OverviewThe Deepwater Lead Operator is a multi-skilled leadership role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of offshore production processing systems and the marine systems of a floating production facility. This position provides direct operational leadership, ensures regulatory and environmental compliance, and maintains facility stability through effective marine, ballast, and fluid transfer operations.
This role serves as a key interface between operations, maintenance, and leadership teams, setting expectations for safety, operational excellence, and communication.
Candidates should be open to international rotational assignments on a 28-day on / 28-day off schedule, as required.ResponsibilitiesOperations & Leadership- Lead and directly participate in the startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown of production processing and utility systems.
- Supervise offshore operations personnel, ensuring all work is conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct daily safety walks, toolbox talks, and safety meetings, actively participating in Safety, Quality, and Environmental programs.
- Operate within the Permit to Work (PTW) system, ensuring proper risk assessments and job safety analyses are completed.
- Maintain clear and precise communication during operations and maintenance activities.
- Foster a positive safety culture and effective working relationships offshore.
Process & Production Oversight- Monitor, maintain, and optimize process parameters including levels, flow rates, pressure, and temperature.
- Troubleshoot process upsets to maximize production quality and export volumes.
- Ensure accurate daily production reporting in accordance with company and client requirements.
- Conduct and oversee sampling activities and respond appropriately to sample results.
- Witness third-party meter calibrations and prove export oil meters when required
Marine & Facility Systems- Maintain responsibility for marine operations, including:
- Ballast and fluid transfer operations
- Facility stability and trim control
- Weight shift and center-of-gravity calculations
- Ensure overall stability and integrity of the floating production facility.
- Oversee and maintain marine systems including:
- Ballast, bilge, seawater, and firewater systems
- Deck mooring and lifting equipment
- Ventilation, air, water, and emergency systems
- Inspect, operate, and troubleshoot pumps, valves, and associated marine equipment.
Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance- Ensure all personnel wear proper PPE and comply with safety procedures.
- Manage, monitor, and report environmental discharges and emissions in compliance with applicable limits and regulations.
- Ensure produced water quality meets SBMPC or local regulatory guidelines.
- Maintain all required BSEE testing records, operational logs, and maintenance documentation.
- Inspect, maintain, and test firefighting, fire and gas, and emergency shutdown systems.
- Advise maintenance personnel on operational hazards and system-specific risks.
Maintenance & Documentation- Oversee testing, calibration, inspection, and maintenance of process, utility, and marine equipment.
- Manage chemical handling and treatment programs.
- Complete all mandatory documentation required by customers and regulatory agencies.
Qualifications- This position is for a new deepwater production platform that is under construction. This position will have an office schedule of 3 days in the office in Houston, TX and 2 days working remotely then it will transition to an international rotation schedule of 28x28 until the construction overseas is completed. Once the platform is sailed to its permanent home in the Gulf of America, the rotation schedule will be 21x21.
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Supervisor experience and endorsement required.
- Marine and Ballast Control experience required and certification preferred.
- 15 years of offshore experience as a Production Operator required.
- Strong working knowledge of Permit to Work (PTW) systems.
- Medically fit for offshore work; ENG1 or equivalent international offshore medical certification.
