Operations Commissioning & Start - Up Lead

Are you our next creator of change?

Are you looking for a career in an inspiring, global environment where your expertise makes a difference? At Neste, you will be working for the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Together we can help our customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

We are looking for you,

Commissioning & Start-Up Lead

To join our Operations Event Team  in  our Refinery in Tuas. You will focus on spearheading the operative commissioning and start-up activities for our integrated refinery. In this pivotal role, you will oversee operations resource planning, manage complex technical executions, and ensure a seamless transition from construction to active operation.Together with your expertise, we can do meaningful work to drive Neste forward.

Reasons to join

We operate in an inspiring and evolving business environment as a global leader in renewable fuels. We contribute to Neste’s success by living our values every day: we care, we have courage, we cooperate.

We prioritize safety at all times and in every location. We strive to create a positive and impactful work environment.

Transformation brings new possibilities and fosters our courage and curiosity. As a global  company, we support personal development with versatile learning and career opportunities. Collaboration is key, and we believe in flexible, smart ways of working.

More about the job

Your role in our team

Strategy, Planning & Resource Management

• Drive the Strategy: Develop and implement the overall Commissioning and Start-up Strategy, including detailed execution plans and schedules across all systems (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and process).

• Manage Resources: Define, request, and oversee the necessary commissioning resources and vendor representatives together with the Project Manager .

• Plan Operations: Execute comprehensive operations resource planning for designated units and monitor commissioning progress against project schedules, proactively resolving any delays with the Operating / Process Engineers .

• Develop Procedures: Create Pre-Commissioning and Commissioning Procedures ensuring strict alignment with design specifications, safety standards, and operational manuals in partnership with the Shift Team , Operating / Process Engineers .

Execution & Technical Leadership

• Supervise Testing: Oversee the execution of pre-commissioning activities (e.g., flushing, leak testing, functional checks) and formal commissioning tests to ensure all systems are installed and functioning flawlessly.

• Manage Completion Processes: Direct the formal Mechanical Completion (MC) and Pre Safety Start Up  Processes, managing system boundaries, walkdowns, and the resolution of all Construction punch list items.

• Solve Complex Problems: Provide expert technical leadership to diagnose and resolve complex equipment and system issues encountered during testing and start-up.

• Vendor Integration: Act as the primary interface for specialized vendor technical support, ensuring their work is safely and effectively integrated into the commissioning plan.

Safety, Compliance & Quality (HSSEQ)

• Champion Safety: Promote and enforce the highest HSSEQ standards, specifically managing Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) during high-risk activities like system energization and initial start-up.

• Lead PSSR: Direct the Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) process to verify facility readiness before introducing hazardous materials.

• Ensure Compliance: Verify that construction meets design specs, confirm all Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and HAZOP action items are closed, and ensure safety, operating, and emergency procedures are fully established.

Training & Handover

• Develop the Team: Collaborate with Competence Development and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to design and conduct targeted training and briefings for the commissioning and start-up teams. Ensure all Operations and Maintenance personnel are fully trained and qualified.

• Review & Refine: Review performance test run procedures and final operating manuals.

• Seamless Handover: Coordinate the formal handover of the commissioned facility, systems, and all final documentation (as-built drawings, operating procedures, NMS procedures) to Operations from the Project Team. 

Other responsibilities

Can be assigned as Operations Event representative for plant Capital investment projects (PIPE), PHA studies related to Capital Investments projects as Single Point of Contact for Operations.

 Keys to success in this role / The best combination to succeed in this role

• Minimum Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 8 years in Oil and Gas or Petro Chemical Industry.  Commissioning and start-up experience is essential.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Possess Strong Process Knowledge & Troubleshooting skill.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make independent technical decisions
• We value a proven track record. Candidate will be considered based on an equivalent combination of education & relevant work experience
• Responsible attitude and safety-oriented mindset

Other strengths we value

• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills; able to collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Projects, and HSE teams.

• Experience in mentoring and guiding junior engineers and technicians.

• Ability to work under pressure during plant shutdowns or urgent troubleshooting.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance standards.

Let’s get you started

We look forward to receiving your CV and application (with a salary request) by 24th  July 2026.

Due to security and confidentiality, please submit your application through our recruitment system. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

We will do our best to contact you within 2 weeks after the application time has ended. The recruitment process will include interviews and a possible aptitude assessment. The first interviews are preliminarily scheduled to take place soon. The person selected for the position must pass a health examination including a drug test. A security clearance is obtained with your consent.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) is the world's leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with production on three continents. The company’s renewables production capacity is expected to reach 6.8 million tons annually in 2027. Neste also produces high-quality oil products at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. The company has a network of nearly 1,000 fuel stations with expanding service offering, such as EV charging, in Finland and in the Baltics.

Neste’s strategy focuses on growth in renewable fuels, which help its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste is included in many international indices for its sustainability performance. In 2025, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 19.0 billion. Read more: neste.com