Process Operator Specialist, Air Separation Unit (Starship) - Night Shift
Starbase, TXfull time
On Site
entry
H1B: no
SpaceX Process Operator Specialist at SpaceX operates and supports the Air Separation Unit producing high-purity liquid oxygen for Starship. Monitors process parameters, executes procedures, and supports maintenance and safety activities.
Responsibilities
Monitor the ASU via distributed control system/human-machine interface and conduct thorough field rounds, identifying equipment and process deviations early and reporting them immediately
Execute assigned steps of plant startups, shutdowns, mode changes, and abnormal situation response in accordance with approved operating procedures and alarm response matrices
Support troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of ASU equipment including centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, turboexpanders, cryogenic distillation columns, molecular sieve beds, gas analyzers, control valves, and instrumented electrical systems
Collect process samples, perform basic field testing, log operational data accurately, and escalate immediately when plant conditions do not match the procedure
Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work, job hazard analyses, and Process Safety Management (PSM) activities as trained and authorized, and maintain rigorous 5S, housekeeping, and visual management
Learn and qualify on standard operating procedures for major ASU systems, support shift pass-down, and participate in continuous improvement in reliability, purity, and housekeeping
Learn and qualify on standard operating procedures for major ASU systems; build understanding of cryogenic thermodynamics, distillation, adsorption, and equipment performance through the ASU training and qualification gates
Support shift pass-down and leave the board and field ready for the following shift; participate in continuous improvement in reliability, purity, and housekeeping
Qualification
Exposure to compressorsExperience with lockout/tagout
Required
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
1+ years of experience working in an industrial environment or plant operations dealing with air separation units, cryogenics, industrial gases, chemical, or oil & gas
Preferred
Experience using P&IDs and/or process flow diagrams as part of work (isolation or LOTO boundary definition, valve lineups, troubleshooting, or field rounds against drawings)
Hands-on experience in a cryogenic plant, industrial gas facility, chemical plant, utilities plant, launch pad, or propellant farm
Exposure to compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, or other industrial rotating / process equipment
Experience with a Distributed Control System (Honeywell, Siemens, Rockwell, or equivalent) and/or HMI operation
Familiarity with mechanical equipment isolation or basic maintenance on industrial rotating machinery
Experience with lockout/tagout, job hazard analysis, hot work permitting, confined space, or Process Safety Management (PSM) practices
Familiarity with 120V and 480V industrial electrical equipment (medium-voltage experience is a plus)
Track record of catching equipment or process issues early and raising them to the shift lead
