BAHRAIN JOBS- Distillation – Control Operator 3 CDU/CGRU- Control Operator KRU/VBU/Gas- LSFO Complex Trainer-LSFO Complex Head Operator -FCCU Complex Control Operator -Crude Distillation Operations Specialist-Crude Distillation Trainer- Crude Distillation 4A CDU/KMU/Platformer -Control Operator -Crude Distillation 7CDU/7VDU -Head Operator-Crude Distillation 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4 -Bullets/Caustic/Flare -Control Operator -Crude Distillation 5CDU/Flare -Area Outside- Operator 5CDU/Flare- Crude Distillation 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4-Residue Hydrocracking Area Outside- Operator Atmos Section/CWT- Residue Hydrocracking Area Outside- Operator Vacuum Section -Residue Hydrocracking Control Operator

 

Careers in Bahrain’s Refining Sector: A Deep Dive into Operational Excellence

Distillation – Control Operator 3 CDU/CGRU
Control Operator KRU/VBU/Gas
LSFO Complex Trainer
LSFO Complex Head Operator
FCCU Complex Control Operator
Crude Distillation Operations Specialist
Crude Distillation Trainer
Crude Distillation 4A CDU/KMU/Platformer -Control Operator
Crude Distillation 7CDU/7VDU -Head Operator
Crude Distillation 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4 Bullets/Caustic/Flare -Control Operator
Crude Distillation 5CDU/Flare -Area Outside Operator 5CDU/Flare
Crude Distillation 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4 Bullets/Caustic/Flare -Control Operator
Crude Distillation Area Outside Operator
Crude Distillation Control Operator
Hydro Processing -Shift Supervisor
Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Head Operator
Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Area Outside Operator 2 SGP
Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Area Outside Operator MEROX/Olefins Saturation Unit
Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Control Operator
Hydro Processing 2 Hydrocracker Unit Head Operator
Hydro Processing 2 Hydrocracker Unit Control Operator
Hydro Processing 3 Hydrocracker Unit / Heavies Removal Unit /BMP Gas /Refinery South Flares Control Operator
Operations Specialist
5VDU/Platformer -Control Operator
LSDP_ -Operations Specialist
LSDP_ 1HCU -Control Operate
LSDP_ Sulphur Plant – Control Operator
LSDP_ LBOU Control Operator
Residue Hydrocracking Head Operator
Residue Hydrocracking Control Operator CWT
Residue Hydrocracking Area Outside Operator Atmos Section/CWT
Residue Hydrocracking Area Outside Operator Vacuum Section
Residue Hydrocracking Control Operator

BAHRAIN JOBS 2025

Bahrain, a key player in the Gulf’s energy landscape, continues to expand its refining and petrochemical capabilities. With the modernization of its flagship refinery and the rise of specialized units, the demand for skilled professionals in control operations, hydro processing, and distillation has surged. This blog explores the diverse roles available in Bahrain’s refining sector, highlighting the technical depth, operational responsibilities, and career potential of each position.

Positions

• Distillation – Control Operator 3 CDU/CGRU

• Control Operator KRU/VBU/Gas

• LSFO Complex Trainer

• LSFO Complex Head Operator

• FCCU Complex Control Operator

• Crude Distillation Operations Specialist

• Crude Distillation Trainer

• Crude Distillation 4A CDU/KMU/Platformer -Control Operator

• Crude Distillation 7CDU/7VDU -Head Operator

• Crude Distillation 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4 Bullets/Caustic/Flare -Control Operator

• Crude Distillation 5CDU/Flare -Area Outside Operator 5CDU/Flare

• Crude Distillation 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4 Bullets/Caustic/Flare -Control Operator

• Crude Distillation Area Outside Operator

• Crude Distillation Control Operator

• Hydro Processing -Shift Supervisor

• Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Head Operator

• Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Area Outside Operator 2 SGP

• Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Area Outside Operator MEROX/Olefins Saturation Unit

• Hydro Processing 1&2 SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit -Control Operator

• Hydro Processing 2 Hydrocracker Unit Head Operator

• Hydro Processing 2 Hydrocracker Unit Control Operator

• Hydro Processing 3 Hydrocracker Unit / Heavies Removal Unit /BMP Gas /Refinery South Flares Control Operator

• Operations Specialist

• 5VDU/Platformer -Control Operator

• LSDP_ -Operations Specialist

• LSDP_ 1HCU -Control Operate

• LSDP_ Sulphur Plant – Control Operator

• LSDP_ LBOU Control Operator

• Residue Hydrocracking Head Operator

• Residue Hydrocracking Control Operator CWT

• Residue Hydrocracking Area Outside Operator Atmos Section/CWT

• Residue Hydrocracking Area Outside Operator Vacuum Section

• Residue Hydrocracking Control Operator

 Crude Distillation: The Backbone of Refining

Crude distillation is the first and most critical step in refining. It separates crude oil into various fractions based on boiling points. Bahrain’s refinery employs multiple distillation units, each requiring a team of highly trained operators and specialists.

