Process Operator Specialist, Air Separation Unit (Starship) - Night Shift
SpaceX· Propellant Generation - Starbase
Starbase, TXfull-timePosted 1mo ago
About the role
Process Operator Specialist for the Starship Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase, Texas, on the night shift. Operates cryogenic distillation, turboexpanders, centrifugal compressors, molecular sieve systems, and high-purity LOX production under supervision, monitors processes, performs field rounds, and progresses toward independent watch standing in a high-stakes cryogenic environment.
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
Qualifications
- 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
Skills
Required:Process monitoring and controlStartup/shutdown executionTroubleshooting & maintenance supportLockout/Tagout (LOTO) & PSMDocumentation & data loggingStandard operating procedures (SOP) learning
Nice to have:Shift operations / team communication
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- SpaceX benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off) as offered by SpaceX
- Career growth & ongoing training in cryogenic systems
Last updated Sep 9, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About SpaceX
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