Refinery Operator – DESMET Equipment

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Refinery Operator with proven mastery of Desmet equipment to join our production team in Douala on a fixed‑term basis. The role involves operating, monitoring and maintaining the Desmet refining units while training and supervising local staff to ensure safe and efficient production.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Desmet units (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization, fractionation) to maintain continuous production.
• Adjust process parameters such as temperature, pressure, vacuum and flow rates in real time to meet quality targets.
• Train, supervise and evaluate teams on startup, operation and shutdown procedures, documenting progress until they work autonomously.
• Perform daily, weekly and monthly preventive maintenance and inspect equipment for wear, leaks or anomalies.
• Coordinate major repairs, take samples and conduct basic quality tests (color, free fatty acids, moisture) and isolate non‑conforming product.
• Follow HSE protocols, use PPE, LOTO and chemical handling procedures, and report incidents.
• Diagnose root causes of process deviations, implement corrective actions and resolve common mechanical issues.
• Complete production logs, shift handover reports and maintenance request documentation.

Required profile

• Technical diploma in Maintenance, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 3–8 years of experience operating Desmet equipment in an oil refinery.
• Fluent French and intermediate English.

Required skills

• Proven mastery of Desmet equipment.
• Proficiency with MS Office, Power BI and Excel.