Ex Technician (Ex Specialist / Inspector)
Location: Sohar, Oman (Residential, with potential transfer to Qatar Offshore in Q2 2027)Industry: Oil & Gas - Offshore Operations
Contract Type: Contract (until 30-June-2027, with possible extension)
Work Schedule: 5 days per week, 8 hours per day (Onshore phase); Offshore rotation 28/28 (Offshore phase)
Job Purpose
Seeking an experienced Ex Technician (Ex Specialist / Inspector) to support electrical commissioning, start-up, and operational readiness activities for a major offshore development project. The role ensures the safe commissioning and start-up of electrical and explosion-protected (Ex) equipment, supporting field operations during onshore construction and offshore hook-up and commissioning (HUC) activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Electrical & Ex Equipment Commissioning
- Update, verify, and maintain Ex equipment registers.
- Monitor pre-commissioning activities associated with Ex equipment.
- Review and support the execution of Electrical Operational Test Procedures (OTPs).
- Participate in electrical commissioning activities, including loop testing and functional testing.
- Assist in preparing black-start procedures and operating electrical equipment.
- Support production and commissioning teams during initial electrical energization and start-up.
- Ensure electrical start-up procedures are properly prepared to support operational readiness.
- Start-Up & Operational Support
- Develop detailed electrical power-up sequences in coordination with Start-Up Supervisors and Field Operations teams.
- Identify necessary precautions and procedures to ensure safe start-up operations.
- Participate in power-up planning meetings and associated risk assessments.
- Monitor and coordinate electrical commissioning and start-up progress.
- Witness electrical operational testing and coordinate with commissioning and operations personnel.
- Review Ex and Electrical Category B and C punch lists and investigate outstanding issues as required.
- Support the preparation, procurement, identification, and storage of electrical power-up tools.
- Review electrical isolation and inhibition requirements, ensuring relevant certificates and risk assessments are approved.
- Assist with electrical isolation and de-isolation procedures.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Participate in Permit to Work (PTW) meetings related to electrical commissioning and energization.
- Contribute to HAZID, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and Pre-Start-Up Safety Reviews.
- Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, operational deficiencies, and non-compliance.
- Ensure appropriate safety signage, barriers, and access controls are maintained, particularly during simultaneous operations (SIMOPS).
- Support the implementation of corrective actions following shutdowns or commissioning-related issues.
- Ensure operational personnel are familiar with new safety systems and process modifications.
- Participate in emergency response activities and crisis response training as required.
- Technical Coordination & Documentation
- Liaise with commissioning teams, vendors, and Field Operations personnel to resolve electrical and Ex-related issues.
- Ensure relevant project documentation is available to operational teams.
- Support updates to start-up monitoring and tracking tools.
- Recommend improvements to operating procedures and request modifications where necessary.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Higher National Diploma (HND), technical diploma, or equivalent technical certification.
- Professional Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Oil & Gas production operations.
- Previous experience in offshore Oil & Gas operations.
- Demonstrated experience in electrical commissioning, start-up, and Ex equipment inspections.
- Practical knowledge of electrical isolation, energization, and operational safety procedures.
- Experience supporting offshore hook-up, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
- Mandatory Technical Certification: Valid CompEx Certification - Qualified Ex Inspector.
- HSE Certifications & Training:
- Basic Firefighting.
- OPITO-approved T-BOSIET.
- OPITO-approved H2S Training.
- Permit to Work (PTW) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) awareness.
- Hazardous Energy Control and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) awareness.
Key Competencies
- Strong knowledge of Ex equipment inspection and electrical safety requirements.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong commitment to operational safety and compliance.
- Ability to identify and challenge unsafe practices.
- Good communication and problem-solving skills.
- Fluent in written and spoken English.
- Computer literacy.
- Willingness to work flexible and extended shifts when required.
Work Location & Schedule
- Offshore Phase: Offshore hook-up and commissioning activities in Qatar
- Offshore Rotation: 28 days on / 28 days off
- Travel between project locations may be required