Process Operator Specialist, Air Separation Unit (Starship)

Process Operator Specialist, Air Separation Unit (Starship)Starbase, TXSpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP)SpaceX is building its first production-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase to produce the high-purity liquid oxygen that powers Starship. This is not just another industrial plant—it is the critical on-site propellant factory that eliminates supply risk for the most ambitious launch vehicle ever built and lays the operational foundation for producing propellants on the Moon and Mars.As a process operator specialist on the ASU team, you will operate and support cryogenic distillation, turboexpanders, centrifugal compressors, molecular sieve systems, and high-purity LOX production under the direction of Lead and Level 4/5 operators. You will monitor process parameters, execute approved procedures, complete thorough field rounds, and qualify toward independent watch standing. If you thrive in high-stakes cryogenic environments, want to learn these systems from first principles, and want ownership of mission-critical hardware as you grow, this is the role for you.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 immediatelyExecute assigned steps of plant startups, shutdowns, mode changes, and abnormal situation response in accordance with approved operating procedures and alarm response matricesSupport 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 systemsCollect process samples, perform basic field testing, log operational data accurately, and escalate immediately when plant conditions do not match the procedureExecute 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 managementLearn and qualify on standard operating procedures for major ASU systems, support shift pass-down, and participate in continuous improvement in reliability, purity, and housekeepingLearn 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 gatesSupport shift pass-down and leave the board and field ready for the following shift; participate in continuous improvement in reliability, purity, and housekeepingBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:High school diploma or equivalency certificate1+ years of experience working in an industrial environment or plant operations dealing with air separation units, cryogenics, industrial gases, chemical, or oil & gasPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: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 farmExposure to compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, or other industrial rotating / process equipmentExperience with a Distributed Control System (Honeywell, Siemens, Rockwell, or equivalent) and/or HMI operationFamiliarity with mechanical equipment isolation or basic maintenance on industrial rotating machineryExperience with lockout/tagout, job hazard analysis, hot work permitting, confined space, or Process Safety Management (PSM) practicesFamiliarity 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 leadExperience in shift operations (nights, weekends, or 24/7) in an industrial environmentInterest in learning process behavior from first principles (thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat/mass transfer)ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Anticipated hours for this position are 6:00 AM-7:00 PMRole may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility requiredStand: Up to 10 hours per daySit: Up to 10 hours per dayPush/Pull: Up to 75 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per dayOverhead reach: Up to 10 hours per dayWalk: Up to 10 hours per dayLift/Carry: Up to ? 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per dayClimb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per dayKneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per dayUpper body twist: Up to 6 hours per dayAbility to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per dayCandidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500 ft.), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history reviewITAR REQUIREMENTS:To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to View email address on apply.j-vers.com.