Decoking Specialist

Ruhrpumpen; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ruhrpumpen is seeking a Decoking Specialist in Kentucky to lead and supervise decoking operations, planning, scheduling, and executing coke removal from equipment and piping systems. You will coordinate project leadership across orders for new equipment, aftermarket, and revamps to meet contractual, technical, and safety requirements.

You will provide technical guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and PPE usage on site, with strong English

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems in refinery environments.
• Ability to read P&IDs, electrical diagrams, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Expertise in operating and commissioning complex decoking systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise decoking operations, including planning, scheduling, and executing coke removal.
• Coordinate and provide project leadership for orders for new equipment, aftermarket, and rework to meet contractual requirements.
• Guarantee compliance with purchase orders, delivery time, quality, and service levels as per contract.
• Provide technical guidance and support to decoking teams, troubleshoot issues, and optimize equipment usage.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, PPE usage, hazard identification and mitigation during decoking activities.
• Perform site-specific modifications for non-standardized or customer-dependent decoking equipment.

Skills

Decoking systems

P&IDs reading

Diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

Electrical diagrams

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Teamwork

English communication

Job description

Working at Ruhrpumpen means being part of a team that values innovation, dynamism, and creativity. Continue developing your career with us and watch your potential grow.

Job Responsibilities

The Decoking Specialist is responsible for being able to lead and supervise decoking operations, including planning, scheduling, and executing the removal of coke deposits from equipment and piping systems. Coordinate, and provide project leadership for all phases of orders for new equipment, aftermarket, and rework equipment to meet or exceed the customers contractual, technical, commercial, on-time delivery, and performance requirements. Guarantee compliance with each purchase order (order entry) received, based on agreements with the customer in the contract, for delivery time, quality of equipment and information and level of service. Provide technical guidance and support to decoking teams, offering solutions to technical challenges, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring proper utilization of equipment and resources. Ensure that all decoking activities adhere to strict safety protocols and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification, and mitigation measures.

1. Installation & System Assembly
   • Install pump units and all related subsystems, including motors, gearboxes, turbines, coolers, lube oil units, mechanical seals, and oil supply systems.
   • Install and align decoking control valves, piping, pump control panels, and soft starters.
   • Assemble complete decoking equipment: winches, pulley blocks, crossheads, drill stems, drill stem drives, guide devices, cutting tools, enclosures, and instrumentation.
   • Inspect and verify customer equipment such as coker tower beams, guide rails, latching systems, and position switches.
   • Perform site‑specific modifications, especially for non‑standardized or customer‑dependent decoking equipment.
2. Pre-Commissioning & Commissioning
3. Maintenance, Repairs & Troubleshooting
4. Revamps, Turnarounds & Non-Standard Installations
   • Integrate non‑standard or legacy equipment into existing decoking systems during revamps.
   • Plan and manage turnaround activities together with internal teams or customer personnel.
5. Customer Interaction & Technical Support

Required Competencies & Skills

• Technical Skills
  • Deep understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems in refinery environments.
  • Ability to read P&IDs, electrical diagrams, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics.
  • Strong analytical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting capabilities.
  • Expertise in operating and commissioning complex decoking systems.
• Personal Skills
  • High communication skills in English (and ideally German).
  • Strong teamwork and customer service mindset.
  • Flexibility, independence, and readiness for high‑intensity work environments.

At Ruhrpumpen, we value every employee, recognizing that each person contributes to our success through their position. Open yourself to new opportunities and ways to grow. I live Ruhrpumpen!