Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) is an indigenous company that ventured into Exploration and Production (E&P) business in the year 2005 bid round held by Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and was successful with license OML 143 (formerly OPL 280). At SEEPCO, we are committed to excellence in the oil and gas sector, driving innovation, sustainability, and growth. Follow us for the latest updates, industry insights, and career opportunities.
We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Inlet System Operator Locations: Akwa Ibom & Delta Employment Type: Contract; Full-Time; Rotational Shift
About the Role
We are actively recruiting a highly skilled Inlet System Operator on behalf of a premier Oil & Gas and Fertilizer production company. Operating within a world-class, integrated production facility, you will take ownership of the Ammonia Plant Front-End / Inlet Systems, encompassing Natural Gas reception, feed gas compression, and desulfurization (Amine/ZnO) units.
This role is the critical first step in the ammonia synthesis value chain, ensuring the delivery of clean, high-quality feedstock to the reformers.
The ideal candidate is deeply ingrained in a "Goal Zero" HSE culture, possesses advanced expertise in high-pressure gas processing, rotating equipment (centrifugal/reciprocating compressors), and DCS monitoring, and is committed to Asset Integrity and Operating within Safe Operating Limits (SOL).
You will utilize digital work management systems (CMMS) to drive reliability, minimize flare/venting, and ensure absolute process safety.
Key Responsibilities Inlet/Feedstock & Desulfurization Operations:
Operate, monitor, and optimize the Natural Gas Reception, Feed Gas Compression, and Desulfurization units (including Amine absorbers/strippers and Zinc Oxide reactors) via the DCS and field panels.
Ensure the continuous supply of clean, sulfur-free feed gas to the Primary Reformer, strictly maintaining process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow) within Safe Operating Limits (SOL).
Monitor and control critical inlet equipment, including scrubbers, knockout drums, coalescers, and high-pressure gas compressors, ensuring optimal separation and compression efficiency.
Manage catalyst bed temperatures and breakthrough monitoring in desulfurization reactors to protect downstream ammonia synthesis catalysts from poisoning.
Process Optimization & Energy Transition:
Analyze process trends and laboratory data to optimize amine circulation rates, steam consumption, and compressor anti-surge control, directly supporting the plant’s energy efficiency and flare reduction targets.
Execute complex start-ups, normal operations, and Emergency Shutdowns (ESD) of the inlet systems in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks, participating in Deviation Management and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to prevent recurrence.
Asset Integrity, Reliability & Digital Work Management:
Champion the facility’s Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS), monitoring for corrosion, erosion, and hydrate formation in high-pressure gas systems.
Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS - e.g., SAP PM / IBM Maximo) to raise, track, and close work orders, document technical histories, and manage spare parts for the inlet packages.
Support Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategies, collaborating with the mechanical/rotating equipment team during condition monitoring (vibration, lube oil analysis) and Turnaround Maintenance (TAM).
HSE, Process Safety & Leadership:
Strictly enforce the company’s Life-Saving Rules, Permit to Work (PTW), and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, ensuring zero energy incidents during maintenance handovers.
Actively participate in Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Hazard Identification (HAZID), and Toolbox Talks, exercising Stop Work Authority (SWA) when conditions are unsafe.
Operate safely in Hazardous Areas (Zone 1 & 2), ensuring compliance with IECEx / ATEX / CompEx standards for all instrumentation and electrical interfaces.
Mentor junior operators and field technicians, fostering a high-performance, safety-first, and continuous improvement culture.
Requirements & Qualifications
OND, HND, B.Eng/B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Gas Engineering; or a recognized advanced technical certification in Process Operations.
Minimum 5 years of hands-on operational experience specifically as a Panel/Field Operator in the Front-End / Gas Processing / Feedstock preparation section of a large-scale Ammonia, Fertilizer, Petrochemical, or Gas Processing plant.
Proven, verifiable experience operating high-pressure gas compressors, amine/TEG systems, and desulfurization reactors.
Deep understanding of gas sweetening, dehydration, high-pressure compression thermodynamics, and catalyst protection principles.
Strong ability to read and interpret P&IDs, PFDs, compressor performance curves, and cause-and-effect matrices
Familiarity with DCS/SCADA systems (e.g., Honeywell, Yokogawa, Emerson) and advanced process control (APC) concepts.
Certifications & HSE: Valid HSE Level 1, 2, & 3 certifications; strong awareness of Process Safety Management (PSM). CompEx or equivalent Hazardous Area certification is a strong advantage. BOSIET/HUET and valid Offshore Medical (if applicable to site/terminal rotation).
What We Offer
A highly competitive, top-tier Oil & Gas remuneration package with applicable rotation allowances.
Opportunity to operate world-class, high-integrity front-end assets in an integrated fertilizer facility.
Exposure to advanced digital work management, energy optimization, and flare reduction initiatives.
A "Goal Zero" safety culturewith clear career progression into Senior Operations, Process Engineering, or Plant Management pathways.