Key Roles:

• Crude Distillation Control Operator: Manages the Distributed Control System (DCS) to ensure optimal separation of crude oil into naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and residue.
• Crude Distillation Area Outside Operator: Conducts field inspections, monitors equipment, and supports emergency procedures.
• Crude Distillation Operations Specialist: Oversees unit performance, troubleshooting, and optimization strategies.
• Crude Distillation Trainer: Provides technical training and simulator-based instruction to new recruits and junior operators.
• Head Operators (e.g., 7CDU/7VDU): Lead shift operations, coordinate with maintenance teams, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Specialized Units:

• 4A CDU/KMU/Platformer Control Operator: Operates units that upgrade naphtha into high-octane gasoline.
• 5CDU/Spheres/C3C4 Bullets/Caustic/Flare Operators: Handle pressurized storage systems, caustic treatment, and flare safety systems.
• 5VDU/Platformer Control Operator: Manages vacuum distillation and reforming processes to extract valuable hydrocarbons.

 Hydro processing: Upgrading and Purifying Fuels

Hydro processing units play a vital role in removing sulfur and nitrogen from fuels and converting heavy fractions into lighter, more valuable products.

Core Positions:

• Hydro Processing Shift Supervisor: Oversees daily operations, ensures product quality, and manages emergency protocols.
• Control Operators (SGPs/Olefins Saturation Unit): Monitor hydrogenation reactions, adjust feed rates, and maintain reactor conditions.
• Area Outside Operators: Support field operations across MEROX, SGPs, and Olefins units, ensuring smooth coordination between control room and field.
• Hydrocracker Unit Operators: Operate high-pressure reactors that break down heavy molecules into lighter fuels. These roles demand precision and resilience under pressure.

Advanced Roles:

• Hydro Processing 3 Hydrocracker Unit / Heavies Removal Unit / BMP Gas / Refinery South Flares Control Operator: A multifaceted role that spans several units, requiring deep technical knowledge and multitasking ability.

 FCCU and LSFO Complex: Maximizing Yield

Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units (FCCU) and Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (LSFO) complexes are designed to convert heavy fractions into lighter, high-value products like gasoline and diesel.

Roles in Focus:

• FCCU Complex Control Operator: Operates the catalytic cracking unit, monitors catalyst activity, and ensures product specifications.
• LSFO Complex Head Operator: Leads operations in fuel oil production, ensuring sulfur content meets environmental regulations.
• LSFO Complex Trainer: Develops training modules and mentors’ staff on LSFO technologies and safety protocols.

 LSDP and Sulfur Recovery: Environmental Stewardship

The LSDP (likely referring to a local sulfur and desulfurization plant) plays a key role in reducing emissions and recovering elemental sulfur.

Notable Positions:

• LSDP Operations Specialist: Manages plant performance, ensures compliance with environmental standards, and supports process optimization.
• LSDP Sulphur Plant Control Operator: Operates sulfur recovery units, monitors Claus reactions, and handles tail gas treatment.
• LSDP LBOU Control Operator: Oversees liquid burning operations, ensuring safe disposal of waste hydrocarbons.
• LSDP 1HCU Control Operator: Manages hydro conversion units, upgrading heavy oils into lighter fractions.

 Residue Hydrocracking: Unlocking Value from Bottoms

Residue hydrocracking is one of the most complex and high-pressure processes in refining. It converts heavy residues into lighter, more valuable products using hydrogen and catalysts.

Key Roles:

• Residue Hydrocracking Head Operator: Leads operations, coordinates with engineering teams, and ensures unit integrity.
• Residue Hydrocracking Control Operator (CWT): Operates the control panel for the Cold-Water Treatment section, managing reactor conditions and hydrogen flow.
• Area Outside Operators (Atmos Section / Vacuum Section): Conduct field checks, support maintenance, and ensure safety across high-temperature and high-pressure zones.

These roles require familiarity with advanced control systems like DCS, PLCs, and emergency shutdown protocols. Operators must also be adept at handling catalyst beds, nuclear detectors, and fluidized reactors.

 Operations Specialists: The Strategic Minds

Beyond the control room, operations specialists play a strategic role in refining. They analyze performance data, recommend process improvements, and liaise with engineering and safety departments.

• General Operations Specialist: Works across units to identify bottlenecks, implement best practices, and supports turnaround planning.
• LSDP Operations Specialist: Focuses on sulfur recovery and environmental compliance.
• Crude Distillation Operations Specialist: Specializes in optimizing distillation yields and energy efficiency.

 

Interested candidates can send their detailed resumes and portfolios to anthonyjobs@wcp.co.za

 with a mention of the position in the email subject.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned control operator or an aspiring process specialist, Bahrain’s refining industry offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. The roles listed above reflect the complexity and scale of operations, each contributing to the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible production of fuels and petrochemicals.

If you're considering a move to Bahrain or looking to advance your career in refining, now is the time to explore these opportunities. The future of energy is evolving—and Bahrain is right at the heart of it.