ASU Commissioning Supervisor

ASU Commissioning Supervisor
Role Overview
The ASU Commissioning Supervisor is responsible for leading the safe and successful commissioning, start‑up and performance testing of Air Separation Units (ASUs). This role ensures that all process systems, mechanical equipment and control systems are commissioned in accordance with project specifications, HSE standards and OEM requirements, through to final handover to Operations.

Key Responsibilities
Commissioning & Start‑Up

• Lead and supervise pre‑commissioning, cold commissioning, hot commissioning and start‑up activities for ASU facilities
• Execute commissioning procedures in line with OEM and EPC/EPCM standards
• Coordinate start‑up sequences and operational testing of cryogenic systems

Technical Oversight

• Oversee commissioning of key ASU equipment including:
  • Main air compressors and booster compressors
  • Cryogenic cold boxes and distillation columns
  • Expanders, turbines and heat exchangers
  • Valves, piping, insulation and instrumentation
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process and control issues during start‑up

Safety & Compliance

• Act as commissioning safety lead, ensuring:
  • Compliance with site HSE requirements
  • Permit‑to‑work and LOTO procedures are followed
  • RAMS are reviewed and implemented
• Lead toolbox talks and safety briefings during commissioning phases

Team & Interface Management

• Supervise commissioning engineers, vendors, contractors and operators
• Coordinate activities with Construction, OEMs, EPC/EPCM and Client teams
• Support operator training and readiness for handover

Performance & Handover

• Support process optimisation and performance testing
• Ensure ASU meets design capacity, purity and energy performance guarantees
• Manage punch list closure and final commissioning documentation
• Support transition from commissioning to full operations

Qualifications & Experience
Essential

• Proven experience commissioning Air Separation Units (ASU) or cryogenic process plants
• Background in Process, Mechanical or Commissioning Engineering
• Strong understanding of industrial gases systems (O₂, N₂, Ar)
• Experience working on EPC/EPCM projects
• Strong knowledge of commissioning procedures and start‑up methodologies
• Demonstrated safety leadership on live industrial sites

Desirable

• Experience with OEM technologies (e.g. Linde, Air Liquide, Air Products)
• International project experience
• Hydrogen, energy, steel, chemical or large industrial plant exposure

Skills & Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and team leadership
• Ability to work under pressure during critical start‑up phases
• Highly safety‑focused with attention to detail
• Flexible and mobile for site‑based project work

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.