Fuel Processing Plant Operator

At NAES our emphasis is on excellence. We recruit the strongest candidates in the power generation industry. As a global service provider, we continually seek talented individuals.

Title: Fuel Processing Plant Operator
Position Type: Contract, 6-7 Months
Location: Virginia
Reports to: Plant Manager
Status: Non – Exempt

Key Project Requirements:
• 2+ years of experience in a refinery, petrochemical plant, or chemical processing facility.
• Hands-on experience operating reactors, distillation columns, and high-pressure processing equipment in a chemical or fuel production environment.
• Knowledge of process safety regulations, including OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM), HAZMAT handling, and hazardous materials safety protocols.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, and automated process control systems for monitoring and adjusting plant operations.

Job Summary:
NAES is seeking an experienced Fuel Processing Plant Operator for a petrochemical processing facility in Richmond, VA. This 6 month contract role is responsible for operating and monitoring chemical processing equipment to ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous production of desulfurized diesel fuel. The Fuel Processing Plant Operator will be required to adjust process parameters, troubleshoot operational issues, and adhere to strict safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

This position involves working with high-temperature and high-pressure systems, handling hazardous chemicals, and operating reactors, distillation units, and related refining equipment to maintain optimal production conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operate and monitor petrochemical processing equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, hydroprocessing units, separators, pumps, and compressors to ensure efficient fuel production.
• Control process parameters, adjust flow rates, pressure, and temperature settings, and regulate chemical inputs to optimize production output and fuel quality.
• Execute start-up, operation, and shutdown of processing units following established standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and supervisor instructions.
• Sample and analyze product streams using lab testing methods to ensure compliance with industry quality standards, making real-time adjustments as necessary.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot process upsets, pressure imbalances, leaks, and equipment malfunctions, coordinating with maintenance teams to resolve issues.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and routine inspections on key plant systems, including heat exchangers, cooling towers, and pressure vessels, to minimize downtime.
• Follow all OSHA, HAZMAT, and EPA regulations for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals and petrochemical byproducts.
• Maintain detailed logs of process data, operational changes, and safety incidents to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with control room operators, engineers, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and efficient plant operations.
• Participate in safety drills and emergency response procedures to ensure preparedness for fire, chemical spills, and other incidents.

Job Requirements:
• Strong understanding of petrochemical processes, hydroprocessing, and refinery operations.
• Experience operating PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and SCADA systems for process control.
• Knowledge of industrial pumps, piping systems, pressure vessels, and gas/liquid separation equipment.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM), hazard communication, and emergency response protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), process flow diagrams (PFDs), and safety data sheets (SDSs).
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, high-risk industrial environment.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including standing for long periods, climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working around high temperatures, high-pressure systems, and hazardous chemicals.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Required to wear flame-resistant (FR) clothing, gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and other PPE as needed.

Education / Experience:
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of experience in a refinery, petrochemical plant, or chemical processing facility.
• Certification in Chemical Plant Operations, Process Technology, or Industrial Safety preferred.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (General Industry or Process Safety Management) certification preferred.
• HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials Handling) and TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) are a plus.

NAES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer competitive wages and benefits. We seek out and employ talented individuals who meet the qualifications for each position. Due to the large number of responses we receive to our postings, only those applicants with the required experience and qualifications will be contacted.