Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd. (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: Residue Gas Compressor Operator
Locations: Akwa Ibom and Delta Employment Type: Contract | Full-Time | Rotational Shift & Contract
About the Role
We are actively recruiting a highly specialized Residue Gas Compressor Operator. Operating within a world-class, integrated Ammonia/Urea production facility, you will take ownership of the critical Residue Gas / Tail Gas Compression systems and associated rotating equipment. This role is pivotal in maximizing synthesis loop efficiency, managing purge gas recovery for fuel optimization, and driving flare reduction/energy transition initiatives.
The ideal candidate is deeply ingrained in a "Goal Zero" HSE culture, possesses advanced expertise in centrifugal compressor performance, anti-surge control, and dry gas seals, and is committed to Asset Integrity and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM). You will utilize digital work management systems (CMMS) to ensure zero unplanned downtime and absolute process safety.
Key Responsibilities Residue Gas Compression & Rotating Equipment Operations:
Operate, monitor, and optimize the Residue Gas Compressor (RGC), Synthesis Gas Compressors, and associated utility compressors from the DCS panel and/or field, ensuring stable performance across all load conditions.
Monitor and control critical compressor parameters: anti-surge control systems, dry gas seals (DGS), lube oil consoles, vibration/protection systems, and interstage cooling.
Analyze compressor performance curves, calculate polytropic/isentropic efficiency, and execute real-time adjustments to maximize throughput while preventing surge, stonewall, or mechanical damage.
Manage the compression of ammonia synthesis loop purge gas / tail gas, optimizing the recovery system to supply fuel to the Primary Reformer, directly supporting the plant’s flare reduction and energy efficiency targets.
Ammonia Process Integration & Optimization:
Ensure seamless integration of the compression systems with the Ammonia Synthesis Loop, Primary/Secondary Reformers, and Methanation units.
Collaborate with Process Engineers to optimize synthesis loop pressure, purge rates, and hydrogen recovery based on compressor capacity and residue gas composition.
Execute complex start-ups, normal operations, and Emergency Shutdowns (ESD) of the compressor packages in strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and OEM guidelines.
Asset Integrity, Reliability & Digital Work Management:
Champion the facility’s Asset Integrity Management System (AIMS) for all rotating equipment, utilizing condition monitoring data (vibration, lube oil analysis, thermography) to predict and prevent failures.
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 compressor packages.
Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), failure mode investigations, and Management of Change (MOC) for compressor modifications or operational tweaks.
Support Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) strategies and coordinate with the mechanical/rotating equipment engineering team during Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) and major overhauls.
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.
Operate safely in Hazardous Areas (Zone 1 & 2), ensuring compliance with IECEx / ATEX / CompEx standards for all instrumentation and electrical interfaces on the compressor skids.
Mentor junior operators and field technicians, fostering a high-performance, safety-first, and continuous improvement culture.
Requirements & Qualifications
OND, HND, B. Eng / B.Sc Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Gas Engineering; or a recognized advanced technical certification in Rotating Equipment/Compressor Operations
Minimum of 5 years of hands-on operational experience specifically as a Panel/Field Operator or Rotating Equipment Specialist in a large-scale Ammonia, Urea, Fertilizer, or Petrochemical plant
Proven, verifiable experience operating and troubleshooting multi-stage centrifugal compressors (Syngas, Residue Gas, Refrigerant, or Air compressors).
Deep understanding of compressor thermodynamics, anti-surge logic, performance mapping, and dry gas seal systems.
Familiarity with Machinery Protection Systems (MPS) and Integrated Turbine Compressor Control (ITCC) systems (e.g., Woodward, Bently Nevada, GE Mark VI).
Strong ability to read and interpret **P&IDs, compressor performance curves, lube oil schematics, and cause-and-effect matrices
Certifications & HSE: Valid **HSE Level 1, 2, & 3 certifications; Process Safety Management (PSM) awareness. CompEx or equivalent Hazardous Area certification is a strong advantage. BOSIET/HUET and valid Offshore Medical (if applicable to site rotation).
What We Offer
A highly competitive, top-tier Oil & Gas remuneration package with applicable rotation allowances.
Opportunity to operate world-class, high-integrity rotating equipment in an integrated fertilizer facility.
Exposure to advanced digital work management, energy optimization, and flare reduction initiatives.
A "Goal Zero" safety culture with clear career progression into Senior Operations, Reliability, or Rotating Equipment Engineering pathways.