SpaceX Process Operator Specialist operating and supporting the Air Separation Unit (ASU) at SpaceX Starbase. Responsibilities include monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining cryogenic distillation and compressor systems.
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
Troubleshoot, maintain, and support calibration of critical ASU equipment including centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, turboexpanders, cryogenic distillation columns, molecular sieve beds, gas analyzers, control valves, and instrumented electrical systems.
Execute plant startups, shutdowns, mode changes, and abnormal situation response in accordance with approved operating procedures and alarm response matrices.
Collect process samples, perform basic field testing, log operational data accurately, and report deviations immediately.
Work with engineers, Lead Operations Specialists, technicians, and fabricators to implement fluid, mechanical, and control system designs and improvements in the field.
Partner with the engineering team to develop, review, and refine operating procedures, checklists, and troubleshooting guides grounded in cryogenic physics and first principles.
Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work, job hazard analyses, and all Process Safety Management (PSM) activities with absolute discipline.
Maintain rigorous 5S standards, housekeeping, and visual management so the ASU is the cleanest and best-organized area at Starbase—reflecting pride of ownership.
Coordinate across disciplines to ensure resources, spares, and support are available; support critical spares inventory and reliability efforts.
Learn and master standard operating procedures for all major ASU systems while continuously deepening understanding of cryogenic thermodynamics, distillation theory, adsorption physics, and equipment performance maps.
Contribute to continuous improvement in specific power consumption, product purity, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness.
Qualification
Associate degree in mechanicalExposure to compressorsExperience with lockout/tagout
Required
Associate degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or process engineering technology; or 6+ years of experience working in an industrial environment or plant operations dealing with air separation units, cryogenics, industrial gases, chemical, or oil & gas
4+ years of experience operating or supporting automated industrial processes
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
