Cryogenic ASU Operator – Night Shift, LOX Production

Spacex; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is developing its first production-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase to produce high-purity liquid oxygen for Starship. The Process Operator Specialist will operate cryogenic distillation systems, compressors, and analyzers, and will follow strict safety and PSM practices during night shifts.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in automated industrial processes, hands-on cryogenic experience, and familiarity with DCS/HMI equipment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering technology or 6+ years industrial experience.
• 4+ years operating or supporting automated industrial processes.
• Experience with P&ID and process flow diagrams.
• Hands-on experience in a cryogenic plant or industrial gas facility.
• Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems and HMIs.
• Knowledge of LOTO, JHA, hot work, and PSM practices.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, or rotating shifts.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and work at heights or in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Monitor ASU via DCS/HMI and conduct field rounds, reporting deviations.
• Troubleshoot and maintain critical ASU equipment incl. compressors, turboexpanders, distillation columns, gas analyzers.
• Execute startups/shutdowns, mode changes, and abnormal situation responses per SOPs.
• Collect samples, perform basic field tests, log data accurately.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to implement improvements in cryogenic systems.
• Develop and refine operating procedures and checklists based on fundamental thermodynamics and process principles.
• Perform lockout/tagout, permit-to-work, and PSM activities with discipline.
• Maintain 5S and visual management standards at Starbase.

Skills

Automated processes

DCS/HMI experience

LOTO/PSM knowledge

Cryogenic processing

Education

Associate degree in engineering technology

Tools

P&ID/process diagrams

DCS/SCADA systems (Honeywell/Siemens/Rockwell)

Lockout/Tagout procedures

Job description

United States Digital Space LLC is developing its first production-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Starbase to produce high-purity liquid oxygen for Starship. The Process Operator Specialist will operate cryogenic distillation systems, compressors, and analyzers, and will follow strict safety and PSM practices during night shifts.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years in automated industrial processes, hands-on cryogenic experience, and familiarity with DCS/HMI equipment.