Process Operator Specialist, Air Separation Unit (Starship) - Level 4/5

PROCESS OPERATOR SPECIALIST, AIR SEPARATION UNIT (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5

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. 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 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.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 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 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
• Experience in shift operations (nights, weekends, or 24/7) in an industrial environment
• Interest 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 PM
• Role may require extended hours, weekend work, and shift schedules that vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 10 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 2 hours per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or more per day
• Candidate 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 review.