Optimization Specialist Lead

Greenfire Resources; Calgary; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

RRSP or ESPP with company match

Paid time off

Professional development support

Annual performance-based incentive bonus

Job summary

A leading oilsands company in Calgary seeks an experienced operational leader to enhance facility optimization and oversee compliance across its SAGD assets. The ideal candidate has over 10 years in oil and gas, with strengths in process optimization, technical leadership, and teamwork. This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in oil and gas operations or facility optimization.
• Proven track record of de-bottlenecking and project support.
• Strong knowledge of SAGD production and process systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant optimization and de-bottlenecking initiatives.
• Support daily plant operations and performance monitoring.
• Plan and lead turnarounds and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support technical reviews and vendor engagement during equipment and chemical evaluations.
• Provide input into engineering design reviews, HAZOPs, and commissioning/startup planning.
• Contribute operational and process knowledge to facility upgrade and infrastructure projects.
• Support handover of engineering projects to operations with robust training and competency programs.
• Participate in budgeting, cost estimating, and execution planning for facility changes and optimizations.

Skills

Technical leadership

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

2nd or 1st Class Power Engineering Certification

Tools

PI

SCADA

Maximo

Job description

This position is responsible for leading facility optimization, de‑bottlenecking initiatives, and operational efficiency improvements across Greenfire’s SAGD assets. With a focus on reducing operating costs, enhancing reliability, and maintaining regulatory compliance, this role serves as a key technical and operational leader, bridging Calgary‑based engineering functions with field operations. The successful candidate may come from an Engineering (P.Eng.) or Power Engineering background, with demonstrated experience in process optimization, plant operations, and technical leadership in oil and gas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the General Manager of Operations

• Lead plant optimization and de‑bottlenecking initiatives, including chemical program improvements, efficiency enhancements, and performance trials.
• Work with Operations and Engineering teams to identify opportunities to reduce operating costs and increase production reliability.
• Develop technical scopes of work and oversee implementation of process improvements.
• Support technical reviews and vendor engagement during equipment and chemical evaluations.
• Provide input into engineering design reviews, HAZOPs, and commissioning/startup planning.
• Contribute operational and process knowledge to facility upgrade and infrastructure projects.
• Support handover of engineering projects to operations with robust training and competency programs.
• Participate in budgeting, cost estimating, and execution planning for facility changes and optimizations.

Operations & Asset Reliability

• Support daily plant operations, troubleshooting activities, and performance monitoring.
• Plan and lead turnarounds, including scheduling, cost tracking, and coordination of internal and contractor resources.
• Work with Asset Integrity and Engineering teams to monitor the health of boilers, separators, water treatment systems, and rotating equipment.
• Ensure regulatory compliance through management of inspection programs and operational readiness documentation (e.g., ABSA, AER compliance).

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational and engineering effectiveness.
• Oversee operational data systems and ensure data accuracy for analysis and decision‑making.
• Lead the preparation of technical reports and contribute to daily, monthly, and annual reporting cycles.
• Support safety, risk management, and process hazard analysis initiatives.

Team Leadership & Cross‑functional Collaboration

• Lead a multi‑disciplinary team of Engineers, Operators, and Specialists across Calgary and field locations.
• Foster a collaborative culture of safety, accountability, and performance excellence.
• Serve as the key link between field operations and Calgary‑based technical and leadership teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and power engineers to build internal technical capability.
• Perform other duties as required to support Greenfire’s operational and strategic goals.

Required Experience and Skill Set

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Process preferred) and/or 2nd or 1st Class Power Engineering Certification.
• 10+ years of experience in oil and gas operations, facility optimization, or process engineering roles.
• Proven track record of technical leadership in plant operations, de‑bottlenecking, and project support.
• Strong knowledge of SAGD or thermal heavy oil production, with familiarity in boiler operation, produced water treatment, and process systems.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks (e.g., ABSA, AER), safety programs, and turnarounds.
• Excellent communication, troubleshooting, and team leadership skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and control systems (e.g., PI, SCADA, Maximo) is an asset.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation and/or valid Power Engineer certification required.

Why Greenfire?

Greenfire is the newest oilsands company to publicly list on both the NYSE and TSX (ticker:GFR). Greenfire operates its two SAGD assets in the Fort McMurray region of Alberta, Canada. In 2020, the Company’s operations team was awarded the Energy Excellence Awards Champion for Project Excellence in Oilsands, voted by its peers to recognize energy excellence and focused advancement and collaboration with Canada’s energy sector.

Compensation

• Commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• RRSP or ESPP with company match
• Paid time off and professional development support
• Annual performance‑based incentive bonus