Commissioning Operator – Air Separation Unit (ASU)

Orion Group; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global recruitment leader is seeking an experienced Air Separation Unit (ASU) Commissioning Operator for a major energy project in Edmonton, Canada. The candidate will oversee the startup and stabilization of the ASU, ensuring compliance with safety standards and managing vendor activities. Requirements include a minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on ASU experience and a Power Engineer certification. The role involves significant field activities and training operations personnel. Competitive compensation and local hiring are primary factors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on operator experience with cryogenic air separation units.
• Experience in a project commissioning or startup role.
• Knowledge of Construction Safety Training System CSTS-20 and other safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the initial startup, testing, and stabilization of the ASU.
• Ensure equipment is safely energized, tested, and ready for production.
• Manage and mentor less experienced team members.
• Train Operations personnel and mentor less experienced team members.
• Collaborate with Vendors and Contractors on-site and manage progress.

Skills

Hands-on operator experience with cryogenic air separation units (ASU)

Strong understanding of cryogenic air separation processes

Knowledge of safety protocols in high-pressure oxygen systems

Ability to work as part of a team

Site safety coordination

Education

Power Engineer (minimum 4th Class)

Job description

Position Summary

Our global client is seeking an experienced Air Separation Unit (ASU) Commissioning Operator to support a major capital Energy project based in the Edmonton, AB area. The ASU Commissioning Operator will oversee the initial startup, testing, and stabilization of the ASU. Ensuring all equipment is safely energized, tested, and brought to full production capacity in compliance with safety standards. The position requires working with Vendors and subcontractors and significant “hands‑on” field activities, troubleshooting equipment, verifying system performance against design specifications, and training Operations personnel.

Responsibilities

HSE

• Adheres to all Project site‑specific safety directives and initiatives. Including the Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) plan. Also known as Safety In Transition (SIT) Plan.
• Understand and follow all EH&S Standards, especially with regards to Permitting work and energy isolation (LOTO) and the Basic Safety Process (BSP) requirements.
• Acts as a Safety Ambassador, planning and participating in all site safety drills and practices. Actively participates in regular site inspections, safety meetings and tool‑box sessions.
• Ensures all accidents/incidents are promptly reported.

Commissioning & Field Work

• Get up to speed as quickly as possible; work with your Commissioning Coordinator to understand the Commissioning and startup plans for the ASU.
• This includes reviewing the System Commissioning Packages and procedures.
• Complete the Safety Work Permit (SWP) training. While this training is extensive, the principles are aligned with other Alberta industrial sites.
• Support Construction Complete (CC) walkdowns.
• Support Mechanically Complete (MC) walkdowns.
• Install energy isolations, issue SWPs as required.
• Follow directions from the ASU CSU Coordinator and provide daily progress reports.
• Execute Commissioning and Startup procedures.
• Redline Operations Site Work Instruction Manuals (SWIMs, also known as Operating Procedures). Includes critical cryogenic equipment such as main & booster air compressors, compander, cryogenic pumps, and cold box cooldown.
• Support/Manage Vendors and Contractors while they are on‑site. Monitor their progress.
• Share CSU experience, opinions, and knowledge. Teach and mentor less experienced members of the team.
• Support the training of Operations personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Certifications (Academic, Professional): Power Engineer (min 4th Class)
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on operator experience with cryogenic air separation units (ASU).
• Experience in a project commissioning or startup role.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of cryogenic air separation processes, distillation, and molecular sieve technology (Temperature Swing Adsorption, TSA).
• Oxygen Awareness – knowledge and awareness of the protocols and criticality of cleanliness when working on high‑pressure pure oxygen systems.
• Required Safety Certification (OSSA & CSTS): Construction Safety Training System CSTS-20, Basic Scaffold Safety (CSTS-20), Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry & Monitoring, WHMIS, H2S Alive.
• Must be local to Edmonton / Fort Saskatchewan / Sherwood Park Area for daily on‑site work.
• Legally permitted (current) to work in Canada.
• D&A Test, Drivers Abstract and background check to be completed upon successful interview.

People are our business worldwide

Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.