Residue Gas Compressor Operator (Ammonia Plant)

Our Client: A Leading Oil & Gas and Integrated Fertilizer Production Enterprise

Location: Delta & Akwa Ibom

Job Type: Full-Time | Rotational Shift & Contract

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Technical (Minimum 5 Years)

About the Role

We are actively recruiting a highly specialized Residue Gas Compressor Operator on behalf of a premier Oil & Gas and Fertiliser production company. Operating within a world-class, integrated Ammonia/Urea production facility, you will take ownership of the critical Residue Gas / Tail Gas Compression systems and associated rotating equipment. This role is pivotal in maximizing synthesis loop efficiency, managing purge gas recovery for fuel optimization, and driving flare reduction/energy transition initiatives.

The ideal candidate is deeply ingrained in a "Goal Zero" HSE culture, possesses advanced expertise in centrifugal compressor performance, anti-surge control, and dry gas seals, and is committed to Asset Integrity and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM). You will utilise digital work management systems (CMMS) to ensure zero unplanned downtime and absolute process safety.

Key Responsibilities

Residue Gas Compression & Rotating Equipment Operations:

• Operate, monitor, and optimize the Residue Gas Compressor (RGC), Synthesis Gas Compressors, and associated utility compressors from the DCS panel and/or field, ensuring stable performance across all load conditions.
• Monitor and control critical compressor parameters: anti-surge control systems, dry gas seals (DGS), lube oil consoles, vibration/protection systems, and interstage cooling.
• Analyze compressor performance curves, calculate polytropic/isentropic efficiency, and execute real-time adjustments to maximize throughput while preventing surge, stonewall, or mechanical damage.
• Manage the compression of ammonia synthesis loop purge gas / tail gas, optimizing the recovery system to supply fuel to the Primary Reformer, directly supporting the plant’s flare reduction and energy efficiency targets.

Ammonia Process Integration & Optimisation:

• Ensure seamless integration of the compression systems with the Ammonia Synthesis Loop, Primary/Secondary Reformers, and Methanation units.
• Collaborate with Process Engineers to optimize synthesis loop pressure, purge rates, and hydrogen recovery based on compressor capacity and residue gas composition.
• Execute complex start-ups, normal operations, and Emergency Shutdowns (ESD) of the compressor packages in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and OEM guidelines.

Asset Integrity, Reliability & Digital Work Management:

• Champion the facility’s Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS) for all rotating equipment, utilizing condition monitoring data (vibration, lube oil analysis, thermography) to predict and prevent failures.
• 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 compressor packages.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), failure mode investigations, and Management of Change (MOC) for compressor modifications or operational tweaks.
• Support Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategies and coordinate with the mechanical/rotating equipment engineering team during Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) and major overhauls.

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.
• Operate safely in Hazardous Areas (Zone 1 & 2), ensuring compliance with IECEx / ATEX / CompEx standards for all instrumentation and electrical interfaces on the compressor skids.
• 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 Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Gas Engineering; or a recognized advanced technical certification in Rotating Equipment/Compressor Operations
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on operational experience specifically as a Panel/Field Operator or Rotating Equipment Specialist in a large-scale Ammonia, Urea, Fertilizer, or Petrochemical plant
• Proven, verifiable experience operating and troubleshooting multi-stage centrifugal compressors (Syngas, Residue Gas, Refrigerant, or Air compressors).
• Deep understanding of compressor thermodynamics, anti-surge logic, performance mapping, and dry gas seal systems.
• Familiarity with Machinery Protection Systems (MPS) and Integrated Turbine Compressor Control (ITCC) systems (e.g., Woodward, Bently Nevada, GE Mark VI)
• Strong ability to read and interpret **P&IDs, compressor performance curves, lube oil schematics, and cause-and-effect matrices
• Certifications & HSE: Valid HSE Level 1, 2, & 3 certifications; Process Safety Management (PSM) awareness. CompEx or equivalent Hazardous Area certification is a strong advantage. BOSIET/HUET and valid Offshore Medical (if applicable to site rotation).

What We Offer

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

Please note that only candidates who meet the strict 5+ years ammonia/compressor operations and HSE compliance criteria will be contacted.

Application Question(s):

• How many years of work experience do you have as a Residue Gas Compressor Operator within a world-class, integrated Ammonia/Urea production facility?
• Are you open to relocating to the plant location?
• What is your current Net pay, and what is your expected salary?
• What is your notice period?

Work Location: In person