Job Description

Chief Operating Engineer | Industrial Gas & Energy Solutions

Leap Recruitment Partners is pleased to represent a global leader in the industrial gas and sustainable energy sector. Our client is a premier provider of atmospheric gases and innovative hydrogen solutions, dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safety-first workplace.

On behalf of this valued partner, we are seeking a dedicated Chief Operating Engineer to lead their production facility in Hamilton, Ontario.

The Opportunity

In this pivotal leadership role, you will be responsible for the regulatory compliance, safety, and operational excellence of high-capacity air separation and hydrogen production units. You will act as a technical mentor and strategic lead for an operations team of up to 10 personnel, ensuring that facility equipment—including boilers and high-pressure systems—runs at peak reliability and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Leadership: Oversee the safe operation of pressure vessels, reciprocating compressors, and refrigeration systems in strict accordance with TSSA codes and provincial regulations.

• Strategic Planning: Partner with the Facility Production Manager to execute daily and long-term production targets, establishing rigorous standards for both the Operation and Maintenance departments.

• Operational Excellence: Utilize deep technical expertise to manage corrective and preventative maintenance strategies, troubleshooting complex systems to minimize downtime.

• Safety & Quality Governance: Champion the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). You will collaborate with stakeholders to refine safety protocols and ensure all quality management systems are strictly followed.

• Team Development: Facilitate the growth of the operations staff through customized technical training plans, regular performance evaluations, and active coaching.

• Shutdown & Start-up Management: Lead the planning and execution of turnaround (TAR) events and manage production workflows during abnormal operating conditions to maintain product throughput.

What’s in it for You?

• Competitive Salary: $110,000 – $120,000 per year, plus performance bonuses.

• Immediate Security: Comprehensive benefits package active from day one of employment.

• Future Planning: Highly attractive pension plan.

• Culture: A collaborative, ultra-safe work environment where professional development is prioritized.

Qualifications

• Licensing: Must possess a valid 3rd Class Operating Engineer’s certificate (TSSA).

• Experience: 7+ years of experience in an industrial production or power plant environment.

• Education: High School Diploma is required; a College or University degree in a related technical field is preferred.

• Technical Savvy: Proven ability to interpret complex operating documents and a strong track record of troubleshooting industrial processes.

• Commitment: Flexibility to work various shifts as required (including nights, weekends, and holidays) and the ability to remain on-call for emergency response.

At Leap we are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. That means all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Leap will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Leap encourages applicants of all ages.