Commissioning Operator – Hydrogen Production Unit

Aplin; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Aplin is seeking an experienced Commissioning Operator for the Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU) in Edmonton, AB. This contract role covers initial start-up, testing and stabilization of the HPU, with field-based responsibilities and close collaboration with the commissioning team.

Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years of hands-on hydrogen facility operations, 4th Class Power Engineer certification, and strong experience in industrial commissioning and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on operating experience in hydrogen production facilities.
• Experience with hydrogen production technologies such as SMR, ATR or Gasification.
• Experience in industrial project commissioning or start-up roles preferred.
• Strong understanding of industrial operations, troubleshooting and commissioning procedures.
• Experience working with vendors, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Understanding of Safety Work Permits (SWPs) and energy isolation procedures.
• Knowledge of high-pressure pure oxygen systems and related safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the commissioning and start-up of the Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU), including initial equipment start-up, testing and stabilization.
• Review system commissioning packages, procedures and start-up plans with the HPU Commissioning Coordinator.
• Execute commissioning and start-up procedures to ensure equipment is safely energized, tested and operating per design specifications.
• Support Construction Complete (CC) and Mechanical Complete (MC) walkdowns and energy isolation.
• Install energy isolations and issue Safety Work Permits (SWPs) as required.
• Provide daily progress reports and coordinate with the HPU CSU Coordinator.

Skills

Hands-on operating experience

Hydrogen production knowledge

Commissioning & start-up experience

Safety procedures understanding

Education

4th Class Power Engineer certification

Job description

Aplin is supporting our client in finding an experienced Commissioning Operator - Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU) to support a major industrial project in Edmonton, AB.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on operator with experience in hydrogen production facilities and industrial commissioning. The successful candidate will play a key role in the initial start‑up, testing and stabilization of the Hydrogen Production Unit, ensuring equipment and systems are safely commissioned and brought to full production capacity in accordance with project specifications and safety standards.

Position Details

• Location: Edmonton, AB
• Work Environment: Project field-based
• Duration: December 7, 2026 - December 6, 2027
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Employment Type: Contract
• Pay Type: Hourly

Key Responsibilities
Commissioning & Start-Up

• Support the commissioning and start-up of the Hydrogen Production Unit (HPU), including initial equipment start‑up, testing and operational stabilization.
• Review system commissioning packages, procedures and start‑up plans alongside the HPU Commissioning Coordinator.
• Execute commissioning and start‑up procedures to ensure equipment is safely energized, tested and operating according to design specifications.
• Support Construction Complete (CC) and Mechanical Complete (MC) system walkdowns.
• Install energy isolations and issue Safety Work Permits (SWPs), as required.
• Follow direction from the HPU CSU Coordinator and provide daily progress reports.

Field Operations & Technical Support

• Troubleshoot equipment and verify system performance throughout commissioning and start‑up activities.
• Support and manage vendors and contractors while on‑site, monitoring progress and addressing operational issues.
• Redline Site Work Instruction Manuals (SWIMs), also known as Operating Procedures, to reflect operational requirements and updates.
• Ensure all field activities are completed in accordance with Air Products safety standards and project procedures.
• Apply operational knowledge and hands‑on experience to support safe and efficient commissioning activities.

Leadership, Training & Collaboration

• Work closely with commissioning coordinators, vendors, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Share commissioning experience, technical knowledge and operational expertise with less experienced team members.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to other members of the commissioning team.
• Support the training and competency development of Operations personnel.
• Assist with the transition of the HPU from commissioning and start‑up into operational readiness.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4th Class Power Engineer certification (minimum required).
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on operating experience within hydrogen production facilities.
• Experience with hydrogen production technologies, including Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), Autothermal Reforming (ATR) or Gasification.
• Previous experience in industrial project commissioning or start‑up roles is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of industrial operations, equipment troubleshooting and commissioning procedures.
• Experience working with vendors, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Understanding of Safety Work Permits (SWPs) and energy isolation procedures.
• Knowledge of high‑pressure pure oxygen systems, including cleanliness protocols and associated safety requirements.

Technical Experience Considered an Asset
Experience or technical knowledge in the following areas would be highly valued:

• Hydrogen production technologies, including SMR, ATR and Gasification.
• CO Shift Units.
• Hydrogen (H?) and Carbon Dioxide (CO?) gas compression.
• Amine CO? scrubbing systems.High‑pressure pure oxygen systems and oxygen cleanliness requirements.
• Industrial gas processing and hydrogen production facilities.

Required Safety Certifications
Candidates must hold current safety training and certifications, including:

• Construction Safety Training System (CSTS-20).
• Basic Scaffold Safety.
• Fall Protection.
• Confined Space Entry & Monitoring.
• WHMIS.
• H?S Alive.

Why Work with Aplin?
Aplin connects skilled professionals with meaningful opportunities across Canada’s leading industries. Our team works closely with clients and candidates to support successful placements and provide guidance throughout the recruitment process.

If you are an experienced industrial operator with hands‑on hydrogen production experience and a background in commissioning and start‑up activities, we’d love to hear from you!

At Aplin - together with our brands CompuStaff, Impact Recruitment, and Vantix Systems - we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers. Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.