Position Summary:
The Commissioning Operator will support the safe and successful commissioning, startup, testing, and stabilization of gas turbine and associated Balance of Plant (BOP) systems. The role will work closely with Commissioning, Construction, Operations, Engineering, OEM representatives, and contractors to transition systems from construction through Mechanical Completion (MC), commissioning, initial startup, testing, and stable operation.
The Commissioning Operator will have a strong field presence and will be responsible for supporting Construction Complete (CC) and Mechanical Complete (MC) walkdowns, system turnover activities, energy isolation and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Safe Work Permit (SWP) issuance, equipment operation, system lineups, functional testing, startup activities, and troubleshooting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Construction Complete (CC) walkdowns to verify systems and equipment have been installed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
- Participate in Mechanical Complete (MC) walkdowns, identify deficiencies and punch-list items, and support verification and closeout of outstanding items prior to system turnover.
- Support the turnover of systems and equipment from Construction to Commissioning and ultimately to Operations.
- Install, verify, maintain, and remove energy isolations/LOTO in accordance with site procedures and approved isolation plans.
- Issue and administer Safe Work Permits (SWPs) and other work-control documentation as required.
- Verify field conditions prior to authorizing work and ensure appropriate isolations, controls, and safeguards are in place.
- Perform equipment and system lineups in preparation for flushing, testing, energization, startup, and operation.
- Operate valves, breakers, pumps, compressors, auxiliaries, and other equipment as required during commissioning activities.
- Support gas turbine auxiliary system commissioning, including lubrication oil, hydraulic/control oil, fuel gas, starting systems, cooling systems, ventilation, fire protection, and associated Balance of Plant systems.
- Support equipment energization, first-fire preparation, gas turbine startup, synchronization, loading, testing, and stabilization activities.
- Monitor equipment and system parameters during commissioning and startup and promptly identify abnormal operating conditions.
- Perform field rounds and equipment inspections, including checking for leaks, abnormal vibration, unusual noise, temperatures, pressures, fluid levels, and other indications of equipment condition.
- Support functional testing, interlock testing, permissive testing, trip testing, and other commissioning test activities as directed.
- Work closely with Control Room Operators and Commissioning Engineers during equipment startup, shutdown, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of commissioning and startup issues in coordination with Engineering, OEM representatives, Construction, and other project personnel.
- Review and utilize P&IDs, electrical single-line diagrams, system descriptions, operating procedures, commissioning procedures, OEM documentation, and other technical information.
- Provide clear communication during shift turnover regarding equipment status, active permits, isolations, ongoing tests, operational risks, and outstanding issues.
- Maintain accurate operating logs, field records, checklists, and commissioning documentation.
- Participate in Job Safety Analyses (JSAs/JHAs), pre-job briefs, toolbox talks, and other safety meetings.
- Maintain a strong focus on process safety, personnel safety, equipment protection, and compliance with site commissioning and operating procedures.
- Support shift work, extended hours, nights, weekends, and changing schedules as required to meet commissioning and startup milestones.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience in power generation, gas turbine operations, commissioning, startup, or a similar industrial operating environment.
- Practical knowledge of gas turbine systems and associated mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and Balance of Plant systems.
- Experience with LOTO/energy isolation and work permitting systems.
- Experience participating in construction completion, mechanical completion, system turnover, or commissioning walkdowns.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, equipment documentation, operating procedures, and commissioning documentation.
- Strong understanding of industrial safety practices and the hazards associated with rotating equipment, electrical systems, pressurized systems, fuel gas, chemicals, and high-temperature equipment.
- Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and communicate issues clearly and promptly.
- Strong field troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary commissioning and construction environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Experience:
- Gas turbine commissioning and startup experience with large-frame or aeroderivative gas turbines.
- Combined-cycle or simple-cycle power plant commissioning/operations experience.
- Previous experience with OEM gas turbine startup and commissioning activities.
- Experience with DCS/HMI operation and plant control systems.
- Experience with first-fire, synchronization, loading, performance testing, reliability runs, and plant stabilization.
- Familiarity with system turnover packages, commissioning test procedures, punch-list management, and completion management systems.
- Previous qualification as an Authorized Operator, LOTO Authorized Person, Permit Issuer, or equivalent.
Safety Expectations:
The Commissioning Operator is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to safe execution at all times. The individual must be willing to stop work when unsafe conditions exist, maintain positive control of energy isolations, verify equipment status before operation, and ensure commissioning and construction activities are performed in accordance with approved procedures and site safety requirements.
The successful candidate will understand that commissioning and startup involve rapidly changing plant conditions and must maintain strong situational awareness, procedural discipline, clear communication, and a questioning attitude throughout all phases of the work.
