotating equipment (centrifugal/reciprocating compressors), and DCS monitoring, and is committed to Asset Integrity and Operating within Safe Operating Limits (SOL).
• You will utilize digital work management systems (CMMS) to drive reliability, minimize flare/venting, and ensure absolute process safety.

Key Responsibilities

Inlet/Feedstock & Desulfurization Operations:

• Operate, monitor, and optimize the Natural Gas Reception, Feed Gas Compression, and Desulfurization units (including Amine absorbers/strippers and Zinc Oxide reactors) via the DCS and field panels.
• Ensure the continuous supply of clean, sulfur-free feed gas to the Primary Reformer, strictly maintaining process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow) within Safe Operating Limits (SOL).
• Monitor and control critical inlet equipment, including scrubbers, knockout drums, coalescers, and high-pressure gas compressors, ensuring optimal separation and compression efficiency.
• Manage catalyst bed temperatures and breakthrough monitoring in desulfurization reactors to protect downstream ammonia synthesis catalysts from poisoning.

Process Optimization & Energy Transition:

• Analyze process trends and laboratory data to optimize amine circulation rates, steam consumption, and compressor anti-surge control, directly supporting the plant’s energy efficiency and flare reduction targets.
• Execute complex start-ups, normal operations, and Emergency Shutdowns (ESD) of the inlet systems in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks, participating in Deviation Management and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to prevent recurrence.

Asset Integrity, Reliability & Digital Work Management:

• Champion the facility’s Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS), monitoring for corrosion, erosion, and hydrate formation in high-pressure gas systems.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS - e.g., SAP PM / IBM Maximo) to raise, track, and close work orders, document technical histories, and manage spare parts for the inlet packages.
• Support Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategies, collaborating with the mechanical/rotating equipment team during condition monitoring (vibration, lube oil analysis) and Turnaround Maintenance (TAM).

HSE, Process Safety & Leadership:

• Strictly enforce the company’s Life-Saving Rules, Permit to Work (PTW), and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, ensuring zero energy incidents during maintenance handovers.

• Actively participate in Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Hazard Identification (HAZID), and Toolbox Talks, exercising Stop Work Authority (SWA) when conditions are unsafe.

• Operate safely in Hazardous Areas (Zone 1 & 2), ensuring compliance with IECEx / ATEX / CompEx standards for all instrumentation and electrical interfaces.

• Mentor junior operators and field technicians, fostering a high-performance, safety-first, and continuous improvement culture.

• Requirements & Qualifications

• OND, HND, B.Eng/B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Gas Engineering; or a recognized advanced technical certification in Process Operations.

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on operational experience specifically as a Panel/Field Operator in the Front-End / Gas Processing / Feedstock preparation section of a large-scale Ammonia, Fertilizer, Petrochemical, or Gas Processing plant.

• Proven, verifiable experience operating high-pressure gas compressors, amine/TEG systems, and desulfurization reactors.

• Deep understanding of gas sweetening, dehydration, high-pressure compression thermodynamics, and catalyst protection principles.

• Strong ability to read and interpret P&IDs, PFDs, compressor performance curves, and cause-and-effect matrices

• Familiarity with DCS/SCADA systems (e.g., Honeywell, Yokogawa, Emerson) and advanced process control (APC) concepts.

• Certifications & HSE: Valid HSE Level 1, 2, & 3 certifications; strong awareness of Process Safety Management (PSM). CompEx or equivalent Hazardous Area certification is a strong advantage. BOSIET/HUET and valid Offshore Medical (if applicable to site/terminal rotation).

What We Offer

• A highly competitive, top-tier Oil & Gas remuneration package with applicable rotation allowances.
• Opportunity to operate world-class, high-integrity front-end assets in an integrated fertilizer facility.
• Exposure to advanced digital work management, energy optimization, and flare reduction initiatives.
• A "Goal Zero" safety culturewith clear career progression into Senior Operations, Process Engineering, or Plant Management pathways.

Application Closing Date

4th December, 2026.