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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

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

Starbase, TXFull Timelevel 4Posted 2 months ago

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Required skills

ASU
Starship
high-purity liquid oxygen
cryogenic distillation
turboexpanders
centrifugal compressors
molecular sieve systems
process parameters
field rounds
independent watch standing

Nice to have

first principles
ownership
mission-critical hardware
continuous deepening understanding
pride of ownership
reliability efforts

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Process Operator Specialist for its new Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase, responsible for producing high-purity liquid oxygen for Starship. This critical role involves operating and supporting cryogenic distillation, turboexpanders, compressors, and molecular sieve systems. Responsibilities include monitoring process parameters via DCS/HMI, conducting field rounds, troubleshooting equipment, executing plant startups/shutdowns, collecting samples, and collaborating with engineers. The ideal candidate will have an Associate degree in a relevant engineering technology field or 6+ years of industrial plant operations experience, with at least 4 years in automated industrial processes. Experience in cryogenic or industrial gas environments is preferred.

SpaceX 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) - 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.

ITAR 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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